Ruh Roh!! I'm on Probation/Suspension....

You get this letter in the mail that says......

 

You have been placed on Academic Probation or Suspension.

 

What????

 

What does it mean?
To some extent, the college does want you to succeed and do well with your studies towards a degree. Most professors want their students to understand and enjoy the learning process. But, also there is this: Colleges want to be able to point to their completion rate, frankly, and they prefer not to have students who don't care about their education and/or who are doing failing work. Here is Anoka-Ramsey's policy regarding being in good standing academically, from the website: https://www.anokaramsey.edu/about-us/policies-disclosures/policies-procedures/policy-2c1-satisfactory-academic-progress/  If you scroll down you will see the policy regarding suspension.

You are placed on probation or suspension based on both your grades and how many courses you have completed (completion rate). If your GPA is less than 2.0 (C average), you may be placed on probation.


How to avoid it in the first place:

• Be careful not to over-schedule yourself between classes, work, and other activities.
• Track how you're doing: Ask your instructors about your grades at least by mid-term or earlier. You probably know which ones you are struggling with, but it doesn't hurt to check on each class just to be sure-you may be doing better or worse than you think. Make note of your instructors' office hours so you know when you can meet with them.
• If you need some help with tutoring, visit the Academic Support Center and get scheduled with a tutor. Be clear on what you don't understand or need help with.
• Don't try to 'fake' your way through a class.
• Don't assume your class will get you an 'Easy A.'
• Ask your TRIO advisor what you can do to stay afloat.
• Are you putting in enough hours of study? Are you organized? Do you get enough sleep? Are you eating well? Be sure you're doing everything you can to succeed.
• If you are truly struggling, ask your advisor if you should drop the course rather than stay in and possible get an F for your grade. That will stay on your transcript until you re-take the course and get a better grade. However, don't drop a course without checking with your advisor. It can affect your financial aid status.

You will receive a letter from the college if they are placing you on probation. There is at least one form to fill out in order to appeal. Ask your TRIO advisor to assist you with it.

Things the appeals committee might ask, in person or in writing:

• What happened to cause you to be on probation or suspension?
• How has this situation changed, or how have you become better able to handle it?
• What kind of support do you have to pursue your education?
• What will you do if this same stress continues or shows up again?
• Why should we take a chance on you? 

Whether you're talking in person to the appeals folks, or writing a letter to explain your situation, remember these tips:

• Prepare: know what you're going to say, and do your best to be organized with your thoughts.
• If in person, be sure you appear dressed like this meeting means something, because it does.
• Be honest. What happened that sidetracked you?
• Include details. Instead of "It just got to be too much," add that it was because you had a death in your family, or your car conked out and you had no way to get to school reliably, or you broke your leg and couldn't get around as well.
• Tell them how you plan to do better if you get another chance. Have a real plan: I will use my time better. I have transportation all lined up and a back-up person as well. I am dealing much better with my home situation now, and school is my absolute priority.
• Be polite and mature as you write or interact.

 

 

 It doesn't have to be the end of your college education. You can do it!

 

https://www.thoughtco.com/academic-dismissal-appeal-questions-786222