Early Alerts - UMass Boston

Engaging Students Throughout Their Journey

What Are Early Alerts?

traffic light showing lights colored: red at top, yellow in middle and green at bottom

An Early Alert is a mid-term indicator submitted in WISER during weeks 6–8 to help students gauge their progress. It uses three levels:

Green = Satisfactory
Yellow = Caution
Red = At risk of failing

This system allows students to take action while there’s still time to improve their performance.

Students are notified to check for alerts and encouraged to take action if they receive a yellow or red alert. Recommended steps include attending faculty office hours, meeting with their advisor, or visiting the Center for Academic Excellence for tutoring and support. A green alert means they’re on track—students are simply advised to keep up the good work!

Students looking at phone 100 days to graduation

Early Alert Schedule & Timeline

March 3-21: Faculty submit Early Alerts in WISER. March 24: Students are notified that alerts have been posted. Week of March 24: Advisors use the Advising Case Management tool to track and manage Early Alert information.

crowd of students walking on stairs of University Hall

Why Early Alerts?

Your feedback can make a real difference. In Fall 2024, over a thousand students who received a yellow or red Early Alert improved their performance and earned a B- or higher. By submitting Early Alerts, you can help students recognize challenges early and connect them with the support they need. Providing a green alert reinforces strong performance and motivates students to stay on track. Submitting alerts is a simple way to support student success.

faculty talks with animated hand gesture during department chair meeting

How Does It Work?

Faculty can use the Mid-term Grade function in WISER to submit mid-term “grades” (Red: In Danger of Failing; Yellow: Caution; Green: Satisfactory). Please submit Early Alerts by the end of the deadline day to ensure that advisors can begin reaching out to students promptly. Submissions after that date may not be included in advisors' outreach to students.

All undergraduate students will be notified by the Office for Advising Excellence that alerts have been posted in WISER, encouraging them to connect with instructors and advisors about their progress. Faculty are also encouraged to email their class from WISER, informing them about the alerts and asking them to check WISER. Advisors then use the Advising Case Management tool to track and manage Early Alert information, and outreach to students.

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Guiding Students to Resources

Advisors, Residence Life staff, Athletics, the Ross Center for Disability Services, Student Support Services, Asian American Resource Office, the Center for Academic Excellence, and other support offices will encourage students to check WISER and engage with available resources.