Unlike high school, college instructors are not required to give students progress reports, and federal law prohibits institutions from communicating a student’s progress with concerned parents. Often, instructors require few assignments and thus missing or doing poorly on one assignment could severely affect the final grade received. Students who fail to maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 could find their college days cut short.
The First Time You are Placed on Academic Probation
The first time your overall GPA slips below 2.0 you will receive a letter stating that you are academic probation. Generally an appointment with a counselor is required to schedule classes for the next session, and you must sign a form stating you understand that you are academic probation and your admission to the school is in jeopardy. If you are an athlete, academic probation could require the coach to not allow you to participant.
The Consequence of Two Consecutive Periods on Academic Probation
Most institutions drop students that remain on academic probation two continuous semesters or quarters. Failing to pass courses can also result in a decrease of financial aid. However, landing on academic probation doesn’t have to end an educational pursuit.
Every institution has an appeal process. Filing out this form requires the student to describe a detailed plan for academic success. It is important to take responsibility for the decisions that lead to academic probation. If you failed to attend class, was unorganized or overwhelmed, detail this along with a plan to address these circumstances.
What to Do If Your Admission is Repealed
In some cases a student may take courses at a different institution, such as a community college or local university. If the student is successful and earns high marks an application of readmission may be granted.
How Many Times Can I Be on Academic Probation?
There is no limit to the number of times you can be on academic probation. Each time your overall GPA is below 2.0 you will be placed on academic probation. This is true even if you have left and been readmitted to the school.
Five Key Steps to Avoid Academic Probation
Whether a student files an appeal or attends a different institution, getting and staying out of academic probation can be done by implementing five key steps.
- Attend class prepared and participate – just as in K-12, instructors do notice who is present, prepared and actively engaged.
- Track your progress – make an appointment with your instructors mid-term to ensure that you are meeting the course requirements. Instructors are required to hold office hours to meet with students. If you consistently find it difficult to get into the material, consider changing your major. Some students realize that their first choice of major doesn’t provide the intellectual stimulation they imagined.
- Connect with classmates – make at least one contact in every course to get information or clarification on the course material. An instructor is not going to break down every reading, but a classmate can provide conversation to improve understanding of material. Developing study groups can provide consistent support!
- Locate campus resources – each institution has an academic and counseling center which provides free assistance to students. Skilled peers and free counseling can help you develop strategies to succeed. Don’t wait until the last moment to use this resource, as it may be necessary to schedule an appointment.
- Create a schedule – time management is an important skill. Scheduling time to study and socialize can provide balance and structure for success not only in college but in life.
The freedom afforded in college can be challenging. The experience a student has from kindergarten to high school places a majority of the responsibility for learning on the parents and teachers. Becoming autonomous and developing a college-student identity is the dream of most teenagers.
Experiencing the social and academic benefits of higher education requires a level of responsibility, successfully completing coursework is a responsibility students must embrace. Success occurs when students create a schedule to study and stay prepared, use resources such as peers, and communicate with instructors.
