Student Progress Notifications (or Academic Progress Notifications) at Old Dominion University are an early-alert system that allows faculty to share timely feedback about a student’s academic performance, engagement, or attendance during the semester. These notifications help identify potential concerns early—before they become barriers to success—so students can take action while there is still time to improve. By connecting students with academic advisors, Academic Recovery and Support, and other campus resources, Student Progress Notifications promote communication, accountability, and proactive support, reinforcing ODU’s commitment to student success and retention.
Spring 2026 notification push dates:
- Push 1: 1/23/26
- Push 2: 3/9/26
- Push 3: 4/8/26
- Push 4: 4/20/26
Spring 2026 Notification Push Dates
- Push 1: 1/23/26
- This date is related to the add/drop period. Instructors are asked to notify if students have missed classes at this point to ensure you show up or withdrawal if that is what is needed
- Push 2: 3/9/26
- This date will often fall around midterms. It is important to know where you stand in your classes, and if there is the need to reach out for support.
- Push 3: 4/8/26
- This date is related to the end of the semester, the final push. It is important to know what grades you will end up with at the end of the semester and if you are at risk of failing the class.
How They’re Helpful
SPNs are a notification system- simply they allow you to understand what your grades look like, if you need additional tutoring or support- OR, it's an acknowledgement of the good work you’re doing! Remember, SPNS can be good information too!
Where To See Your SPNs
Emails get sent daily when an instructor submits an Academic Progress Notification. Please check your ODU email regularly
Unsatisfactory SPNs:
What to do after receiving an unsatisfactory SPN:
- The first thing you want to do is connect with the instructor of the course. You should either attend their office hours, connect after class, or email them directly to gather more information
- Utilize the resources that ODU offers for you: Academic Advising, Writing center, tutoring support, peer mentors, etc to get back on track
- Decide if external circumstances make it work you considering a withdrawal from the class.
- Recognize what your academic standing means and how this class could impact it.
Follow up Process After Submitted
Student Progress Notifications allow faculty to share timely feedback about students’ academic performance and engagement with academic support staff who connect students with resources and support. The notifications help identify potential concerns before they become barriers to success, so students can act while there is still time to improve. Student Progress Notifications promote partnerships between faculty and staff, communication, student accountability, and proactive support, reinforcing ODU’s commitment to student success.
Once an instructor submits a notification, the student will receive an automated message informing them of the notification. Individualized staff outreach to the student depends on the type of notification and the student’s academic standing.
- Students who have never attended/stopped attending receive phone calls/texts.
- Students who receive an unsatisfactory notification, but are in good academic standing, are contacted by an academic advisor who encourages them to schedule an advising meeting and provides guidance on accessing resources.
- Students who receive an unsatisfactory notification, but are not in good academic standing, are contacted by Academic Recovery and Support. This team conducts daily outreach by phone, text, and email to connect students to academic, mental health, and financial resources and to share policy reminders and institutional deadlines.
How To Reach Out for Additional Support
Should you have any questions about the SPN process please email academicsuccess@odu.edu so that we can support you.
First Correspondence to Students
Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory emails to students
Dear [name],
Congratulations! Your instructor(s) have submitted information indicating that you are doing well in your course(s).
Here are a few tips to maintain your momentum:
- Stay Organized: Keep track of assignment due dates, exams, and important dates to avoid last minute stress.
- Engage in Class: Continue participating in discussions and seeking clarification on confusing topics.
- Utilize Resources: Take advantage of tutoring services, study groups, and office hours if you need additional help.
- Set Goals: Establish short-term goals for each class to maintain focus and motivation.
- Seek Feedback: Regularly check in with your instructors to receive feedback on your performance.
Keep up the good work! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us or your academic advisor at any time.
Sincerely,
Your Academic Success Team
Your instructor(s) have submitted information indicating that you may be in jeopardy of not passing your course(s) and need to take steps to ensure your academic progress. In the next few days, you will receive a follow-up email identifying specific resources to support you.
We understand that this can be concerning, but we are confident that if you take proactive steps to address these challenges, you can turn things around. Here are some recommendations:
- Immediately Contact Your Instructors: Reach out to your instructors to discuss your performance. They can provide insights into where you may be struggling and offer guidance on how to improve. Every instructor holds office hours. These are open hours when the instructor is waiting to assist you! If you have concerns about talking with your instructor or are unsure of what to say, you can always contact your academic advisor for advice.
- Utilize Academic Support Services: ODU provides numerous free academic support options, some of which are available to you 24 hours a day. Join a study group or explore tutoring options, like the Science Tutoring Centers and the Writing Center, to help strengthen your understanding of the course material. Additionally, you can work with a peer mentor or academic coach to help enhance study skills and time management.
- Contact Your Academic Advisor: Schedule an appointment to discuss your long- and short-term goals, identify opportunities to pivot your course of study, explore options for withdrawing from a course if necessary, and/or examine the grade forgiveness and continuance policies.
Reflect on Your Overall Well-being: Mental, physical, financial, and social stress can negatively impact your academic performance. Connect with Student Outreach & Support (S.O.S.) to address unforeseen circumstances or personal roadblocks.
Sincerely,
Your Academic Success Team
Spring 2026 Notification Push Dates
- Push 1: 1/23/26
- This date is related to the add/drop period. Instructors are asked to notify if students have missed classes at this point to ensure you show up or withdrawal if that is what is needed
- Push 2: 3/9/26
- This date will often fall around midterms. It is important to know where you stand in your classes, and if there is the need to reach out for support.
- Push 3: 4/8/26
- This date is related to the end of the semester, the final push. It is important to know what grades you will end up with at the end of the semester and if you are at risk of failing the class.
How They’re Helpful
SPNs are a notification system- simply they allow you to understand what your grades look like, if you need additional tutoring or support- OR, it's an acknowledgement of the good work you’re doing! Remember, SPNS can be good information too!
Where To See Your SPNs
Emails get sent daily when an instructor submits an Academic Progress Notification. Please check your ODU email regularly
Unsatisfactory SPNs:
What to do after receiving an unsatisfactory SPN:
- The first thing you want to do is connect with the instructor of the course. You should either attend their office hours, connect after class, or email them directly to gather more information
- Utilize the resources that ODU offers for you: Academic Advising, Writing center, tutoring support, peer mentors, etc to get back on track
- Decide if external circumstances make it work you considering a withdrawal from the class.
- Recognize what your academic standing means and how this class could impact it.
Follow up Process After Submitted
Student Progress Notifications allow faculty to share timely feedback about students’ academic performance and engagement with academic support staff who connect students with resources and support. The notifications help identify potential concerns before they become barriers to success, so students can act while there is still time to improve. Student Progress Notifications promote partnerships between faculty and staff, communication, student accountability, and proactive support, reinforcing ODU’s commitment to student success.
Once an instructor submits a notification, the student will receive an automated message informing them of the notification. Individualized staff outreach to the student depends on the type of notification and the student’s academic standing.
- Students who have never attended/stopped attending receive phone calls/texts.
- Students who receive an unsatisfactory notification, but are in good academic standing, are contacted by an academic advisor who encourages them to schedule an advising meeting and provides guidance on accessing resources.
- Students who receive an unsatisfactory notification, but are not in good academic standing, are contacted by Academic Recovery and Support. This team conducts daily outreach by phone, text, and email to connect students to academic, mental health, and financial resources and to share policy reminders and institutional deadlines.
How To Reach Out for Additional Support
Should you have any questions about the SPN process please email academicsuccess@odu.edu so that we can support you.
First Correspondence to Students
Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory emails to students
Dear [name],
Congratulations! Your instructor(s) have submitted information indicating that you are doing well in your course(s).
Here are a few tips to maintain your momentum:
- Stay Organized: Keep track of assignment due dates, exams, and important dates to avoid last minute stress.
- Engage in Class: Continue participating in discussions and seeking clarification on confusing topics.
- Utilize Resources: Take advantage of tutoring services, study groups, and office hours if you need additional help.
- Set Goals: Establish short-term goals for each class to maintain focus and motivation.
- Seek Feedback: Regularly check in with your instructors to receive feedback on your performance.
Keep up the good work! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us or your academic advisor at any time.
Sincerely,
Your Academic Success Team
Your instructor(s) have submitted information indicating that you may be in jeopardy of not passing your course(s) and need to take steps to ensure your academic progress. In the next few days, you will receive a follow-up email identifying specific resources to support you.
We understand that this can be concerning, but we are confident that if you take proactive steps to address these challenges, you can turn things around. Here are some recommendations:
- Immediately Contact Your Instructors: Reach out to your instructors to discuss your performance. They can provide insights into where you may be struggling and offer guidance on how to improve. Every instructor holds office hours. These are open hours when the instructor is waiting to assist you! If you have concerns about talking with your instructor or are unsure of what to say, you can always contact your academic advisor for advice.
- Utilize Academic Support Services: ODU provides numerous free academic support options, some of which are available to you 24 hours a day. Join a study group or explore tutoring options, like the Science Tutoring Centers and the Writing Center, to help strengthen your understanding of the course material. Additionally, you can work with a peer mentor or academic coach to help enhance study skills and time management.
- Contact Your Academic Advisor: Schedule an appointment to discuss your long- and short-term goals, identify opportunities to pivot your course of study, explore options for withdrawing from a course if necessary, and/or examine the grade forgiveness and continuance policies.
Reflect on Your Overall Well-being: Mental, physical, financial, and social stress can negatively impact your academic performance. Connect with Student Outreach & Support (S.O.S.) to address unforeseen circumstances or personal roadblocks.
Sincerely,
Your Academic Success Team