What is academic probation?

If you see an academic probation standing, it means that you were previously on academic warning and continue to experience difficulty improving your academic record.  Academic probation is assigned when one or more of the following applies:

• Your cumulative GPA falls below 2.000, and/or
• Your overall progression rate (credits earned compared to credits attempted) falls below 66%

Academic probation is intended as a supportive intervention—a signal that additional structure, planning, and resources are needed to help you return to good academic standing.

What does academic probation mean for me?

• You are required to meet with a professional advisor in the Academic Advising Office and complete an Academic Improvement Plan. Before meeting with them you will need to complete a self-assessment and academic standing canvas course.
• You are limited to no more than 13 credits for the following semester.
• Academic probation will be noted on your official transcript.
• Under University policy, while on academic probation, students are not eligible:
  • to hold office in any recognized student organization
  • to represent the University in any official capacity
  • to participate on an intercollegiate athletic team
  • You may lose eligibility for federal financial aid under Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) guidelines

These limitations are intended to support academic recovery and are typically lifted once a student returns to good academic standing.

What should I do if I am on academic probation?

If you are placed on academic probation, there are clear next steps to take:

1. Complete the Academic Standing Canvas Course (details will be in your official notification)
   1. The Academic Standing Canvas Course will appear in your canvas within 24-48 hours of you receiving your official probation notification
   2. The course is designed to help you reflect on your academic experience, identify areas where additional support or focus may be helpful, and to establish goals for the upcoming semester.
2. Meet with a professional advisor
   1. After completing the Canvas course, you must schedule and attend a meeting with a professional advisor in the Academic Advising Office.
   2. During this meeting you will work together to create an Academic Improvement Plan tailored to your specific circumstances
   3. Advisors can also help connect you with campus resources and support services, and assist you with the financial aid appeal process. Please note that completion of your Academic Improvement Plan is required before any financial aid appeal can be approved by the Financial Aid Office.

Can students recover from academic probation?

Yes. Many students successfully return to good academic standing after being placed on probation. While probation can feel stressful, it is often a turning point that allows students to pause, refocus, and make meaningful progress with the right support in place.

If a financial aid appeal is approved, students may have multiple semesters to demonstrate progress toward returning to good academic standing, depending on individual circumstances.

You are not alone

Academic experiences can be affected by many factors, both inside and outside the classroom. If personal, health, family, financial, or other challenges have influenced your academic performance, support and guidance are available to help you explore your options and plan ahead.

Academic probation and financial aid

For more information on the relationship between academic probation and financial aid, visit https://ask.salemstate.edu/kb/how-does-academic-probation-affect-my-financial-aid.