Course Alerts for Students
Every student experiences academic challenges at some point in their collegiate journey. Whatever the situation might be, you have professors and staff who care about your well-being and success, and campus resources to help support you.
One tool your professors may use to help you is a “Course Alert.” If you receive a Course Alert, this means your professor would like to meet with you to discuss how you can be successful in their course. Each Course Alert also includes a list of resources for further assistance.
For students: Tips to help with academic challenges
It’s never too early or too late to seek help if you need it. Here are some tips to navigate challenges and resources that are available to you.
Talk to your professor
Faculty members make time to be available for students outside the classroom. This is known as “office hours.” Office hours allow you to meet one-on-one with your professors to ask questions or find support. For example, if you had a question about an upcoming assignment, you could attend office hours to get clarification. Your professor’s office hours will be included on your course syllabus.
If you can’t attend a professor’s office hours due to other commitments, email them to request another time to meet. Be sure to provide times you are available and ask what works best for them. You can use this template email to create your message.
Come prepared to office hours with questions and concerns you have about the course. Here are some things you could discuss during your meeting:
Review an exam—ask about what you got right and what you got wrong, and how to correct the answer.
Discuss ideas for an upcoming paper or project to know if you are on track.
Bring some practice problems from your homework to work through.
Clarify a confusing concept from class. Ask them to explain it differently or walk you through the concept again.
Ask about internship or research opportunities.
Attending your professors' office hours is a great way to set yourself up for success. They want you to do well and appreciate it when students take the time to meet with them.
Find a tutor or academic coach
Academic coaches help you develop academic motivation, study strategies and time management skills, and can help with finding other campus resources.
Students in the following colleges and programs can meet with an academic coach:
- Arts & Sciences
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- Environmental Design
- College of Media, Communication, and Information
- Students registered with Disability Services
CU Boulder also offers tutoring and learning resources to support all students and their academic success. Some are specific to certain classes, departments or groups of students. Most are free, while some require a fee.
Meet with your academic advisor
Your academic advisor can help you find the right support resource and discuss your academic goals. Log into Buff Portal Advising to make an appointment.
Access additional resources
If you aren’t sure what you need, Student Support and Case Management provides holistic support for students to access campus resources and services. Here are a few other resources that can help:
Basic needs support and financial help
- The Basic Needs Center helps students who are facing food, housing or other financial insecurity.
- The Office of Financial Aid can help students apply for financial aid or make a financial plan to finance their education.
Help with conflict
Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution can help you resolve conflict, determine a course of action and provide conflict mediation.
Mental health support
Counseling and Psychiatric Services provides short term one on one counseling, mental health workshops, and group counseling.