Overview
At Virginia Peninsula Community College, we recognize that students may encounter challenges that impact their academic progress, including attendance concerns, assignment completion, low test scores, or other personal and academic barriers. With timely support and access to appropriate resources, students can overcome obstacles and remain on track toward achieving their educational goals.
To promote student success, VPCC utilizes both Early Alerts and Progress Checks through Navigate.
Early Alerts
Early Alerts are designed to provide immediate intervention for students who demonstrate early signs of academic difficulty. Faculty are encouraged to submit a Failed First Test and/or Assignment alert when a student receives a low score on their first test, quiz, or major assignment and may benefit from tutoring or additional academic support. Faculty may also submit a Student Should Seek Tutoring alert when a student would benefit from tutoring and academic support services early in the semester.
By identifying concerns early, students have the greatest opportunity to improve their performance, connect with support resources, and successfully complete their courses.
Progress Checks
Progress Checks are used for ongoing academic and student success concerns throughout the semester. These alerts help connect students with resources and support services that address academic, personal, and enrollment-related challenges before they become barriers to success. The Student Should Seek Tutoring alert may also be used as a Progress Check when a student would benefit from tutoring support at any point during the semester.
The primary mission of the Early Alert and Progress Check process is to foster student success through intentional, caring interventions that connect students to supportive services, strengthen their sense of belonging, and promote increased retention, persistence, and long-term achievement.
Student Outreach Process
Once an alert has been submitted, a VPCC staff member reaches out to the student to provide support and connect them with appropriate resources. Together, the staff member and instructor work to:
- Identify academic or personal challenges affecting the student’s success.
- Develop strategies to address those challenges.
- Connect students with relevant campus resources and support services.
- Encourage academic progress and celebrate student achievements.
Types of Progress Checks
Faculty may submit Progress Checks for the following concerns:
- Academic Planning – Student is uncertain about their academic pathway or needs guidance with course selection and academic goals.
- Accessibility Services Support – Student may benefit from accommodations or additional support services due to a disability or challenges affecting academic performance.
- Assignment/Low Test Scores Concerns – Student is struggling with coursework, submitting incomplete work, or receiving low assignment or test grades.
- General Concerns – Student may be experiencing extenuating circumstances such as food insecurity, housing instability, counseling needs, mental health concerns, or other personal challenges.
- In Danger of Failing – Student’s course performance indicates a significant risk of failing and requires immediate intervention.
- Single Stop Support (Housing, Transportation, etc.) – Student may need assistance with basic needs, financial stability, transportation, housing, or other support services.
- Student Should Seek Tutoring – Student would benefit from tutoring services and additional academic support.
Early Alert Types
Faculty should submit an Early Alert when:
- A student receives a low score on their first quiz, test, or major assignment.
- The student would benefit from tutoring or additional academic support.
- Early intervention can help the student regain momentum and improve their chances of success in the course.
- The concern is identified early enough in the semester for support services to have the greatest impact.
Early Alert Types
- Failed First Test and/or Assignment – Used when a student struggles on their first test, quiz, or major assignment and would benefit from immediate outreach, tutoring, and academic support.
- Student Should Seek Tutoring – Used when a student would benefit from tutoring services and academic support. This alert may be submitted as either an Early Alert or a Progress Check.
Student Success Alert Responders
The following offices respond to alerts and provide student support:
- Academic Planning – Academic Advising
- Accessibility Services Support – Accessibility Services
- Assignment/Low Test Scores Concerns – Success Coach
- General Concerns – Single Stop
- In Danger of Failing – Success Coach
- Single Stop Support (Housing, Transportation, etc.) – Single Stop
- Failed First Test and/or Assignment – Success Coach
- Student Should Seek Tutoring – Success Coach
Faculty Feedback
A valuable feature within Navigate allows faculty members to monitor the progress of the alerts they have submitted. By viewing the History tab within a student’s profile, faculty can see actions taken and outcomes associated with the alert.
Accessing Early Alerts and Progress Checks
Early Alerts and Progress Checks can be accessed through MyVPCC.
Faculty Alert Instruction Sheet
Questions
Early Alert & Progress Check Training
For Navigate Early Alert and Progress Check training opportunities, please contact:
Early Alert & Progress Check Process
For questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions regarding the Early Alert and Progress Check process, please contact:
Tasha Holmes
successcoaching@vpcc.edu