Probation FAQ
Below is a list of common questions from students concerning Academic Probation. Click on the question to follow the link to an answer.
- What impact does being on Academic Probation have for me?
- How is Academic Probation determined?
- How do I get off Academic Probation?
- Will I be dismissed from school if I spend more than one semester on Academic Probation?
- Why does SJC have a Puma Pulse program?
- How successful is the Puma Pulse program?
- What if I fail to complete the Puma Pulse program?
What impact does being on Academic Probation have for me?
Students can be dismissed from SJC for academic reasons if a student's grade point average (GPA) falls below 1.000 in a single semester or if a student's cumulative GPA drops 1.500 points below the previous semester's GPA. In addition, most students are required to have a 2.000 GPA in Core, their major and their minor to be eligible to graduate, while student teachers must have a 2.75 in their major. So, the two biggest impacts of being on probation are that a student may be dismissed by the College, or his or her graduation date may be post-poned. Just as importantly, probationary status impacts both a student's eligibility for financial aid at many levels and his or her eligibility to play on an athletic team. It is important that a student be aware of how and to what extent eligibility is affected.
How is Academic Probation determined?
Students are placed on academic probation at the end of a semester if: a student's cumulative GPA falls below the minimum levels set by the university, if his/her GPA drops below 1.000 in a single semester, or if his/her GPA falls 1.500 points from the previous semester's GPA. Freshmen and sophomores must maintain a minimum 1.800 cumulative GPA, juniors must maintain a 1.900 cumulative GPA, and seniors must maintain a 2.000 cumulative GPA.
How do I get off Academic Probation?
In order to get off academic probation a student must raise his or her cumulative GPA to the minimum level required by the College. Grades from summer semester classes do affect a student's GPA. Therefore it is possible for a student to raise his or her cumulative GPA sufficiently between the end of the spring semester and the beginning of the fall semester to remove him or herself from probation.
Will I be dismissed from the College if I spend more than one semester on probation?
Not necessarily. Students can remain on probation for multiple semesters without being dismissed if their semester's GPA does not fall below the minimum set by the College, or if their cumulative GPA reflects sufficient progress towards good standing. However, the longer a student remains on probation, the greater the likelihood he or she will be dismissed due to insufficient grades.
Why does SJC have a Puma Pulse program?
Students come to Educational Support Services and SJC because they want to explore what major may be right for them, earn their degrees, and better themselves and their communities. No one wants to be on probation or dismissed from the College. We at Educational Support Services want all students to be successful, and we have designed the Puma Pulse program to help students improve their academic performance and to get off academic probation.
How Successful Is the Puma Pulse Program?
Puma Pulse is a relatively new program, and statistics on its impact are still being gathered and analyzed. There is significant anecdotal evidence to suggest that students who participate in the Puma Pulse program are more likely to improve their grades and remove themselves from probation than students who don't.
What if I fail to complete the Puma Pulse program?
You will not be allowed to register for future semesters during the first week of registration until you meet with the program's Director and sufficient progress is made toward improvement. Faculty advisors are aware of this requirement.
