Academic Probation Information 

The academic probation program is centered on those students that have failed to attain or maintain appropriate academic performance.  This program encompasses those students entering the university on “Conditional Admission”, below a 20 ACT score or those “Probation” students that have not met the universities minimum standard for overall GPA for their academic level.

Academic Probation

Academic Probation is the status of a student whose academic performance is below minimal standards.  After grades are posted, the student, advisor, and Registrar will be notified of the student’s placement on Probation I, Probation II, or Academic Suspension.

A student will be placed on Probation I when the following requirements are not satisfied:

Cumulative GPA of 1.700                                                                                                     0 – 28.5 semester hours

Cumulative GPA of 1.800                                                                                                  29 – 58.5 semester hours

Cumulative GPA of 1.900                                                                                                  59 – 88.5 semester hours

Cumulative GPA of 2.000                                                                                        89 – and above semester hours

A part-time student who does not meet the above minimal standards will be placed on Probation I when the attempted hours reach the equivalent of a full load (12 hours).

A student on Probation I status whose semester GPA is less than 2.000 or who does not raise the cumulative GPA to meet the above minimal standards will be placed on Probation II.  A part-time student on Probation I status whose semester GPA is less than 2.000 or whose cumulative GPA does not meet the above minimal standards after the next 12 hours will be placed on Probation II.

A student on Probation II status whose semester GPA is less than 2.000 or who does not raise the cumulative GPA to meet the above minimal standards will be placed on Academic Suspension.  A part-time student who is on Probation II status whose semester GPA is less than 2.000 or whose cumulative GPA does not meet the above minimal standards after the next 12 hours will be placed on Academic Suspension.

While on Academic Suspension, a student may not earn credit to be transferred to Ouachita.

After being placed on Academic Suspension status, a student may apply for readmission following a lapse of at least one regular semester.  At the Deans’ Council’s discretion, a student on Probation II whose semester work would result in Academic Suspension may be considered for immediate readmission if the student has attempted 89 or more semester hours and makes a semester GPA of 2.000 or better.  In all cases, written application to the Deans’ Council for readmission must state reasons for desiring reinstatement and plans for remedying academic deficiencies.

A student who has been suspended for academic reasons and readmitted to the University will be placed on Probation II status.

Freshmen entering on Conditional Admission I and students placed on Probation I must complete a diagnostic reading examination and, if examination results so indicate, enroll in ASKL 1031 Fundamentals of Reading or ASKL 1041 Developmental Reading.  A student entering on Conditional Admission I must enroll in ASKL 1011 Transition Seminar.  The academic load of a student on Conditional Admission I, Conditional Admission II, Probation I, or Probation II must not exceed 14.5 hours, except by permission of the Coordinator of Academic Services.  The student’s program of study should help that student attain regular academic status.

A student on Probation I, as a condition of registration, shall have passed or be enrolled in ASKL 2001 Success Seminar and repeat such courses with D or F grades that will contribute most to the requirements of a degree.  A student may repeat a course in which a D or F has been previously recorded.  The second and any succeeding grades will be used to calculate the GPA.

A student on Probation II or Conditional Admission II, as a condition of registration, shall have passed or be enrolled in ASKL 2001 Success Seminar, repeat such courses with D or F grades that will contribute most to the requirements of a degree and sign a contract of participation in the Student Retention Program.  A student’s failure to honor the contract will be grounds for being asked to withdraw from school.

Regaining Regular Academic Status

A student on Conditional Admission I may attain regular academic status by meeting the minimum cumulative GPA requirements for the number of hours attempted as stated above.

A student on Conditional Admission II, Probation I or Probation II may attain regular academic status by meeting the following conditions:

1.  Achieve a semester GPA of 2.000 AND raise the cumulative GPA to meet the minimal standard as stated above.  For the purpose of attaining regular academic status, the GPA will be calculated at the end of the fall and spring semesters and the second summer term.

2.  Maintain a minimum course load of 12 semester hours during the semester or 9 semester hours during the summer terms if a full-time student, or accumulate attempted hours equal to a full-time load (12 hours) if a part-time student.

Academic Appeals

Any student seeking an exception to academic policy may petition the Deans’ Council.  Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.  The Deans’ Council will notify the student in writing of its decision.  Referrals or appeals from the Deans’ Council to the President must be made in writing, with all pertinent records and reports included.  No appeal will be considered until all materials are furnished.  The President’s response to the referral/appeal will be made in writing to the student, with copies to members of the Deans’ Council, Registrar, and Vice President for Academic Affairs.