Academic Intervention

There are several different policies at Iowa Western Community College that assist students in being academically successful. It is important that students are aware of their academic standing and the consequences of their actions early, so that they have the opportunity to make an informed decisions that help them meet their educational goals.

ACADEMIC ALERTS

At Iowa Western Community College, instructors often get to know their students very well and are many times the first person to notice when a student is struggling in college.  The Academic Alert Notification system allows faculty to notify the Student Success Offices of students who are encountering academic or personal difficulties.  The Student Success Office contacts and offers assistance to students who receive a notification, or an “Academic Alert,” based on each student’s individual needs.  If you receive an “Academic Alert” or find yourself struggling in any of your classes, it is always a good idea to seek out help early!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an Academic Alert?
• Why did I receive an Academic Alert?
• Who submits Academic Alerts?
• Who do I speak to if I get a letter notifying me of an Academic Alert?
• Does the Academic Alert go on my permanent record?
• Does getting an Academic Alert mean I am failing?
• What can I do if I need help in my class?

What is Academic Alert?

Beginning the first week of the semester until finals week, an instructor may submit an Academic Alert on any such student.  Academic Alerts notify Student Success staff if they have an individual who is academically struggling, whether it is due to poor performance on exams, sporadic attendance, late assignments, or personal issues.

Why did I receive an Academic Alert?

Your instructor has noticed that, due to a particular reason, your academic work is not up to par with the academic standards of the course in which you are enrolled.  These expectations are outlined in the course syllabus and include participating in classes through physical or virtual attendance, completing assignments, projects, portfolios, and presentations in a timely and professional manner consistent with the instructor’s expectations, and/or successfully completing the evaluation components of the course. 

Who submits academic Alerts?

All Iowa Western Community College instructors have access to submit an Academic Alert on a student whom they have in a class. 

Who do I speak to if I get a letter notifying me of an academic alert?

If you get an Academic Alert letter, you should first speak to the instructor.  Communication about the situation is important for your academic success in the class.  Get clarification from your instructor and find out where you stand.  Can you make up any assignments or tests?  Would it help you to receive tutoring?  Are you in a course that is too difficult or too easy?  What can you do to improve your status in that course?  Use this as an opportunity to resolve a mistake and to communicate with your instructor about your performance in the class. After you speak to your instructor, you may also choose to speak to someone in the Academic Support Center (C025) or the Student Assistance Offices (C006), which offer students a variety of services designed to help promote academic success. 

Does the Academic Alert go on my permanent record?

No!  Academic Alerts are only part of Iowa Western Community College's Academic Intervention System. It is meant to merely notify the student that someone is concerned about their academic performance and to direct them to services or departments that might help them. It will not become part of your academic transcript. 

Does getting an Academic Alert mean I am failing?

Receiving notice of an Academic Alert does not necessarily mean that you are failing.  Speak to your instructor about the specific concern identified in your letter (Excessive Absences, Missed or Incomplete Assignments/Projects, Failed Exams or Quizzes, and Other issues).  Clarification from your instructor will give you a better idea of where you stand in the class.         

What can I do if I need help in my class?

The Academic Support Center (Clark Hall - Room 025) offers tutoring and general academic assistance in a variety of subjects.  Typically, tutors are IWCC students who have attained a certain grade point average and have successfully completed the course for which they provide  assistance. Peer tutors maintain regular hours and provide individual assistance on a walk-in basis.  Group tutoring is available, but must be scheduled in advance. For more information about the free tutoring available to all IWCC students, contact Ben Barckholtz at (712) 325-3494.

The Student Assistance Office (Clark Hall - Room 006) provides personal counseling or assistance to help students effectively deal with emotional, social, family, or academic problems, the Student Assistance Office provides inquiring students with information, resources, and short-term counseling in order for them to become better equipped to deal with personal problems that may be impacting their academic performance.  The Student Assistance Office also provides support for and the arrangement of disability services for students with documented disabilities.  The Coordinator of Student Assistance reviews disability documentation in order to qualify a student to receive disability related accommodations and assists the students with the implementation of those accommodations. Contact Hugh Irwin at (712) 325-3390 for more information.

TRIO/Student Support Services Program (Fremont Hall - Room 133) provides support and assistance to help disadvantaged students complete their academic studies at Iowa Western Community College and transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a Bachelors Degree.  Through individualized services, including structured tutoring sessions, transfer advising, laptop checkouts, and workshops, TRIO/SSS strives to address the specific needs of students as they confront the challenges of completing a college degree.  The program is a federal grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education and serves 175 participants each academic year. For more information, contact Dedrick Bell at (712) 325-3479.