Academic Probation

Valuble Information for Students on Academic Probation

I'm on academic probation. Now what do I do?

The Good News

1. You had a bad semester--now what? Let's discuss what you can do to improve your GPA. It can be done, but it all depends on you.
2. Ask yourself why you made poor grades last semester. Be honest with yourself or you will probably have the same problem next semester. You have to understand what you did wrong or you cannot correct the problem. Accept full responsibility for your performance; making excuses will only cause you to continue to perform poorly. Challenge yourself to do better.
3. Register at the earliest possible time so you can get the schedule you need. You may need to revise your schedule if you pre-registered.
4.  If possible, retake the classes in which you had a "D" or "F". Repeating classes is the fastest way to raise your GPA. The material is still fresh in your mind from last semester and if you have the same professor you know what to expect. Repeating the same classes can also prevent you from moving to a higher classification that requires a higher GPA. Visit the Office of Academic Success and Graduate Services, Suite 301 in Marshall Hall, for help with determining what courses to repeat and what grades you must make in each class to raise your GPA to a level that will remove you from probation.
5. Go to class! The most common reason for failing a class is excessive absences. Never miss a class just because it is within the number you are allowed to miss without being penalized. If you are not there, you will miss something important. You also never know what the future holds; you may get sick and have to miss more classes than the policy allows. You pay a lot of money to go to these classes, so get your money's worth.
6. Talk to your professor immediately if you do not understand something. If you wait, you will only get farther behind. Many students wait until it is too late and the professor cannot help them. Ask if tutors are available for your class if you are having difficulty.
7. Keep up with assignments. Do not procrastinate. Read assignments before you go to class and it will help you understand the material covered in class.
8. Go to the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) and ask for tutoring. You should also attend the special Power Hour test preparation sessions for the classes in which you have tests scheduled. 
9. Manage your time and do not let others manage it for you. Your first priority is to make good grades, so make decisions regarding what you should do and when you should do it based on how it will impact your grades. Preparing for class/studying comes first.
10. Sit in the first two rows in your classroom and take notes. Participate in the discussion and ask questions. Do not sleep! If you are sleepy in class, then you are not getting enough sleep at night and you should adjust your schedule accordingly.
11. Try to find a study partner or study group for each class. If you find that your partner or the group is not serious and is wasting time rather than studying you should leave the group.
12. If you need help with study skills, test taking skills, note taking, etc. you should visit http://www.dr-bob.org/vpc/ and review the articles regarding the area in which you need help. These articles are from universities all over the country and offer some very valuable tips on study skills and test taking.
13. Meet with your faculty advisor to discuss your progress. Come by the Advising Office at least twice this semester to discuss your progress.

The Bad News

There are several things you should understand about being on probation. Understanding these facts can assist you in planning your next semester.

1. You will be limited to a maximum of 13 hours per semester while you are on probation.
2. You are also in danger of losing your financial aid. Remember that your financial aid may require a 2.0 GPA regardless of the number of hours attempted. Check with the Financial Aid department to verify your status.
3. If you do not raise your GPA to the required level during the next semester you will be placed on continued academic probation. If you are on continued academic probation, you must raise your GPA to the required level during the next semester or you will be suspended from ETBU for one regular semester.
4. If you are suspended you cannot enroll the next semester at ETBU for any courses and you cannot transfer in any courses taken at another school while you are on suspension from ETBU.
5. Academic probation is based on the number of cumulative hours you have attempted divided into the number of cumulative grade points you have earned.
6. If you have attempted fewer than 36 hours you must have a 1.65 GPA to get probation removed.
7. If you have attempted 36 or more hours you must have a 2.0 GPA to get probation removed.
8. Remember that satisfactory academic progress not only includes your GPA but you must earn at least 18 hours per academic year. Failure to do so can result in loss of athletic eligibility and financial aid.
9. Some majors require higher GPA's to be admitted to their program of study.