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Academic Probation Policy Frequently Asked Questions:

What ate the objectives for the Academic Standards Policy?

The Academic Probation Policy was established to provide a comprehensive, unified policy that would meet the following objectives:

• Maintain the integrity of Iowa State University baccalaureate degrees;
• Identify and alert students who are not making satisfactory academic progress;
• Assist students on academic probation to be successful by providing them with interventions at the earliest point possible;
• Comply with requirements for financial aid disbursement;
• Academically dismiss students who fail to make satisfactory academic progress in a timely manner;
• Provide a second chance (reinstatement), thus giving students the opportunity to demonstrate change.

What is the Academic Probation Policy?

The policy has two levels – academic warning and academic probation.  The semester grade point average (GPA) at the end of every fall and spring semester determines the academic status for all students.  A semester GPA of less than a 2.00 will result in academic warning (W), probation (P), or dismissal depending on the status at the beginning of that semester.  The policy also requires students who have attempted or earned 75 credits or more to maintain a cumulative GPA of a 2.00.  A cumulative GPA of less than a 2.00 will place the student on probation (P). 

The following website (AP at a glance) provides complete definitions, interventions, and outcomes of the new policy (www.iastate.edu/~catalog/ap-glance.pdf).

What is the history of the policy?

An Iowa State University task force developed the policy in 2006 to provide early intervention for students who are not making satisfactory progress. In addition, all of the undergraduate colleges will now use the same academic standards. The new policy is also consistent with the Student Financial Aid requirements for satisfactory progress.

When does the policy take effect?

January 2007.

Does this policy affect all students?

This policy affects all undergraduate students.

Academic status for students returning to the university in Spring 2007 or later will be determined by their grades the last semester they attended Iowa State University.

What are the two levels of academic probation before dismissal from the university?

Academic Warning (W): issued when a fall or spring semester grade point average (GPA) is between 1.00 and 1.99 and the student was not on Probation or Warning at the beginning of the semester. Students on Warning (W) are required to develop an academic improvement plan in consultation with their adviser.

Academic Probation (P): issued when a semester GPA is less than 1.00 or if a semester GPA has been less than a 2.00 for two consecutive semesters. Students who have attempted or earned 75 credits or more will be placed on Probation (P) if their cumulative GPA is less than a 2.00. Students on Probation (P) are required to develop an academic improvement plan in consultation with their adviser. Students on Probation (P) who do not earn at least a 2.00 semester GPA will be dismissed from the university.

What are the major features of the policy?

• Semester GPA determines academic probation and eligibility to continue enrollment.
• Academic interventions are required. Students who are struggling academically will be required to meet with their academic adviser to assess their situation and develop a strategy for academic success before they can register for future semesters.
• At 75 credits attempted or earned, within three semesters of graduation, students must have a cumulative GPA of a 2.00.
• All undergraduate colleges will have the same academic standards policies.

How will I be notified if I receive a W or P?

If you are on warning or probation status, you will be notified by e-mail and hard copy letter from your college.

What do I need to do if I receive a W or P?

You will be required to complete a web-based self assessment and meet with your academic adviser by the 10th day of classes.

Will my adviser know when I receive a W or P?

Yes. However, it is your responsibility to consult your adviser to develop an academic improvement plan.

What happens if I don't make an academic improvement plan?

If you are on academic warning or probation, you will not be permitted to register for future semesters until you have completed a self-assessment and academic improvement plan in consultation with your adviser.

Where can I find out more information about the Academic Intervention Program?

A website has been established to provide students and advisers information and resources as part of the Academic Intervention Program. You can also contact the Academic Intervention Program staff at 515-294-6624 or via email at improvemygpa@iastate.edu. You are welcome to stop in to visit with the staff within the Academic Success Center. It's located in the Hixson-Lied Student Success Center on the east side of campus across the street from Maple-Willow-Larch Residence Halls and the Lied Recreation Center.

Does my summer term work affect academic probation?

You may enroll in summer classes without risk of academic dismissal at the end of the summer term; however, the cumulative GPA at the end of the summer term will be used for academic probation decisions for students who have attempted or earned 75 or more credits.  For more information, see Additional Academic Standards Regulations in the Academic Probation Policy.

Does a W or P appear on the permanent record?

Neither an academic warning or probation will appear on the permanent record. The official transcript for a student who has been dismissed includes "not in good standing" notation.

Where can I find more information about the Academic Probation Policy?

The complete policy can be found in the Academic Probation Policy.