Academic Standing

What is Academic Warning, Probation, and Suspension?

If your cumulative GPA drops below the good standing requirement, (click here to see your unit's requirements) you will be placed on academic warning. Following an academic warning, if you do not meet the specified GPA requirements, you will be placed on academic probation. You will be placed on academic suspension if your GPA still does not meet the GPA requirements following probation. You will receive an email notification when you have been placed on academic warning, probation, or suspension.

What happens if you are placed on Academic Warning, Probation, or Suspension?

It is strongly recommended that students placed on academic warning or probation meet with an academic advisor. Depending on the academic unit, you may be subject to course load limitations and/or be placed on an advising hold, meaning that you will not be able to register for the next term until you meet with an academic advisor. Click here to view the advising requirements for your unit.

These consequences should not be viewed negatively. In fact, advising holds and course load limitations are intended to help students. It is possible for students in academic distress to return to good standing; however, the earlier the student addresses the issues preventing academic success, the easier it is to return to good standing.

Academic advisors are ready and willing to provide guidance for you to achieve academic success. Advisors can help you identify the obstacles that are preventing you from being in good academic standing and help you find solutions to those obstacles. Click here for advisor contact information.

Common Causes of Academic Warning, Probation, and Suspension

  • Poor study skills (procrastination, test taking skills, note taking skills, concentration issues)
  • Poor time management (balancing social activities, school, work, and family)
  • Personal issues (depression, family illness, adjustment issues, financial issues, child care)
  • Poor class attendance

Balancing School & Work

  • Academic advisors understand the expenses associated with higher education. Many undergraduate students must work.
  • It is extremely important to balance the responsibilities of both your coursework and job. Unfortunately, many students work too many hours while taking a full course load and end up missing class. If you are failing a class because you are working too much, you should think about taking out a student loan or reducing your course load. Financial aid counselors are ready to assist you in finding the best solution.

Self-Quiz

If you answer "NO" to any of the questions below, you should think about the impact the issue has on your academic performance.

  • Do you spend approximately two hours a week on class work per credit hour (not including time spent in class lecture)? For example, a student taking a three credit hour class should spend approximately six hours per week studying (just for that class alone).
  • Do you review your notes before and after each class?
  • Do you ask questions and actively participate in class?
  • Do you spend several days studying for exams?
  • Do you check Blackboard and your U of L email account on a regular basis?

Resouces for Students in Academic Distress