Academic probation and suspension
Don't let your academic past determine your academic future
In the realm of academics, GPA matters for more than simply passing or failing classes. In fact, many different aspects of a student’s college career can be affected by suffering grades, including various forms of financial aid, academic probation, and even the eligibility to attend classes.
For communications student Theresa Barry, the shadow of educational history loomed over her for many years, and made for a difficult time when she decided to return to school. “I was placed on academic suspension in 1980 because I didn’t receive a GPA of at least 2.0,” Barry said.
Students at UCC are required to meet an accumulated GPA of 2.00, or a C average, in order to continue attending classes at the college. The accumulated GPA is calculated by taking the average of all credit hours for which a student has been graded, rather than by a single term. A student’s GPA is affected by both high and low scores, and too many failed classes can result in an overall drop in the score.
The students who fail to meet this standard are placed into what is called academic probation. This probationary period warns that a student’s progress toward an educational goal, such as a degree or certificate, has been unsatisfactory and that their GPA has dropped below the minimum requirement.
If students remain on academic probation for two consecutive terms, then they are to be automatically suspended from attending classes. While academic suspension is disruptive enough to one’s educational goals, the process for re-admission is not as simple as just enrolling for classes again.
Academic suspension can eventually be lifted; however, only after a student has completed one of four options as stated in UCC’s catalog. The options include part-time attendance, leaving school for one academic year, speaking with the Director of Advising and Counseling and submitting an appeal, or bringing the accumulative GPA to 2.00 or higher.
"The hearing was very intimidating" — Theresa Barry
Barry reflects on her experience with a sense of chagrin. She met with Caroline Hopkins, student support services TRIO director, who helped with the necessary paperwork, and then went on to meet with the Director of Advising. “[The hearing] was very intimidating,” Barry said, describing the assembly of school officials gathered within the library of the Southern Oregon Wine Institute.
The best option for most students, of course, is to take steps to avoid academic probation altogether. “The fastest way to correct a faltering GPA is to repeat a failed course,” Brenna Hobbs, assistant registrar of registration and records, said. “When grades are rolled and the GPA is calculated at the end of the term, the system will include the higher passing grade and exclude the failing grade in your GPA calculation. Both attempts will remain on the transcript.”
In conjunction with repeating failed courses, students are also welcome to utilize facilities such as the Success Center in the Educational Services Building, and the tutoring services offered, if they feel as though they are struggling in a certain subject.
More information regarding academic probation, suspension, and the options for those students who have been suspended, can be found on page 19 of UCC’s class catalog, available in the Campus Center and the Welcome Center.