Pursuing a college or university degree is no easy task. Sometimes personal health, social circumstances, and the pressure to succeed academically can mean grades slipping and students finding themselves on academic probation. A student may think all that needs to happen is to do “better,” but academic probation has many facets that a student must follow, or they may have to separate from the school.

What Is Academic Probation?

Colleges and universities define academic probation as not achieving “satisfactory academic progress.” Each institution may establish its policy on what constitutes satisfactory academic progress, including specific criteria for minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) and credit load requirements, but schools tend to have similar definitions.

For example, “good academic standing” at the University of Pittsburgh means students must maintain a cumulative GPA and term GPA of 2.0 or above for each term of enrollment and complete a minimum of 12 credits during those terms. Washington State University also requires its undergraduate students to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, but requires a credit load of 15 hours and has no term GPA minimum threshold.

Reasons Students May Fail Academically

• Difficult adjustment to unfamiliar college life
• Poor course selection, challenging course load
• Unsuitable study habits
• Failure to utilize academic support systems
• Family, financial, physical, or mental health issues

In general, students are placed under academic probation after earning a term GPA below a 2.0 over two consecutive terms or have one semester below a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Nevertheless, each college and university has its own guidelines listed in their academic regulations or department or program degree requirements.

Probationary Obligations

• Pass a specified number of credits
• Raise either cumulative or term GPA or both (determined by the school)
• Meet with academic advisors during the probationary period
• Creating a detailed plan for a path towards good academic standing

Students that don't improve their academic standing by meeting or making evident progress toward their school's eligibility criteria may be subject to separation from the school for a period of time. While this varies by school, students are often forced to leave their studies for at least one year, which can cause academic and financial hardship.

Appealing Academic Probation

Schools routinely offer students the right to challenge and appeal academic probation and generally require the student and student's advocate to make a convincing presentation to the appeal officer or panel within the time the appeal rules require. Stressful situations and extenuating circumstances may mean you can fight against the school's actions and avoid academic probation. Yet, effective appeals can, in many cases, require the skills of an attorney.

Don't just accept academic probation as your fate and fail to overcome it. Students have an attorney available to them with the knowledge, skills, and experience to help discern their best path for getting back in good standing. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have helped hundreds of students across the United States regain good academic standing and help them get their education back on track. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to understand how an expert team can help you.