Since 2010, first-year Pitt-Johnstown students have cut the academic probation rate by 14 percent, while more students have qualified for the dean’s list.

In 2010, 33 percent of first-year students received academic probation, compared to 19 percent in 2012.

The number of students that made the dean’s list rose from 803 in fall 2011, to 897 in fall 2012.

In order to be eligible for the dean’s list, students must maintain a grade-point average of 3.25 or higher, and enroll in at least 12 credits.

“The Office of Academic Affairs has made a concerted effort to communicate with faculty and students, clearly about academic standards,” said Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Paul Newman.

“Students will achieve to the level that you expect or ask them to.”

Students that maintain a GPA under 2.0 receive academic probation. “Probation means a student may not relocate within the University, nor take more than 18 credits in a semester,” according to Pitt-Johnstown’s website.

“Students who fail to make progress toward good academic standing are subject to suspension.

“More than one suspension will result in dismissal. Dismissal means that a student is no longer permitted to register at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.”

Pitt-Johnstown enrolls nearly 3,000 students, and had a freshman-sophomore retention rate of 75 percent in the fall semester. This is higher than many peer schools, which are similar in size and admissions, said Newman.

Acting Campus Registrar Christian Stumpf together with Newman, have instituted a “Monthly Enrollment Management Team,” to help students stay enrolled, and provide new communications with students and faculty.

“We are looking for better ways to communicate with students. To eliminate any potential road blocks,” said Stumpf.

Using cell phone texting, to get out messages is one idea to better communicate with students, he said.

“Greater dissemination of information to students helps improve student GPA,” said Newman.

“I am extraordinarily proud of our first year students, and how well they did this fall, but of all our students, 897 of which made the dean’s list.”

SAT score for recently enrolled students have also been higher, said Director of Admissions and Recruitment Therese Grimes.

“We are getting better quality students.”

Grimes described Pitt-Johnstown admissions as moderately selective.