Academic probation is an obstacle in college that creates restrictions, affects a student's graduation timeline, offers suspensions, or even worse, dismissal. Each semester, I work with students placed on academic probation to help them work through the problem.
Listening to my students, I have learned of several types of scenarios that led them to their current position. Some students talk about difficulties with family, living situations, stress, health, or continuing complications from the pandemic; others may note concerns with study habits, time management, learning, or motivation. A recent study by Md. Solaiman Jony at Khulna University notes additional problems with goal setting, course choices, lack of communication with professors, and "too many social commitments." Overall, each factor is a concern that needs addressing before students can resolve their probation status. Digging Deep If you're a student currently on academic probation, you must first identify the problem. For some of you, this will be easy; for others, you may need to dig deep to find the answer(s). A good place to start is reviewing your transcript and questioning the grades or withdrawals that created your status. As you identify each mark, write down why you failed or withdrew from the class. For example, complete the following sentences: "I received an F/D (or C) for History 101 because…" or "I dropped Microbiology because…." After you answer each mark, acknowledge the common patterns or theme(s) that led to your probation. For example, are you struggling with time management? Is it challenging to balance homework with jobs or family responsibilities? Is your social life taking precedence? Could it be attendance, course load, lack of interest in your major? Is the coursework too difficult? Answering yes to any of these questions will help you identify why you're on academic probation so you can then work through the problem. Time Management & Study Habits Ultimately, the key to time management is applying good strategies. If you Google' tips for time management,' you'll find an endless number of resources. As you decide which habits work best for you, the goal is to implement them into your life to become your best self in your academic and personal settings. Some of you might feel that you don't have time to plan your day. However, taking the time to organize your life will make a difference in your academic standing. Think of it as a well-crafted essay. The more time you spend organizing it initially, the easier it is to write about the subject and achieve successful work. Social Life As you entered college, you embarked on a new sense of freedom where you have to organize and take responsibility for your life for the first time. If you're the student who's "over-committing" yourself to social events, academic probation could be a good wake-up call for you to reset your priorities. Yes, there is fun to be had at college, but remember that your goal is to receive a degree that will open doors for your future. Attendance, Interest, Motivation, Goals If attendance is what got you on academic probation, you have to be honest with yourself about why you're not attending the classes? Are you interested in the course? Subject? College? Are you in the right-fit major? Are you excited about your major, or are you just going through the motions? Do you know what you want? One reason you're not attending classes could be your lack of interest. If you're not engaged with the topic, you probably need to move on to a major that interests you. At the same time, it could also be a direct correlation or a different problem altogether. Ultimately, meet with your advisor or counselor for an in-depth discussion on your concerns to get on the right path. Course Load Sometimes less is more. Looking at your transcript, review your success rate with 12-semester units (15-quarter units). Often, students on academic probation are restricted from registering for full-time status. The restriction is to help them acquire a higher success rate with fewer courses. It's all about gaining momentum. Will this take longer to receive your degree? Yes, however, fortunately, the length of time to receive a degree doesn't usually matter to an employer. What matters is that you received it. Also, keep in mind your workload for each semester. Balance your schedule so you're not taking too many challenging classes at once. Work with your advisor to create this balance. Learning Shift Learning in college is a lot different than learning in high school. You may need to restructure your learning habits. To do so, work with your professor and tutor(s). At the same time, start identifying new ways to study. What notetaking or learning strategies work best for you? When you look through your transcript and find the classes you were successful with, identify what techniques you used and how you can apply them for overall success. Talk to friends and peers about strategies they use as well. Health Concerns Since the pandemic, health concerns have widened. If health concerns (physical or mental) detoured you to academic probation, adjustments might be necessary for your education plan or course load (if the problem is lingering). Work with your advisors and professors to work through this problem and get your academic standing back on track. Also, if you're not already, please seek help from a medical professional to address your concern. Tips for Success Now that you've identified the problem and how to address them, you can move on to the tips that will help you take control of your future.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Author(s)
Valecia Rotell is a college counselor and consultant who helps students work through the challenges and hurdles in college, leading them towards a successful, happy and authentic journey. Read more...
Isabel Serrano is a first-generation Mexican-American college graduate from Southern California. She graduated from La Sierra University in 2021 (Magna Cum Laude) with a Bachelor of Arts in Music as well as a minor in business studies and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Classical Flute at Manhattan School of Music in NYC. Read more...
Archives
June 2024
Categories
All
|