Office of the Registrar  

Information for Students on Academic Probation

Academic Probation

Undergraduates are placed on Academic Probation if either the overall grade point average (gpa) or the Humboldt State University cumulative gpa falls below a 2.0. The purpose of probation is to alert you to the danger of academic disqualification from the university due to a lack of academic progress.

Disqualification

Disqualification for undergraduates is also based on gpa. Students already on Academic Probation who earn the following gpa (based on class level) are disqualified:

Freshmen (<30 units) - below 1.50
Sophomores (30 to 59.9 units) - below 1.70
Juniors (60 to 89.9 units) - below 1.85
Seniors ( > 90 units) - below 1.95


Students seeking a second bachelor's degree and unclassified graduates will be disqualified if they are on probation and their gpa falls below 1.95.

Major Advising

Students on academic probation should first discuss class schedules with their major advisors before following any of the advice below. Major advising includes, but is not limited to, sequencing of courses, frequency of course offerings, prerequisites, recommended level of preparation for courses, and academic resources.

Program Load

Students on Academic Probation are strongly urged to take a balanced load of 12-13 units per term; that is, courses from a variety of areas and of varying degrees of difficulty. Students reinstated from Academic Disqualification will be required to follow a contract which limits enrollment to no more than 12 units during the term. Financial aid recipients are advised to first contact the Financial Aid Office since reducing units may affect aid.

Policy on Repeating Courses

Under the Approved Repeat Policy, undergraduates may repeat classes (at HSU) in which they earn grades they find unacceptable, and have only the last attempt count in computing their gpa. This option is available only to undergraduate students. There are some restrictions to the repeat policy; check with your major advisor before repeating any course.

Reinstatement

Disqualified students may petition for reinstatement through the Office of the Registrar. Usually reinstatement is only granted after one year has passed and there is evidence that the student has earned grades of at least a 2.0 or higher during the year after being disqualified. Reinstatement to the university does not guarantee reinstatement of financial aid. Students who feel their extenuating circumstances warrant immediate reinstatement can obtain petitioning guidelines from the Office of the Registrar.

General Advice for Improving GPA

Students who use support services when needed, participate regularly in organized study groups, and limit work and other commitments tend to be more successful in their classes. It is recommended that students meet with current instructors during the semester to discuss academic progress and expectations, as well as attend class regularly and hand in assignments on time. It is also important to keep close track of academic and class deadlines by writing them in planner at the beginning of the semester, commit to a regular study schedule, and identify a place in which to study. Listed below are services you will find helpful.

Academic and Student Support Services

For academic and major advising contact:    
Your major (faculty) advisor  
Contact major department office
Advising Center  
826-5224
   
SBS Building - Rm 295
For academic information or help with policies, procedures, registration, records, or DARS:  
AIR - Academic Information and Referral Center
 
826-4101
 
 
SBS Building - Rm 133  
To apply for a tutor and get help with a difficult course:  
Tutorial Lab 
 
826-4266
   
House 71
To improve academic and study skills contact:  
 Learning Center  
826-5217
   
House 71
To get help developing your writing skills contact:  
 Writing Center (appointments)  
Sign-up in FH 201
   
For financial aid assistance contact:  
 Financial Aid  
826-4321
   
SBS Building - Rm 231
For career info or major selection, as well as job opportunities:  
Career Center  
826-3341
   
NH 130
For personal counseling:  
 Counseling and Psychological Services  
826-3236
   
Health Center - Rm 205
For issues concerning health contact:  
 Health Center  
826-3146
   
Heath Center
For disability services contact:  
 Student Disability Resource Center  
826-4678
   
House 71

 

Science and Math Assistance

Supplemental instruction is offered as a CR/NC course for a number of difficult science classes, including: Chem 109, 110, 321; Phyx 106, 107; Biol 105, 340; Bot 105; It is also offered without credit for Biol 104 and Zool 110 through the Tutorial Lab: Hs 71, 826-4266. Supplemental instruction is provided to give students additional class time to study and practice difficult class material with guidance. Announcements are made in class explaining how to enroll.

Students who register for Math 99 can access drop-in tutoring for many math courses through the Math 99 Lab: Hs. 54, 826-5343. Consult the current schedule of classes or the Math Dept: 826-3143.