Progress to Degree - Academic Checkpoints

“At-risk students” are those with an increased likelihood of academic difficulty, failing to make sufficient progress toward degree completion, or leaving the university before graduating. Risk can be influenced by a range of academic and nonacademic factors.

The Early Warning process is a proactive approach designed to identify and support these students as early as possible. It includes four checkpoints during the fall and spring semesters and one checkpoint in each part of the summer term.

Feedback provided by instructors during each checkpoint reflects their best assessment of a student’s performance and progress at the time of reporting.

The policy can be found in the UWF Undergraduate Catalog.

A step-by-step guide for faculty is also available with more information on these processes.

Summer 2026 POT2	Summer 2026  POT 1, 3, & 4	Fall 2026	Spring 2027
Checkpoint 4: June 1 - June 8	Checkpoint 4: July 13- July 20	Checkpoint 1: August 17-August 23	Checkpoint 1: January 6-12
		Checkpoint 2: September 4 - September 14	Checkpoint 2: January 22-February 1
		Checkpoint 3: October 16 - October 26	Checkpoint 3: March 5-March 15
		Checkpoint 4: November 6 - November 16	Checkpoint 4: April 4- April 12

Checkpoint 1 – Attendance Confirmation

During the first week of the semester, faculty confirm attendance for all students as part of a university-wide financial aid process. Persistence and Academic Success Services (PASS) uses this information to identify first-year FTIC students without confirmed attendance and conducts outreach during the first three weeks to help them engage in classes and start the semester successfully.

Checkpoint 2 – Early Alert

Checkpoint 2 focuses on student engagement and participation through week 4 of the semester. While limited grades may be available, faculty are asked to assess whether students are attending class or logging into online platforms, participating in coursework, completing assignments on time, and demonstrating expected progress. 

Rosters include first-year FTIC students, undergraduate student-athletes, TRiO Student Support Services participants, and STEM Scholars. PASS and campus partners use this information to conduct outreach, connect students with resources, and share important policies and deadlines.

Checkpoint 3 – Midterm Warning

Checkpoint 3 evaluates student performance at the midpoint of the semester (around week 10). At this stage, faculty typically have more concrete data, including grades, attendance, and overall course performance, to determine whether a student is progressing or at risk of failing. 

Rosters include first-year FTIC students enrolled in General Education courses. PASS and campus partners use this information to provide targeted outreach, resources, and guidance to support students before the end of the term.

Checkpoint 4 – Final Reports

Checkpoint 4 is the final opportunity for faculty to report students who may earn a D, F, or NF grade. This occurs near the end of the semester and helps identify students at the highest academic risk. 

Rosters include first-year FTIC students in all courses. PASS uses this information to conduct outreach and share critical end-of-semester policies, deadlines, and next steps.