Probation rules clarified
by Jeni Bridges, Reporter

   Many students are put on academic probation every semester without knowing what it actually means, college officials report.
   A student is considered on academic probation when his cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0, which is considered a “C” average. A student is then placed on a probationary long semester, Susie Carranza, academic advisor for NE Campus, said.
   If grades do not improve over that probationary period, the student is put on suspension for one long semester, meaning no classes can be taken at that time.
   If there is no improvement after the semester-long suspension, the student is then placed on another suspension of 12 months.
   “When a student obtains a third suspension, he goes into dismissal,” she said. “The student sits out a full year. In order to return, he’d have to meet with the registrar on the campus where the dismissal occurred.”
   Approximately 8 percent of all students actually go on academic probation, Carranza said.
   “About 30 percent of students on probation are not aware they are on probation,” Shelly Cavin, coordinator of special services for NW Campus, said.
   “At least 1,200 letters are sent out each semester on NE Campus prior to the last day to drop, notifying students that they are on probation. Students can get advisement and see what’s going on,” she said.
   Factors leading to low grades that result in academic probation include frequent absences from class, the amount of coursework taken and the work schedule.
   “If a student has a heavy work and school schedule, that can lead to problems,” Carranza said.
   Cavin agreed and offered suggestions.
   “Turning in assignments on time, studying with a classmate and talking with your instructor are great ways to avoid a probationary situation,” she said.
   Another factor is not taking advantage of the tutoring resources available from the counseling center, Carranza said.
   If a student finds himself in a probationary status, the first thing to do is visit the counseling center and formulate a plan to improve the GPA, Carranza said.
   “The counseling center offers workshops on study skills, biofeedback for students with test anxiety, degree planning and personal counseling. Many times a degree plan helps students see a light at the end of the tunnel,” Cavin said.
   For more information, contact the counseling center on any campus and talk to any counselor or academic advisor.