Academic Intervention
There are several different policies at Iowa Western Community College that assist students in being academically successful. It is important that students are aware of their academic standing and the consequences of their actions early, so that they have the opportunity to make an informed decisions that help them meet their educational goals.
Progress Reports
At Iowa Western Community College, instructors must submit Progress Reports on students during the fifth and tenth week of each semester. The Progress Reports are not letter grades, rather they are a warning to the student that he/she is currently failing (or nearly failing) the course. If a student falls into “unsatisfactory” status in any course, he/she will receive an email from the Student Success Office. If you receive an “unsatisfactory” Progress Report or find yourself struggling in any of your classes, it is always a good idea to seek out help early!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Progress Report?
- Why did I receive a Progress Report?
- Who submits Progress Reports?
- Who do I speak to if I get a Progress Report email?
- Does the Progress Report go on my permanent record?
- Does getting an "unsatisfactory" Progress Report mean I am failing?
- What are my options if I get an "unsatisfactory" Progress Report in my class?
What is a Progress Report?
IWCC requires all instructors to submit Student Progress Reports for each course during the fifth and tenth week of each semester for both 8 and 16-week classes. Progress Reports are not letter grades, instead, they let you know whether your performance in the class is at a “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” level.
We send an email to all students who received at least one “unsatisfactory” report from an instructor. The email is meant to serve as a warning or “heads-up” to you that you currently has a failing grade (or near failing grade) for the course. The email will also include the reason for the "unsatisfactory" report and information about support resources on campus or options to withdraw from the course, depending on whether it’s early or later in the term. It is your responsibility and choice as to what you choose to do with that information.
If you do not receive any email from us on those days, you are either doing “satisfactorily” in all of your classes or we do not have a valid email address for you on file. You can verify your Progress Report in SOS by clicking on “Progress Reports & Final Grades” in the Student Menu.
Why did I receive a Progress Report?
Progress Reports are based on your cumulative grade in each of your classes up to that point (either the 5th or 10th week) . However, they are not actually letter grades, instead, Progress Reports are meant to give you an update as to whether your performance in a class is at a “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” level. Typically, instructors consider a "D" or "F" unsatisfactory.
If you receive an "unsatisfactory" in at least one of your classes, you will receive a notification email from the Retention Initiatives Coordinator to let you know. If you do not receive any email from us on those days, you are either doing “satisfactorily” in all of your classes or we do not have a valid email address for you on file. You can verify your Progress Report in SOS by clicking on “Progress Reports & Final Grades” in the Student Menu.
Who submits Progress Reports?
All Iowa Western Community College instructors have access to submit a Progress Report during the 5th and 10th week of the semester (except summer classes) on every student in all of their classes.
Who do I speak to if I get a Progress Report Email?
If you get a Progress Report email, you should first speak to the instructor. Communication about your standing in the class is important for your academic success in the class. Get clarification from your instructor and find out why you received an "unsatisfactory."
- Can you make up any assignments or tests?
- Would it help you to receive tutoring?
- Are you in a course that is too difficult or too easy?
- What can you do to improve your grade in that course?
Use this as an opportunity to communicate with your instructor about your performance in the class. After you speak to your instructor, you may also want to explore some other campus resources. Perhaps, you could get some assistance from a peer tutor in the Academic Support Center or speak with one of the Cyber Library staff if you need assistance using research materials for assignments.
Does the Progress Report go on my permanent record?
No! Progress Reports are only part of Iowa Western Community College's Academic Intervention System. Although you can see your Progress Reports on SOS just like your official grades, they never appear on your school transcripts or in your academic records. It is only meant to serve as a warning or “heads-up” that you currently have a failing or near failing grade in a course. someone is concerned about their academic performance and to direct them to services or departments that might help them. It will not become part of your academic transcript.
Does getting an "Unsatisfactory" Progress Report mean I am failing?
Receiving notice of an Academic Alert does not necessarily mean that you are failing. Speak to your instructor about the specific concern identified in your letter (Excessive Absences, Missed or Incomplete Assignments/Projects, Failed Exams or Quizzes, and Other issues). Clarification from your instructor will give you a better idea of where you stand in the class.
What are my Options if I get an "Unsatisfactory" Progress Report in My Class?
The Academic Support Center (Student Center - 2nd Floor) offers tutoring and general academic assistance in a variety of subjects. Typically, tutors are IWCC students who have attained a certain grade point average and have successfully completed the course for which they provide assistance. Peer tutors maintain regular hours and provide individual assistance on a walk-in basis. Group tutoring is available, but must be scheduled in advance. For more information about the free tutoring available to all IWCC students, contact the Director at (712) 325-3494 or send an email to tutoring@iwcc.edu.
The Student Success Office (Student Center - 2nd Floor) is home to several support services that can assist students both academically and personally.
- Personal counseling/assistance is available to help students effectively deal with emotional, social, family, or academic problems. We can provide inquiring students with information, resources, and short-term counseling in order for them to become better equipped to deal with personal problems that may be impacting their academic performance. To get more information, please contact the Student Assistance Director at (712) 325-3390.
- Students with disabilities can receive support for and assistance with the arrangement of accommodations with appropriate disability documentation. Contact the Disability Services Coordinator at (712) 325-3299 or disabilityservices@iwcc.edu for more information.
- TRIO/Student Support Services Program provides individualized services, including structured tutoring sessions, transfer advising, laptop checkouts, and workshops to address the specific needs of students as they confront the challenges of completing a college degree. The program is a federal grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, contact the TRIO Director at (712) 325-3479 or trio@iwcc.edu.