The First Alert Program is designed to identify a student’s class deficiencies within the first 5 weeks of the semester to help them succeed. 

In this program, Student Services and faculty members engage with the students to identify their problems and identify potential barriers.

Students are contacted by phone or email to discuss all opportunities to get the student on a path for success. It is entirely the student’s responsibility to respond. Whatever the problem might be, Panola College is committed to helping our students.

Each semester, data is collected on our First Alert students to determine if they are successful. Success is defined for this program as passing that class with a “C” or better, dropping it, or withdrawing from school. 

Success increases with the early identification of deficiencies, whether it is poor attendance or poor note-taking. When a student drops a class that he or she is failing, the likelihood of remaining in school is increased. The same may be said for withdrawal from school. It allows for the grade point average to remain at a manageable level upon the student’s return.

• Within the first 5 weeks of the semester, faculty refer students with low grades (D or F) or excessive absences in one or more of their classes to Student Services by completing the First Alert Referral Form.
• A contact is sent back to the professor acknowledging receipt of the referral.
• Multiple attempts are made to contact the students through emails and telephone calls.
• Students who respond are assessed and given information about how to improve their academic performance.
  • Depending on individual needs, this may include:  informing them about tutoring opportunities (peer, online, and support labs), explaining college policies that affect their academic standing, and referring them to other campus agencies.
• Faculty members are kept up to date on their student's progress through the First Alert Program.