Inside Iowa State

Oct. 20, 2006

Spring semester brings new academic probation policy

by Erin Rosacker

January not only marks the beginning of a new year, but also the implementation of a new undergraduate academic probation policy. The policy, which was approved by the undergraduate colleges and the Faculty Senate, sets campus-wide academic standards and procedures that help identify students who are struggling academically -- putting them in touch with the people and resources they need to help them succeed.

"The fundamental idea behind this is to provide an earlier warning to students who might be headed for academic difficulty and to essentially require those students to interact with advisers so they become more aware of the alternatives that might be available to them," said Dave Holger, associate provost for academic programs.

Upperclassmen aren't the only ones who might need help. The new policy applies to all undergraduates. Students are monitored each semester, excluding summer sessions. They are placed on warning if their semester GPA falls between 1.00 and 1.99, and put on probation if they earn a semester GPA under 1.00. In addition, students with at least 75 credits must keep their cumulative GPAs at a minimum of 2.00 to avoid academic probation.

Any student on academic probation must earn at least a 2.00 GPA the following semester to avoid dismissal from the university. Students on warning must meet that mark to avoid probation status.

Getting the word out

Students placed on warning or probation receive an e-mail, and possibly a hard copy letter, notifying them of their status. A follow-up e-mail is sent at the beginning of the next semester. They are instructed to log on to their AccessPlus account -- which is updated with their status as soon as grades are posted -- and review their next steps. These include filling out a Web-based self-assessment and setting up a meeting with their advisers within the first 10 class days of the next semester to create an action plan.

If students fail to complete these steps, a stop on their account prevents them from registering for future semesters. After the 20th class day of the semester, university "intervention" is initiated for students who still have not completed the assessment and visited their advisers. At this point, Jill Kramer, learning enhancement coordinator in the Academic Success Center, coordinates the intervention plan with students, advisers and other resources.

"Our goal for the intervention is to make students aware of the resources that we have around campus -- like the Academic Success Center and their advisers -- and, most importantly, to build stronger relationships with these students," Kramer said. "We want to help students get back on track academically."

An implementation committee has been conducting campus educational sessions about the policy changes.

The University Academic Advising Committee is sponsoring forums on Oct. 23 (4:10-5 p.m.) and Nov. 15 (10-10:50 a.m.) in 205 Carver. Groups can schedule presentations by contacting committee co-chairs Jane Jacobson, Kramer or Dayle Nickerson. Information also is available online.

A new undergraduate academic probation policy takes effect next semester. The policy changes include earlier identification of struggling students and an intervention system that puts them in touch with resources for success.

"The fundamental idea behind this is to provide an earlier warning to students who might be headed for academic difficulty and to essentially require those students to interact with advisers so they become more aware of the alternatives that might be available to them."

Dave Holger, associate provost for academic programs.