Early Assist: Faculty Information

Faculty and Staff are encouraged to use Early Assist when they have concerns about a student's behaviour and/or academic performance. You can now submit an alert to connect your students to the appropriate on-campus resources.

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 Who can refer a student to Early Assist? 

For the 2022-23 academic year, Professors/Instructors of a select number of first-year 1000 and 2000 level courses have been contacted to take part in the Early Assist Program. At the moment, only those faculty members will have the ability to submit an alert for students in their course. 

When to use Early Assist? 

Faculty are encouraged to use Early Assist when they have concerns about a student's behaviour and/or academic performance. Corncerning behaviour might include:

• Continuous poor performance/grades on assessments
• Assignments not being turned in or turned in late
• Inactivity or low login rate for asynchronous delivered courses
• Observed behaviour that is inapproriate or disruptive
• Observed social/emotional changes including general unhappiness and social interaction problems

What happens after an alert is submitted? 

After an alert is submitted, it is reviewed by the Early Assist Team. The nature of the alert will determine how that concern will be addressed and which university office will follow up with the student- The Early Assist Team or Academic Advising.

The appropriate Advisor or Early Assist Team member will contact the student by email. The student will be invited to discuss the concerns that were identified and they will offer to connect them with the relevant resources and support.

Are you concerned about a student but your course is not apart of the program? 

Reach out directly to the student if you notice that they are in need of assistance and refer them to the relevant on-campus supports and resources.

Privacy and Confidentiality 

Early Assist is compliant with FOIPOP standards and data governance requirements. 

Instructors taking part in the Early Assist program, are able to submit an alert for any student in their course. A student can decline the support being offered, and the Early Alert program will not continue to contact the student.

Information submitted about a student is protected, and will be viewable by the Early Assist Coordinator, Academic Advisors and Program Assistant (student position).