Continuing Students on Academic
Warning or Probation

More Specific Advice for:
Continuing Students on Academic Warning or Probation:
Meet with a professional advisor in the Advisement Center early in the semester to discuss your academic difficulties. Do not delay! Call 684-7441 for an appointment.

Honestly assess your study habits. Expect to spend two hours outside of class for every one hour in class. This means that a 15 credit load would require 30 hours outside of class for homework. That's 45 hours a week, more than a full-time job! Are you scheduling enough time for school?

Determine the classes where your grades are weakest. Are they in a particular subject? Is that subject in your major? Perhaps you have not selected the major that best suits your aptitude and interests. Discuss other options with a professional advisor.

Get tutoring. The Division of Basic Studies has tutoring for Math and English. Your professors may be able to help you find tutors in other subjects. Ask friends for help. Start a study group with other people in your class. Find what works for you.

Follow the quick advice for students in good academic standing, being especially cautious to choose your courses carefully. Find subjects that interest you. Ask other students who the especially gifted professors are. Beware of "easy" professors or courses. What is easy for one may not be for another. Conversely, what is difficult for some may not be difficult for you. Look for professors who are challenging and interesting.

Read more about Academic Difficulty (below) taken from our FAQs site, making sure to visit Postcards from the Edge!

I am on "Warning." What does that mean?
It means your Cumulative GPA fell below a 2.0 last semester. You are not in good academic standing and cannot graduate unless you improve your performance. "Warning" is exactly that - a warning that you have begun to dig yourself a hole. The deeper you get, the harder it will be to climb out. That is why the College keeps track of people doing below the minimum to graduate. Changing your situation now to one where you can succeed will save you time, money, and frustration . Review the section on "Academic Standing" in the Catalog.

I am on Probation. What does that mean?
It means your Cumulative GPA has been below a 2.0 for two consecutive semesters, or that your Cumulative GPA fell below a 1.0 last semester.This is serious. If you do not demonstrate significant improvement, i.e. a 2.5 GPA the following semester, you will be considered for suspension. You need to see an advisor immediately to discuss your situation.

How do I do better?
College is typically much more work than high school. Be prepared to spend at least two hours on homework for every one hour of class time. This means that a typical schedule of 15 credits will require 30 hours outside of class for homework, totaling 45 hours a week needed for school!
Most students have to work. Make sure you do not sacrifice your grades for your job at IHOP, or you may get to keep that job for longer than you planned. We recommend working a maximum of 15 hours a week with a fulltime (16 credit) schedule. However, every student has a unique situation, and you can decide how to balance school and work. If you really need to work more than 20 hours a week, consider reducing your credit load.

Make sure you check with the Financial Aid Office in E 220 for information about government loans and/or grants. Borrowing money to help pay for your education definitely makes more sense than paying for a class you fail because of work. Be aware of your options.

Go to tutoring. Tutoring is not just for people who are in danger of failing. Tutoring can help you make an "A" instead of a "B." The Center for Academic Success, located on the second floor of E building, offers tutoring for Math, English, and some other classes. They also provide help with writing assignments in any class.

[ return to top ]