Getting off/staying off academic probation or suspension

By Diane Kramer

If you received notice that you are on academic probation or suspension, you probably have some questions. Here is some information to help you; however, be sure to see a counselor as soon as possible for help getting your academics back on track.

I was placed on Warning

Warning is an academic status that “warns” you the college will suspend you from enrolling in classes unless you raise your cumulative GPA to a 2.0 and cumulative course completion rate to 50 percent. Sometimes it takes multiple semesters to get back to Good Standing. You can continue on Warning, without moving to Suspension, for subsequent semesters, as long as each semester meets the 2.0GPA and 50 percent course completion standard.

I was suspended

You are eligible to re-enroll after staying out two semesters. You will have a registration hold and must meet with a counselor to discuss your academic difficulties and plan your semester.

Why suspension?

It is our experience that during suspension, students improve motivation, clarify goals, and remove obstacles to success. For example, some students fix unreliable transportation that interfered with getting to class, other students find jobs that pay more or have better hours to support attendance and studying, and still others use the time to resolve personal or health problems that distracted from college success. ACC counselors are a free and confidential resource to assist you in identifying what will work for you.

It's more than grades

Being successful in college is more than grades. It also means completing courses within a reasonable time. You are taking a seat away from other students who can complete the course. Taxpayers want ACC to use tax money for students who are successful. The tuition you pay only covers 1/3 to 2/3 of your educational costs.

Avoiding suspension

Make a 2.0 and 50 percent course completion rate for each semester that you are on warning or probation. This will keep you in that status until your cumulative grades and course completion rate put you back into Good Standing. Monitor your progress carefully and don’t delay in getting help from professors, tutors, and counselors as soon as possible!

About dropping a course

During Add/Drop registration or before the “reporting date” at the beginning of the semester. (Check the semester course schedule or ask in Admissions and Records--this date varies by session.) Dropping at these times is not calculated into the course completion rate and doesn’t show on transcripts. You will lose part or all of your tuition.

Get Fs off your record

Retaking the course will substitute the higher for the lower grade in ACC’s cumulative GPA. The F does stay on your transcript. Be aware--if the course is not needed for your degree plan, it may not be best to retake it. And when you transfer, the grade for the repeat may or not be substituted. See a counselor to help you figure out the best strategy.