by Jeff Anderson
Academic Adviser, Language & Mathematics Student Community

Academic probation is not something anyone plans for when mapping out their college career. It is, however, one of those unfortunate realities for many students during their time at the University. As many students have learned throughout collegiate history, probation can be as much of a learning experience as it is a wake-up call.

If you're going to make the changes necessary to get off of probation you first need to recognize the factors that contributed to your unsatisfactory performance. Did you work too many hours at your not-so-part-time job? Did you devote too much energy to extra-curricular activities? Perhaps you had unique health or family related circumstances that affected your ability to study or attend class. Whatever the situation, it is your duty to determine what you can do NOW to get back in good academic standing. Of course, many students will attest that this is far from an easy task, but it can be done! One of the greatest challenges of being on probation is identifying the changes that you need to make in order to be successful, and ultimately, graduate.

For many students, learning of their probationary status initiates a flurry of different emotions, such as disappointment, shame, or anger. You may be telling yourself that you're on probation because you're not good enough for college, that it would be easier to just drop out. When this happens, take a moment to remind yourself that you were smart enough to get into college, so you're smart enough to successfully finish college. Academic probation is not a death sentence! It's simply a system that the University uses to insure that academic standards are being met, and ultimately to insure the success, both academic and otherwise, of students. It may help for you to view probation as a learning experience, something from which you can benefit. No doubt you will face many similar challenges throughout life, so learn what you can from the experience, and move forward.

For some students, probation signifies the need to change their academic direction. Take a moment to ask yourself: are you interested in the courses you are taking? Sure, we all take some classes we'd rather not at some point, classes that are needed as pre-requisites or to meet liberal education requirements. If all of your troublesome classes are in your major, however, perhaps now is the time to consider a major that is better suited to your unique interests and talents. Remember -- no course looks prestigious on a transcript if it has a D or an F next to it. The truth is you will perform better in class if you are genuinely interested in the material. You owe it to yourself to make the best use of your undergraduate years in college, so take some time to explore your interests!

Before you get overwhelmed, take a breath and remember that there are many resources on campus to assist you with these challenges. Your student fees pay for these services, so why not use them to your advantage? There are counseling services, tutors, and advisers at your disposal. If you don't know where to start, check with your college advising office. Remember that you are not the first student to ever be placed on academic probation, and you will not be the last. With proper planning and decision making, however, this can be the last time that you are on probation.

Helpful Links:

University Counseling & Consulting Services

Learning & Academic Skills Center This helpful site includes information on how to register for Fresh Start Study Skills workshops (they're free!), along with many other useful resources.

Student Writing Center

Disability Services

Minnesota English Center