Most colleges and universities place their students on academic probation when they fall below a certain grade point average in a semester. The idea is that if a student knows they may fail out of the school and be dismissed for low grades, they will actively work to bring their grade point average up. At California State University, Fullerton, the administration decided to ban the term “probation” from the school's vocabulary so that students would not feel so defeated. Instead, they will call it “academic notice.”

Academic Notice vs. Academic Probation

CSU Fullerton said that the recent shift in language has worked well to make students, especially students of color, feel less branded by the term “probation,” which carried a negative undertone and fed into the stigma of lawbreaking and delinquency that many Latino and Black students contend with daily. This simple shift in language has removed the fear of irreversible punishments and negativity and instead redirects students to seek help in their academic endeavors.

When deciding to change the term, CSU Fullerton conducted several studies, including surveying students, producing white papers on the subject, and referencing sociological studies, all of which pointed out how the term “probation” is problematic and how simply changing it can encourage hope in students. No longer will they feel like their future is unattainable, instead, they feel empowered to make a change.

And this movement is not just at CSU Fullerton. In fact, it seems to be happening all around the country. Colleges and universities are becoming more inclusive and less competitive and are stepping away from using exclusivity as a point of pride. Instead, they are pushing for student success and removing barriers to graduation.

How an Attorney Advisor Can Help

This shift to new language is a positive step towards inclusivity and the removal of stereotypes, but academic notice is still, in structure and form, academic probation. Both are subject to potentially subject to disciplinary proceedings and should be avoided unless dismissal from the university is the only other option.

Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have years of experience helping students in a similar situation navigate their options. They will work around the clock to ensure academic probation or academic notice does not follow you from college into your future careers. Additionally, they will endeavor to mitigate any other negative consequences that may occur when you are placed on academic probation – like loss of privileges, curfews, or suspension.

Working with an attorney is the only way to guarantee your reputation and prospects are left intact, no matter the terminology used to place you on academic probation. Call 888-535-3686 today or schedule a consultation online. Lento Law Firm can help.