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Advising Center - Overcoming Obstacles

This guide provides information and advice for college students about common obstacles they face such as time management, procrastination, and early morning classes.

Good Academic Standing is when a student’s cumulative grade point average is 2.0 or better.  Students need to be in good academic standing in order to graduate.  

 

When a student’s cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.0 (but still is at least 1.0), that student is placed on Academic Warning.  A student will have two terms to achieve good academic standing to avoid academic dismissal. It is important to remember that academic status and financial aid (SAP) status are not related, so it's best for a student to bring their GPA to a 2.0 or higher in the next term if possible.

 

When a student’s cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.0 (but still is at least a 1.0) for a second consecutive term, that student is moved from Academic Warning to Academic Probation.  A student on Academic Probation will have one term to achieve good academic standing to avoid academic dismissal.  In order to improve student success, students will be limited to ten credits during the probation term.  

 

Here are some of our Keys to Success to help you stay in good academic standing: 

 

Repeat failed courses. By retaking and passing a failed course, you will be able to raise your grade point average as the new course grade will replace the previous failure.  While it may be tempting to wait, you should repeat a failed course in the following term if possible, since retaking failed courses is the fastest track to improving your GPA.   

 

Attain the minimum required grade in all courses.  If you are on Academic Warning or Academic Probation, work with your advisor to determine what grades you need to move into Good Academic Standing, and work to achieve those grades. If you are already in Good Academic Standing, as long as you earn a C or higher in all classes, you will remain in Good Academic Standing.

 

Seek help early and often. Contact the professor at the beginning of the course and ask them about assignments, readings, and workload.  You should also check in regularly for help and resources.

 

Keep track of your grades.  You should regularly check your grades (once a week) to determine your progress.  If you see that you are falling below the minimum grade you need, talk to your professor to discuss ways to improve.  

 

Contact your advisor for academic counseling.  Set up a periodic review during the term to track your progress.  Prepare for the meeting by bringing your goals, plans, and questions. 

 

Keep a detailed assignments calendar.  Keeping track of your assignments will help you best manage your time, including asking questions, seeking assistance, and completing the work.  If using an electronic calendar, make use of scheduled reminders for due dates.