Online Probation Workshop:101 UCA Academic Advising Center Aniaya Henderson

UCA’s Definition of Good Academic Standing A student who is not on probation or suspension is considered to be in good academic standing. Evaluation of academic standing for all sessions of a term will occur at the end of each term (fall, spring, and summer). All standards with respect to good standing, alert, probation, and suspension, are binding and are not, therefore, subject to appeal. These standards apply to all degree-seeking undergraduate students. It also applies to non-degree or undeclared students. Only courses that count for undergraduate degree credit will be used to compute the grade point average for consideration of good standing, alert, probation, and/or suspension. “Term grade point average” refers to the grade point average for an entire fall, spring, or summer term. A student enrolled in Transitional Studies (UNIV) and Intensive English Program (IEP) courses will also be subject to the retention policies of the University College and/or Intensive English Program.

What is academic probation? A student is placed on academic probation whenever their cumulative grade point average is less than 2.0. A student will be removed from academic probation whenever their cumulative grade point average is at least a 2.0.

How long does probation last? You will be removed from academic probation when your semester grade point average equals or exceeds 2.0 AND your cumulative grade point average equals or exceeds 2.0. Probation can last several semesters, but only if you meet the criteria to stay in school.

you can continue to enroll at UCA. As long as you earn a 2.0 or better semester GPA, you can continue to enroll at UCA. YOU WILL be ON PROBATION AS LONG AS YOU CAN ACHIEVE A 2.0 for the current semester. It may take several semesters to raise your cumulative GPA to a 2.0, depending on how may hours of credit you have earned. For juniors and seniors on probation, it can take two- three full time semesters to raise your cumulative GPA to a 2.0.

Academic probation can have an adverse effect on your academic career. Probation may delay graduation. The minimum GPA to graduate at UCA is a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Depending on your major, it could be must higher . Probation limits access to majors and programs. Depending on your program, your major may require a specific GPA to apply, be admitted, or even graduate. If you are thinking about a graduate program, you GPA can hinder you applying to graduate school and can omit you from some graduate program. Probation will affect your financial aid. Academic progress is typically linked with the status of financial aid. Scholarships and FAFSA have specific hour and GPA requirements for funding to be dispersed. If you have already signed a contract or appeal, not meeting your required GPA can cause your Financial Aid to stop. Dropping classes can also effect your contract/appeal. Probation can result in academic suspension. Students that do not meet the required 2.0 GPA while on probation may have to sit out for two semesters, one academic year, or even be expelled.

What is academic suspension? If you are suspended, you may not take classes at UCA. A student on suspension from UCA may apply for readmission under the Schedule of Readmission following academic suspension. A student suspended from UCA who earns academic credit from another accredited college or university, as defined by the Undergraduate Bulletin in Admission to the University Section [7] Transfer of Credit, during the period of suspension may, if the course is transferable, receive credit for the course at UCA when readmitted. A course is transferable if it is identified as transferable to UCA in the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) and meets a requirement for a degree at UCA. Courses not part of ACTS may be evaluated by the appropriate academic department chairperson for transferability.

How does suspension work? First academic suspension will be for two consecutive terms (including summer). A student on first academic suspension may, if eligible and accepted, continue at UCA through the UCAN (Unlocking College Academics Now) Program with the status “continued on academic probation.” A student who successfully completes the UCAN Program may enroll for the subsequent term, but will remain on probation if his/her cumulative grade point average is less than 2.0. A student who does not successfully complete the UCAN Program in any term (including summer) will be on first academic suspension for the subsequent two consecutive terms. Second-academic suspension will be for one calendar year. Third academic suspension will be academic dismissal. Students academically dismissed from UCA cannot be readmitted unless they are granted academic clemency under the provisions listed in the Undergraduate Bulletin.* *Read more about suspension in the Undergraduate Bulletin http://uca.edu/ubulletin/general-policies-information/academic-records/ You can read more about academic suspension in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

How will I know I am on suspension? If you do not earn a 2.0 semester grade point average AND your cumulative GPA does not meet the hours requirement listed in the following chart, you may be suspended from the university. http://uca.edu/ubulletin/general-policies- information/academic-records/

Minimum GPA Requirements Semester Hours Attempted Minimum Cumulative GPA 1 – 30 1.70 31 – 59 1.85 60 or more 2.00 IF you do not earn a 2.0 semester grade point average and your cumulative GPA does not meet the hours requirement listed in the following chart, you may be academically suspended. If you have attempted from 1 to 30 hours, you must have a minimum 1.70 overall GPA or you will be suspended. If you have attempted from 31 to 59 hours, you must have a minimum 1.85 overall GPA or you will be suspended. If you have attempted 60 hours or more, you must have an overall 2.0 GPA or you will be suspended.

If you are on probation and taking any transitional classes, you will need to pay attention to the Transitional Course Completion Policy. It is the policy of the University of Central Arkansas and the State of Arkansas that any student who is required to complete transitional course work in reading, writing, or mathematics must complete all courses required for remediation within the first 30 credit hours enrolled at UCA, including the transitional course hours, with a grade of C or higher.. Unsuccessful attempts are those that result in a grade of D, F, W, WP, or WF. Failure to complete the required course(s) within the first 30 hours will result in transitional suspension from UCA. Transitional courses do not count toward your Undergraduate GPA Transitional courses include: Foundation of Literacy, Progressive math, Intermediate Algebra, Transitional Writing, University Studies, Foundations of Quantitative Literacy /College Algebara. Any UNIV course is a transitional course. https://uca.edu/ubulletin/colleges-departments-programs/other-academic-units/university- college/ If you are on probation and are taking any transitional classes, pay attention to the Three Strikes Policy . Even if you earn an overall 2.0 or better, if after three attempts you don’t earn a “C” or better in your transitional courses, you cannot enroll at UCA. The three strikes policy states: If after thee attempts, a student has not earned a “C” or better for these classes, that student will not be allowed to enroll at UCA.

Probation Myths You cannot drop courses while you are on probation. Probation status does not restrict students from dropping a course, however, you may need a certain amount of hours to raise your GPA to your goal in one semester. However, you may want to check with Financial Aid regarding you it will be effected by your decrease in course hours. You may not change or declare your major while you are on probation. Some programs require a 2.0 in major courses, some programs have a 3.0 or above requirement due to applications. You may be able to declare, but not enter the program until you have reached a certain GPA. You won’t be eligible for financial aid if you are on probation. Financial Aid and Academic probation can effect each other, but are still different requirements. Students can be on financial aid suspension and still be academically fine. You may not apply for graduation if you are on probation. Students can apply for gradation with a less than a 2.0 GPA, but can refused graduation due to their GPA being below a 2.0.

Step 1: Answer YOUR question, “How did I end up on probation?” Academics? Personal/family issues? Health issues? No major/wrong major? Finances? Poor time management? A combination of reasons?

Step 2: Get help: Use your available resources. Instructors Advisor Counseling Disability Support Services Student Health Services Career Services Minority Services

Step 3: Make sure you are in the right major. If you don’t have a major, find one. If you are unhappy with your major; or if you are in the “wrong” major, find a new major. Academic Maps: https://uca.edu/academicmaps/academic-program-guide-2016-2017/ Change your Major/Minor: https://uca.edu/advising/majorminoradvisor-changes/ Use Career Services to help you solve these major problems. Check them out at Career Services office in Bernard Hall or online http://uca.edu/career/

Step 4: Take advantage of available academic tools and resources. Tutoring: https://uca.edu/success/ Online study sites: http://uca.edu/writingcenter/quick-help/ Torreyson Library: http://uca.edu/library/ Academic Calendar: https://uca.edu/registrar/academic-calendar/

academic tools and resources… Undergraduate Bulletin: https://uca.edu/ubulletin/ GPA Calculator: https://uca.edu/advising/gpa-calculator/ Cub Mail: Make sure you are checking your UCA email regularly. Important deadlines and events are emailed out to every student.

Step 5: Take care of business. Attend class. Did you go to class everyday? Do you now? Do you know the absence policy for each class? Manage your time. Do have a study time? If you work, how are balancing both school and your job? Do you need to adjust your work schedule? Make sure you have the textbook and supplies needed for your classes. Did you wait to buy books late? Did you buy the book at all? Did you use the book? Did you know that you can request a ONE-time emergency fund for books? Make sure you know the class syllabus for each of your classes. Did you plan ahead of upcoming tests and quizzes listed in your syllabus? Did you pay attention to the points of your projects? Did you ever talk to your teacher during the office hours listed on the syllabus when you had a problem or concern?

Take care of business… Study well. How many hours a week do you study? A regular study time can allow you to have a routine and create a rhythm of studying so that your mind/attention is use to being ready to study. Register on time, and make sure you are in the correct classes. Registering on time can make a huge impact on your next semester. Each semester advance registration is offered to help you create a more ideal schedule. Do you know which classes you need for major? Taking the wrong class can sometimes effect your progress towards graduation. It can also cause you to waste money and take a class that you are not interested in. Take care of any “X” grades that you have. An X grade is not computed in the grade point average. One calendar year is the maximum time allowed for removal of an X grade except in individual study courses and theses. If one year passes and the X has not been removed, the grade will be changed automatically to an F. An individual instructor may specify a shorter period for removal of an X. The instructor is required to state in writing the requirements for removing the grade of X at the time it is assigned. Failure of the student to meet these requirements may result in the X becoming an F. A student may not re-enroll in a course for which an X is in effect.

Step 6:Protect your grade point. Use grade forgiveness. Students have an option to use Grade Forgiveness for up-to FOUR courses in which a D, F, or WF was received. With grade forgiveness, if you are retaking a course, you can have your GPA recalculated based on the new grade received. This can boost you GPA quickly! Consider dropping classes. Pay attention to “W, WP/WF deadlines. Every semester, students have a time frame to drop a class they are currently enrolled. To drop a class, you must complete the appropriate form. Dropping a class can effect your progress and your Financial Aid. Consider withdrawing for the semester. Some students may have to drop all of their classes during a semester due to personal, health, or other issues. Students can withdraw and return for the next semester without any interruption. Some students choose this option if they feel they can not bring their grades up or cannot focus due to other responsibilities. Pay attention to Deadlines : Check the Academic Calendar. Also, if you have any type of aid (VA, scholarships, loans, grants..etc) check with Financial Aid.

Now it’s up to you… Identify your academic problems. Use your resources to deal with those problems. Make sure you are in the right major. Link to the Academic Maps: https://uca.edu/academicmaps/academic-program-guide-2016-2017/ Take care of business. Protect your grade point. Finish the job.

Probation Online Verification Form https://uca.edu/web/forms/view.php?id=104" Probation Online Verification Form To receive credit for completion of the online probation workshop, you must complete the “Online Probation Verification Form” via the link Below: Verification form