1 in 4 freshmen are on academic probation this semester, according to Academic Affairs Assistant Vice President Stephen Kilpatrick.

“Freshmen with first-term GPAs below 0.5 were initially suspended for the spring semester. 

“About half of those successfully appealed their suspensions and are back this semester on ‘final warning’ probation.

Freshmen with first-term GPAs between 0.5 and 1.5 were placed directly on final warning probation, according to Kilpatrick.

Last year, 1 in 5 freshmen were on academic probation, which has increased to 1 in 4.

“All of the freshmen on ‘final warning’ are participating in the Great Outcomes in Academic Learning (GOAL) program through the Academic Success Center. 

“They must have a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA by the end of this spring semester. 

“If not, they will be eligible for suspension.

“Freshmen with first-term GPAs between 1.501 and 1.999 are on academic probation. 

“Some of these students are in GOAL, some are in the Probationary Academic Success System (PASS) program that I administer. 

“They must also get a cumulative GPA above 2.0, but they could spend an additional semester in ‘final warning’ status before being eligible for suspension. 

“Obviously, we’d prefer that they make it to academic good standing, which is greater than a 2.0 at the end of this semester.” Kilpatrick said.

According to Kilpatrick, freshmen who are on probation are required to participate in the Great Outcomes program.

The outcomes program is run through the Academic Success Center, and, according to Academic Counselor and Tutoring Coordinator Leanna Noon, is designed to be an academic-recovery program for students who did not do well academically in their first semester of college.

“The (outcomes) program is an intrusive initiative aimed to support first-year students who have been placed on academic probation,” Noon said.

“The program includes a 90% class attendance policy, regular meetings with an academic counselor, grade monitoring, study hall hours and enrollment in Foundations of Learning.” Noon said.

Noon said she believes the outcomes program has been an asset to freshmen who are struggling academically.

“Ultimately, it is our objective to make the transition from high school to college easier for first-year students who may be feeling overwhelmed with their schoolwork.” Noon said.