Understanding Academic Probation & Rules at MSU

Understanding Academic Probation & Academic Rules and Regulations Presented by the Academic Advisement Center UNVH 109 417-836-5258

What is the purpose of this presentation? • You will learn what Academic Status means and how it affects you, whether you are on probation, suspended or are in good academic standing. • You will learn important rules and regulations at Missouri State University and where to find this information.

What is the purpose of this presentation? • You will be able to practice figuring grade point averages and practice applying other information you learn. • You will be encouraged to have meaningful conversations with academic advisors and instructors about academic achievement.

What do you think it means to be on academic probation? What about academic suspension? What is good academic standing?

What does it actually mean to be on academic probation? • As with any time you have an academic question and need to find an answer, it's time to check your resources. One good place to start is the online catalog. http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/catalog/ • Click on the link above, then type "academic status" into the search box.

You should find the definitions of some important terms when you search for Academic Status: • Good Standing • A student who has both a cumulative Missouri State and a combined (Missouri State and transfer) GPA of at least 2.00 is considered to be in good standing. Students not in good standing will be placed on academic probation or suspension.

You should find the definitions of some important terms when you search for Academic Status: Probation Any student with a cumulative Missouri State or a combined GPA of less than 2.00 is on probation unless placed on academic suspension (see below). The purpose of academic probation is to remind students that the quality of their cumulative academic work is unsatisfactory. Students on probation must have an advisor release prior to registering for classes. Additionally, students on probation may be ineligible for participation in organizations or activities and may be ineligible for financial aid. Students on probation are encouraged to take advantage of the resources offered by the University to ensure their academic success.

You should find the following information when you search for Academic Status: • Suspension • A student who enters a semester on academic probation and fails to earn a semester GPA of 2.00 or higher will be suspended. Additionally, a student who earns a semester GPA less than 1.00 and, as a result, has an Missouri State or combined GPA of less than 2.00, will be suspended unless the dean of the college of the student’s major determines that there are circumstances which warrant an exception. Individual deans establish the process by which such exceptions will be considered. • After an initial suspension, students must remain out for at least one full semester (not including summer) to be eligible for reinstatement. Students who have been suspended two or more times must remain out for at least one full year prior to being eligible for reinstatement.

You should find the following information when you search for Academic Status: Reinstatement Reinstatement procedures are determined by the deans and the Office of Admissions. Information regarding the procedure is available from the Office of Admissions. Reinstatement is not an automatic process. Students must be approved for reinstatement by the dean of the college under which they plan to return.

Match the following statements with the correct academic term Let’s check your understanding. A student who has a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 (MSU & Transfer Credits) A student who has a cumulative GPA LESS than 2.00 (MSU & Transfer Credits) A student who enters a semester on acad. prob. & fails to earn a semester GPA of 2.0 + A procedure determined by the deans and the Office of Admissions _____ Reinstatement _____ Probation _____ Good Standing _____ Suspension

The correct answers are… A student who has a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 (MSU & Transfer Credits) A student who has a cumulative GPA LESS than 2.00 (MSU & Transfer Credits) A student who enters a semester on acad. prob. & fails to earn a semester GPA of 2.0 + A procedure determined by the deans and the Office of Admissions D Reinstatement B Probation A Good Standing C Suspension

Another really important skill is to figure grade point average (GPA). Let's use the catalog to get some information about figuring a GPA. Again, by looking at the online undergraduate catalog, http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/catalog/, and typing "grade point average" into the search box, you can find the information on the next slides.

GPA cont. • Undergraduate and graduate grade point averages are maintained. • A student’s Missouri State grade point average is based only on courses completed at Missouri State. • A combined grade point average, based on work completed at Missouri State and in transfer, is also maintained by the Office of the Registrar. This combined grade point average is used in determining a student’s academic standing and eligibility for graduation and scholastic honors at graduation.

GPA cont. • Grade point average is calculated by dividing the total quality points earned by the total credit hours attempted. • The semester grade point average is calculated by dividing the quality points earned for the semester by the credit hours attempted for the semester. • See "Grading and the Credit Point System" and "Repeat Policy" sections for more details on grade point average calculation.

Okay, so your research has taught you that: • Grade point average is calculated by dividing the total quality points earned by the total credit hours attempted. • The semester grade point average is calculated by dividing the quality points earned for the semester by the credit hours attempted for the semester. Now it's time for an illustration: Click on this link to play a video that calculates GPA. GPA continued

Now it's your turn! • Using what you just learned, figure this student's grade point average for the semester. Once you've found the student's GPA, answer the quiz questions.

GPA questions • What is this student’s GPA? • What is the academic status of this student based on the GPA you determined?

GPA answers • What is this student’s GPA? 2.8 • What is the academic status of this student based on the GPA you determined? Good Standing

Here is another opportunity for you to practice figuring a grade point average: • Figure the student's GPA, then answer the quiz questions. More practice with GPA

GPA questions • What is this student’s GPA? • What is the academic status of this student based on the GPA you determined? Notice how a class that is worth more credit hours has a bigger impact on the GPA than one that is worth fewer credit hours.

GPA answers • What is this student’s GPA? 1.68 • What is the academic status of this student based on the GPA you determined? Probation

Using GPA to strategize for your next semester • Click here and watch this video to see how you can set a GPA goal and determine how well you need to do next semester in order to reach your goal. • After you watch the video, contact your advisor if you have questions about your own GPA and GPA goals.

Advice for Students on Academic Probation Students often hear advice from a wide range of sources, so let's take a look at some advice about academic probation from some of Missouri State's Academic Advisors. Repeat courses in which you earned a D or F Create a realistic balance of coursework, study time and other obligations (like work!)

Advice for Students on Academic Probation Consider taking a slightly lower number of hours (12 - 14) until you are back in Good Academic Standing Talk with a financial aid counselor about how your academic status may affect your financial aid Polish up your study habits Make sure your class attendance is stellar

Other Academic Rules and Regulations Along with understanding academic status and grade point averages, students need to understand some important academic rules and regulations: Repeat Policy:http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/catalog/repeat.html Drop and Add or Change of Schedule:http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/catalog/chnsched.html

Other Academic Rules and Regulations Withdrawal from classes:http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/catalog/withdraw.html Here are some other academic regulations that might give you valuable information:http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/catalog/acreg.html

Another important piece of information for you to have is how to look up important deadlines each semester. From the website of the Office of the Registrar, you can find important dates and deadlines, also known as the academic calendar. There is a common pattern for each semester and deadlines you should know. http://calendar.missouristate.edu/academic.aspx • Head to the next slide and complete the matching exercise over semester deadlines Important Semester Deadlines

Matching exercise The end of the 12th week of a full semester Only the most recent grade earned in a course is used in the GPA calculation A guide to all academic dates and deadlines Indicates a student withdrew from a course with no academic penalty ____ MSU Grade Repeat Policy ____ MSU Drop Deadline ____ A “W” Grade ____ Academic Calendar

Matching exercise answers The end of the 12th week of a full semester Only the most recent grade earned in a course is used in the GPA calculation A guide to all academic dates and deadlines Indicates a student withdrew from a course with no academic penalty B MSU Grade Repeat Policy A MSU Drop Deadline D A “W” Grade C Academic Calendar

Reflection Based on what you have learned from this presentation: • What questions do you have for your advisor? • What strategies will you use in your upcoming semester? • What academic behaviors can you improve? • Should you repeat any courses? • Do you meet all the prerequisites for next semester’s courses?

Meet with your academic advisor • A meeting with your academic advisor is a great way to make sure you are on the path to a successful semester. • Make a list of questions or concerns and visit with your advisor about them. • Your advisor can help you adjust your schedule and make a plan to return to good academic standing! • If you are an exploratory or undeclared major call 417-836-5258 to schedule an advising appointment.

Understanding Academic Probation & Rules at MSU