Early Alert & Thrive Information for Employees

The Early Alert & Thrive program is currently being piloted at the Prince George campus, and is designed to help to connect students to the resources and supports they need, when it is needed most. It helps streamline the referral process by reducing the need for faculty and staff to keep track of every service and support available to students, and connects students directly with supports offered on campus. It also helps support faculty by helping students develop the learning and personal skills needed to tackle academic content.

“Early support” programs have become best practice at many colleges and universities in Canada and the US. Other Canadian institutions that use early support and early alert type programs include UBC, Ryerson University, Mount Royal University, the University of Calgary, and many more. 

The development of an early support system was a priority identified by leadership that was included in CNC’s Institutional Health & Wellness Strategy. CNC’s Early Alert & Thrive program is a custom system developed by CNC Student Services, an “Early Support Committee”, and an “Early Alert Committee” comprised of staff, faculty, Students’ Union representatives, and educational administrators to fit the CNC context.

Step 1: Refer a Student

A CNC Employee completes the Early Alert & Thrive referral for a student in need of support to begin the process. Log in to CNC Connect to refer a student.

Step 2: Referral Reviewed

A staff member from the service area the student has been referred to will review the referral, concerns, and service areas identified as potentially helpful for the student’s situation.

Step 3: Services Offered

The student is contacted by a staff member from the service area they have been referred to, and they discuss and clarify the student’s needs and whether they would like to access services.

Step 4: Appointment is Booked

If the student confirms they would like to access services, the staff member who contacted them helps them book appointment(s) with the service area they both feel will best fit the student’s needs.

Step 5: Student works with resources on their goals

The student will work with the campus resources identified as best fit to support them in working towards their goals. This can also involve secondary referrals to other campus or community resources that would best meet the student’s needs.

How to Talk to Students about the Early Alert & Thrive Program

Before you refer a student, if possible, have a conversation with the student about the referral beforehand. It’s helpful to emphasize to the student that they’re not in trouble but that Early Alert & Thrive is an additional resource on campus to connect them with services to support them with their academic and personal goals. Students often appreciate knowing you are concerned for their well-being and about getting them connected with supports. 

If you want to share information about the program with your students, feel free to use the paragraph below:

"Unexpected challenges and difficulties at home, work, or school may come up during the school year and can impact your studies. Life happens! During the semester I (or other CNC staff) may refer you to Early Alert & Thrive, a voluntary program connecting you to campus services and resources that can support you to succeed personally and academically by developing skills you can use well beyond post-secondary."

Check out our guide on how to have a supportive conversation with a student. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Thrive FAQ

  • Will Early Alert & Thrive program information show up on a student’s transcript or academic record?

  • Do students have to participate in the Early Alert & Thrive program?

  • How does this program benefit faculty and staff?

  • If I submit a referral, is the student notified?

  • How can I access the Early Alert & Thrive program?

  • Do other post-secondary institutions have similar programs?

Refer a Student More

 

Contact Us

thrive@cnc.bc.ca