STARS

1. STARS Student Tracking Alert Retention System Keys to Academic Success Module 2

2. There is an academic hold on my account. WHAT DO I DO NOW? You are TAKING the first step by Completing the STARS program.AStudent who fails to maintain a minimum 2.0 UCF GPA will have a hold on their account and will be placed on academic probation. Students will need to schedule an appointment with an advisor and complete the STARS program.

3. Probation • Academic probation is serious. A student must maintain at least a 2.0 GPAin order to be in good academic standing. • Probation alerts students who are in academic danger. Student should see an academic advisor for helpful resources and to avoid disqualification.

4. Understanding GPA • There are different GPAs on your audit. The overall GPA Calculated with grades from all college courses completed Upper Level UCF GPA Calculated with grades from all 3000 and 4000-level coursework completed UCF Cumulative GPA Calculated with grades from all UCF coursework

5. Program GPA Program GPA Calculated with grades earned from the courses taken within the major

6. Students who are placed on academic probation…….

7. A student continues on probation until these steps are met:

8. Disqualification A student on probation who fails to attain a 2.0 GPA in subsequent term will be disqualified from UCF. What does this mean for the student?

9. Grade Forgiveness • Grade Forgiveness offers a student the opportunity to retake a course and earn a higher grade that will be substituted for the previous lower grade and thus raise the GPA. • Grade forgiveness requests must be submitted no later than the withdrawal deadline for the term in which the student has registered for the course being repeated.

11. Grade Forgiveness • All grades will remain on the student’s official transcript only • The original grade will alwaysappear on the transcript, but the repeated course grade will be calculated into the GPA • If a student applies for Grade Forgiveness and later withdraws or receives an “I” grade or “NC” grade in the course, the attempt will count as one of the allotted Grade Forgiveness attempts For more information go to http://parents.sdes.ucf.edu/index.php?p=academicinfo

12. How to apply for grade forgiveness On the next page, type in the code number for the current term (semester). A list of terms can be found by clicking on the magnifying glass icon. Click on the current term. On the next page, a list of your currently enrolled classes will appear. Click on the select box for the course that you are retaking for Grade Forgiveness. A note will appear that lists the previously taken course, the term previously taken in, and the original grade. If this information is correct, click on the submit button. You will then receive a message back. For more information: http://registrar.sdes.ucf.edu/forms/grade_forgiveness/

13. Maintaining Good Academic Standing • Attend your classes. Attendance is linked to your grades and many instructors will have participation points incorporated into their grading system • Alter your schedule a. Take difficult classes in a semester in which you are not on probation. If you are on probation, it is not a time to take a course that you feel uncertain about passing. If you are not sure, contact your academic advisor to review the courses you are planning to take. b. Decrease your class load. When taking fewer hours, you can concentrate on classes and focus on earning a higher GPA. If you are working, depending upon the number of hours you work, keep in mind that your class load comes with many hours of studying.

14. Keep the following in mind: On an average a student should spend about 2 hours of studying time per every hour of class. So if a student takes... Add to this time for resting, sleeping, and extracurricular activities. However, work responsibilities will complicate the schedule. When your schedule is overloaded, you might feel more stress and less in control of everything that is happening. Grades are usually what will suffer.

15. Important Add/Drop/Swap Week • During the add/drop/swap week consider dropping if a class seems too difficult, and adding a class that will match your abilities and interests. The add/drop/swap is during the first week of class. Check your academic calendar for the dates. Withdrawal • Once the semester is on the way and you are not confident that you will pass the class, consider withdrawing before the withdrawal deadlines. Meet with the academic advisor to discuss your options. A “W” does not affect your GPA and it is better than failing the class. • Consider withdrawing from all your classes in the semester. Life brings unpredictable circumstances and if you are not able to continue with your classes, make an appointment to meet with your academic advisor to discuss your best option.

16. Financial Aid • Withdrawing from a class may affect your financial aid or scholarships. • Check with a Financial Aid Coordinator about how withdrawing from a class can effect you

17. Tools for Success Seek out the academic resources that UCF provides for students, such as the Student Academic Resource Center (SARC), math labs, writing labs, and tutoring. Speak with your instructor during his office hours or make an appointment to meet. This is good practice also to do at least twice a semester. The instructor can discuss ways of improving your grades Schedule an appointment to meet with your academic advisor at least once a semester. (unkown) Remember: success is built upon how you can manage your time, connect with resources, and stay connected to your instructor and advisor.