Early Alert - Faculty Resources

The goal of this step is to help students feel safe, seen, heard, and valued. A meaningful conversation can open the door to real support and lasting impact.

Start with a Warm Welcome

Begin the meeting with genuine gratitude and warmth. Let the student know you’re glad they came.

Example:

“Thanks so much for coming in. I really appreciate you taking the time—I’m excited to get to know you better and see how things are going.”

Get to Know Them Personally

Before diving into academics, ask a few personal, open-ended questions. This helps the student feel that you care about them as a person—not just their performance.

Sample Questions:

• “Tell me a little about your family or friends.” 

• “How are your roommates this semester?” 

• “What do you like to do for fun?” 

• “How have you enjoyed your time at BYU–Idaho so far?” 

Transition to Academic Life

Once you’ve built some rapport, gently shift the conversation toward their academic experience.

Example Transition:

“It sounds like you’ve got some great things going on! I’d love to hear more about how your classes are going too.”

Follow-up Questions:

• “How are your classes this semester?” 

• “Are there any you’re really enjoying—or struggling with?” 

• “What’s been the most challenging part of your academic experience so far?” 

Ask How You Can Best Support Them

As students share their challenges, take a moment to ask how you—or the university—can best support them. This shows respect for their agency and encourages them to think proactively about solutions.

Example Questions:

• “That sounds like a tough situation. What do you think would help you most in overcoming it?” 

• “How can I—or someone at BYU–Idaho—support you in succeeding this semester?” 

• “Is there anything specific that would make things easier for you right now?” 

Pro-Tip 

1. Actively Listen: Give the student space to talk. Avoid interrupting, and use body language and verbal cues to show you’re engaged. This helps them feel comfortable and respected. 

2. Encourage with Gentle Follow-Ups: If the student seems hesitant or unsure, try asking supportive follow-up questions to invite more sharing. 

Examples:

• “Sometimes students face challenges they didn’t expect—has anything like that come up for you?” 

• “Would you feel comfortable sharing a bit more about what’s been going on?” 

Caution: Sharing the Early Alert level (High, Medium, Low) with the student may be unhelpful and cause confusion.

Every student’s situation is unique, so it’s important to collaborate with them to create a plan that fits their needs, strengths, and goals. This step turns a supportive conversation into meaningful action.

Co-Create a Plan for Success

Work with the student to outline clear, achievable steps they can take to improve their academic and personal well-being.

Tips:

• Ask the student what they believe would help them most. 

• Break the plan into manageable steps. 

• Write it down or send a follow-up email summarizing the plan (you can do this in the mentoring dashboard).. 

Example Questions:

• “What’s one thing you feel you could do this week to move forward?” 

• “What kind of support would help you stick to this plan?” 

Ensure Understanding and Commitment

Before ending the meeting, make sure the student:

• Understands each part of the plan. 

• Feels confident in their ability to follow through. 

• Knows you are there to support them. 

Pro Tip: Ask the student to repeat the plan back to you in their own words. This helps confirm clarity and ownership.

Build an Allied Support Team

You don’t have to do it alone. Connect the student with others who can help with their plan (see also Part 4: Refer):

• Other professors 

• Academic advisors 

• The Student Support Office 

• Counseling Center 

• Disability Services 

• Financial Aid 

Example:

“Would it be helpful if I connected you with someone in [office/service]? I can make an introduction or walk you through how to reach out.”

Sometimes the best way to help a student is to connect them with the right campus resources. Below is a list of trusted services that can provide specialized support depending on the student’s needs.

• Study Skills Center – Help with time management, test prep, note-taking, and study strategies. 
  (208) 496-4291 

• Academic Advising – Guidance on course planning, major selection, and academic progress. 
  (208) 496-9800 

• Counseling Center – Free (for two semesters), confidential counseling for stress, anxiety, depression, and more. 
  (208) 496-9370 

• Wellness Center – Support for physical, emotional, and social wellness, including workshops and coaching. 
  (208) 496-7491 

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – 24/7 support for students in crisis. 
  Dial 988 

• Thrive Program – For students navigating emotional or personal challenges. Thrive teaches coping skills for anxiety and depression. 
  (208) 496-4697 

• Dean’s Office – Help with academic exceptions, personal emergencies, and university policies. 
  (208) 496-9200 

• Student of Concern Form – Use this form to report student needs to the mentoring office.  

See additional resources.

Following up shows students that your support is ongoing—not just a one-time meeting. It reinforces accountability, builds trust, and helps ensure they’re making progress with the plan you created together.

Schedule a Follow-Up Before They Leave

Before ending your initial meeting, take a moment to schedule a follow-up. This small step can make a big

Check In and Adjust as Needed

During your follow-up:

• Ask how the student is doing with the plan. 

• Celebrate any progress, no matter how small. 

• Adjust the plan if new challenges have come up. 

• Reaffirm your support and encourage continued effort. 

Why It Matters

Consistent follow-up:

• Reinforces that the student is not alone. 

• Encourages accountability and motivation. 

• Builds a lasting relationship of trust and support.