Academic Probation
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Academic Probation?
- Why do I have a hold?
- Have I been dropped form my classes?
- What do I do if I am on Academic Probation?
- What if I am out of town?
- What will happen during my Learning Center Appointment?
- How long will my appointment take?
- What is Academic Disqualification?
- What are the GPA levels that result in academic disqualification?
- What are Mid-Semester Evaluations?
- Why are mid-semester evaluations important?
- What are some strategies for academic success?
What is Academic Probation?
Undergraduates are placed on Academic Probation if either their overall grade point average (GPA) or their 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 lack of academic progress.
Why do I have a hold?
A hold is a way for the university to get a student's attention. It is placed on your account to let you know that you must take a specific immediate action. If you have an Academic Probation (AP) hold your HSU cumulative or overall GPA is less than 2.0, and you need to contact the Learning Center as soon as possible if you are a freshman or sophomore or contact the Advising Center if you are a Junior or Senior.
Have I been dropped from my classes due to the AP hold?
No, your schedule is exactly as it was before the hold was placed. The AP hold only prevents you from making changes to your current class schedule. We advise you to take steps to release your hold early since you may need to make unexpected changes.
What do I do if I am on Academic Probation?
Contact the Learning Center immediately to make an appointment. Learning Center Hours.
What if I am out of town?
Call the Learning Center to set up a phone appointment.
What will happen during my Learning Center appointment?
You will fill out a Student Profile that includes contact information and questions about your study habits. After a brief overview of our services, you will meet with a staff member to complete an Academic Success Plan (ASP) for the upcoming semester. The ASP meeting includes formal recommendations advising you about specific campus resources, as well as an explanation of the university's academic guidelines so that you can make informed decisions concerning your academic career.
Once you have completed the Academic Success Plan, you will have to meet with your major advisor for him/her to review and sign it. Return the signed white copy to the Learning Center Drop Box. We will release your AP hold once we have a copy with your major advisor's signature.
How long will my appointment be?
Most appointments are approximately one hour.
What is Academic Disqualification?
Academic disqualification occurs when the GPA of a student who is already on probation falls below the minimum level allowed. When disqualified, a student is no longer enrolled at the university and he/she is placed on a one-year suspension. A disqualified student needs to be officially "reinstated" in order to return to the university. A disqualified student can contact the AIR Center or the Learning Center to discuss guidelines for petitioning for reinstatement.
What are the GPA levels that result in academic disqualification?
The current guidelines for Academic Probation and Disqualification are available here.
What are Mid-Semester Evaluations?
Every semester mid-semester evaluations are sent to instructors to provide feedback for students who are on academic probation or affiliated with other campus programs. They are a means for instructors to let students know how they are doing in classes while the semester is in progress. The feedback they provide may include information about grades or attendance, as well as additional comments about student performance.
Why are mid-semester evaluations important?
If a mid-semester indicates that you are having problems in a class, the Learning Center staff will contact you by both mail and email to make an appointment and review the evaluation together. From there we can discuss techniques that might help you improve your grade. By meeting early in the semester, you might be able to make the necessary changes to raise your grade, or take other options. If your evaluations have grades of "C" or better, our staff will still contact you by email to review progress in classes and encourage continued success.
What are some strategies for academic success?
* We generally recommend a limit of 12 academic units for students on academic probation.
* Balance major classes with GE & elective classes.
* Meet with professors during their office hours.
* Have regular contact with your advisor.
* Write academic and class deadlines in a planner or calendar.
* Visit the Learning Center for time management tips
* Meet with Learning Center staff to learn study strategies for specific courses.
* Apply for a tutor at the Tutorial Lab for help with difficult courses.
* Use academic resources on campus such as the Writing Center and the Math Lab.
* Regular participation in study groups.
* Review our Study Skills Links for learning strategies.
* Contact the AIR Center regarding academic information.