Academic Probation & Dismissal

Progress Dismissal Status- A student will be placed on Progress Dismissal status if that student is on Progress Probation for two consecutive semesters.

The College may disqualify a student on Academic Dismissal or Progress Dismissal from enrolling in courses for a period of one year if, in the judgment of the counselor and the Dean of Student Services, the student is not making appropriate progress after being placed in either status. A disqualified student may be readmitted by special petition to the Dean of Student Services.

Removal of Poor Academic Status- Once a student on academic probation raises his or her overall (cumulative) grade point average to a 2.0 (C) or higher, he/she will be taken off of Academic Probation status and will become a "student in good standing."

How will I know if I am on probation?
Notification is always sent to students by student email. Students are strongly encouraged to check their academic status at the end of every semester in order to verify their performance levels.

What are my limitations as a student on Academic and/or Progress Probation?
You are blocked from registering for your classes online and must meet with a counselor prior to registration. After signing a probation contract with a counselor you are required to meet with that counselor only. You are also required to meet with a counselor in order to determine unit limitations as well as how you can make up your deficiencies. Additional requirements may be placed upon you as deemed by your counselor

What are the consequences of being on probation?
Consequences include but are not limited to:

       You will be unable to register for classes until a contract is signed by the student and a counselor
       Financial Aid may be suspended.
       Expenses for repeating classes to raise GPA
       Graduation and/or transfer delays or complications

What does cumulative Grade Point Average mean?
Your cumulative GPA is the total average of your grades for all classes attempted. Your cumulative total can go up or down depending on how you do in each semester.

When will I return to good academic standing?
You will return to good academic standing when you raise your cumulative GPA to at least a 2.0 and complete 50% of the units attempted.

I received good grades this past semester, why am I on probation?
Although you have done better academically during your most recent semester it may not have been enough to bring your cumulative GPA up to a 2.00. You will be automatically taken off of probation once you become in good standing with the college.

I haven't been enrolled at Columbia for a long time, why did I receive a probation letter?
All previous semesters of enrollment are part of your permanent record at Columbia. Past semesters and new semesters will reveal an accurate history of your cumulative record. Your past academic history may have an effect on current probationary status.

I didn't attend classes this past semester, how can I be on probation?
If you registered for classes and failed to officially withdraw, your instructor(s) may have turned in failing grades for you. It is your responsibility to officially withdraw from classes by completing a drop form and submitting it to the admissions and record office before the drop deadline or dropping it online.

For personal reasons I could not finish the semester and turned in a drop form, why did I receive a probation letter?
The computer generated program has no way of determining why a student withdraws from their class(es). Although you may have officially withdrawn from your classes for good reasons, submitting a drop form after the "W" notation deadline will result in a "W" grade. Failing to complete 50% your total units for the semester will result in progress probation. Withdrawal deadlines are published in the schedule of classes each semester.

I am only taking classes for credit and/or personal interest and am not pursuing a degree or certificate. Can I be taken off your list?
Unfortunately our computer generated program has no way of determining a student's personal pursuits. We are required to inform all students when they fall into a probationary category. An email will be sent out for all probation statuses.

What if I have personal problems that have affected my schoolwork?
Schedule an appointment with a counselor to discuss personal challenges or to discuss school, work conflicts, course selection, a change in family needs, educational goals, or any concerns you may have regarding your scholastic progress. Services are in place to help you succeed. You may also go to the Health Center for personal /mental health counseling.

What happens if I am placed on 2nd time probation?
At this point it is vital that you schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor. Failure to complete your second semester of probation in good standing may result in dismissal from the college.

Does probation affect my financial aid?
Financial aid students must follow the satisfactory academic progress standards established by the financial aid office. Those standards are different that the college's academic standards for all students. You should check your academic status with the Financial Aid Office.

Can I repeat a course to alleviate my previous substandard grade(s)?
Students may repeat a course in which they received a D or F. By repeating a course with a substandard grade, it will alleviate the initial grade you received. It is recommended to speak to a counselor to determine whether a class is worth repeating. There might be a way to alleviate a substandard grade without having to repeat the course. Ask your counselor about academic renewal.

What is academic renewal?
Students can request an academic renewal for substandard grades (D, F) received. The substandard grade(s) may be disregarded in the computation of a student's GPA if the work was not reflective of the student's present scholastic level of performance. Please speak to a counselor for further details.

Scheduling an Appointment
If you have any further questions or wish to meet with a counselor, call 209-588-5109 or come in person to the Counseling Department to schedule an appointment.