1. Southeast Technical Institute Spring 2012

2. What is Academic Warning? Our opportunity to meet with you to: discuss and explain: Financial Aid Warning and Suspension STI Graduation Requirements Loans and Grants discuss your class schedule and suggest changes inform you about how STI can help you succeed offer tips on how you can be more successful in your classes

3. Why am I required to take this course? You are not alone – 30% of STI’s 1 st year students find themselves on warning after their 1 st semester Statistics nationally & at STI indicate that without additional support, students on FA warning/academic probation are less likely to succeed in their following semester and less likely to continue school if suspended This course has been designed to offer you that support

4. Course Requirements This course will not count as part of your credits for determining FA eligibility. Therefore, you will need to have 14 credits for full time status, 11 credits for ¾ status and 8 credits for part time status. The course is required. You cannot drop the course unless you decided to terminate your enrollment at STI. Attendance is required – if you miss more than 3 class periods you will not pass the course. Failure to meet the course requirements will be considered as an “unofficial” withdrawal from STI & all of your other courses will be dropped for the semester.

5. Financial Aid Warning This is a warning, not a suspension You are still eligible for financial aid this semester You must complete this semester with the following: 2.0 Semester GPA AND Successful Completion of 67% of your credit hours Meets 67% requirement: 7 of 9 credits, 9 of 12 credits, 11 of 16 credits, 13 of 18 credits DOES NOT MEET 67% requirement: 6 of 9 credits, 8 of 12 credits, 10 of 16 credits, 12 of 18 credits

6. What is Successful 67% Completion? A, B, C grades are successful completion D grades in courses that allow D grades are successful completion Withdrawing (W) grades are NOT successful completion Incomplete (I) and Failing (F) grades are NOT successful completion. D grades in courses requiring C or better grades are NOT Successful Completion Incompletes can become successful grades, but financial aid cannot count them as successful until the successful grade is received.

7. DON’T FORGET THE 2.0 gpa SEMESTER REQUIREMENT AND 67% successful completion rate BOTH must be satisfied!

8. GI Bill Students on the GI bill face suspension of benefits. Students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA Failing grades and withdraws must be reported to the VA See Mark Weinmann in the Business Office (MC 204) for more information.

9. Financial Aid Suspension Students not meeting the Financial Aid Warning requirements (semester 2.0 gpa and 67% completion) will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension. Students on Financial Aid Suspension cannot receive financial aid.

10. Removal from Suspension What can I do if I am on Financial Aid Suspension? 1. Pay on your own and successfully complete a minimum of six (6) credits within one semester. (See the Business Office for Payment Plan Options) 2. Appeal the suspension, and if granted, you may be moved back to Financial Aid Warning Appeals must be for major extenuating circumstances Appeals are generally denied – don’t expect to have it granted Students are limited to a one-time-only suspension appeal

11. Graduation Requirements STI requires graduates to have a 2.0 cumulative gpa in order to graduate. When a course is retaken, the highest grade is calculated in the gpa. The lower grade is “forgiven”. (Contact Student Success for more info.) Students changing majors or students who have taken courses outside of their major may opt to have any “D” or “F” grades not required of their major removed from the cumulative gpa calculation. Student must first successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits in the new major Student must petition with the Registrar for removal of grades Exempted courses will still remain on the transcript but will not be in the cumulative gpa calculation Financial Aid will still include the exempted classes in their gpa calculations

12. Loans and Grants What is Federal Financial Aid? Grants – funds that do not require repayment Loans – funds that require repayment with interest Work Study – funds paid to the student for student employment on campus POINT: If you are receiving LOANS, you will be required to pay them back, regardless of whether you pass or fail your courses, complete your program, or like your program!

13. Class Schedule Suggestions Here are some suggestions regarding your class schedule: Reduce your credit load when possible. Take a maximum of 14 credits for full time 8 to 11 credits for part time (you do not have to be full time to get financial aid) Retake failed courses first (if you believe you can now pass them). Improves your GPA faster Books may already be purchased Take “easier courses” first when possible. Think about your skills and what classes you have passed or enjoyed in the past and take these first Ask Student Success staff or your Academic (Program) Advisor for suggestions

14. STI Support Services Let us help you! Tutoring services Library services Nontraditional Students Disability services Personal Counseling Academic Advisors Student Success Advisors Job Placement Coordinator

15. Tips to Being Successful Gut check – Ask yourself “Am I in the right program?” Strengths – Use your strengths! What have you been successful at before and how can you use that to be successful now? Barriers – Find the barriers that are keeping you from being successful and minimize them.

16. Tips to Being Successful Build a better routine Set aside study hours Study when you are “fresh” and your mind is ready, not just before bed Study during the day – between classes, during breaks, etc. Work with others and hold each other accountable Keep your instructors informed if you have concerns or unable to attend class

17. Tips to Being Successful # 1 tip for being successful? Never Ever Miss Classes Be in class every possible day that you can!

18. Questions? Journal Next week