What is it EARS?

The Early Alert Referral System (EARS) is a communication tool that assists faculty in alerting a freshman student, who is exhibiting "at risk" behaviors, about their performance in the class. It also alerts Freshman Advisors (and any other advisors of certain special programs--AEP, ADP, Honors, Athletics) about the student's behavior so that the advisor can offer assistance, guidance, and possible referral to available student resources.

EARS Goals:

• Identify "at risk" students early
• Provide assistance in helping resolve situations affecting student’s academic performance
• Improve student’s chances for success at La Salle
  

The Importance of EARS:

• The use of EARS by our faculty is vital to the success of the Freshman Advising Program. When faculty members file EARS reports, students are advised about their current standing in a class, and freshman advisors are alerted to issues facing their advisees. The reports allow faculty, students, and advisors to work together, and communicate effectively, to help students to succeed.
  
• EARS reports will replace the traditional "mid term" reports (yellow, pink and green sheets) for new students (freshmen and new transfer students) with C- or below . Faculty members are encouraged to file reports as soon as possible. This allows for earlier intervention instead of during the pre-registration period is often is too late. Reminders will be sent out to faculty regarding mid-term grades.

When Should Faculty Use EARS?

If a freshman in one of your classes exhibits signs of at risk behavior (such as cutting multiple classes, missing quizzes, falling asleep, etc.), the procedure is the same as it has always been - you should immediately attempt to communicate directly with the student to address the problem. The EARS program allows you to do that electronically, while simultaneously alerting the student's advisor. The key is to alert the student as soon as possible in the semester, preferably prior to Mid-terms, which is sometimes too late.

Where does the EARS report go?

Your initial report will be sent to the student’s La Salle email address, their Freshman Advisor and, if applicable, to an advisor in Athletics, Honors Program, ADP, and/or AEP.

What happens next?

Students have been instructed, if they receive an EARS report, to contact their professor immediately to see how they can work towards succeeding in the class. The Freshman Advisor will also contact the student to offer them guidancel, assistance, and possible referral to available university resources. Once the Freshman Advisor has helped the student in resolving the issue, they will close the report.

How do I use EARS?

The simple step-by-step process for filing an EARS report is found on the previous page. If you have further questions, please contact Illeana Casiano de Vazquez at ex. 5005 or casiano@lasalle.edu