Policies + Procedures — Forms + Records + Transcripts — Academic Warning, Probation and Suspension — Academic Probation FAQs
Academic Probation FAQs
What is Probation?
Students who have less than a 2.0 cumulative grade point average are considered “At Risk of Failing.” There are 3 levels of “At Risk” students at Bucks: Academic Warning, Academic Probation, and Suspension. Academic Probation is the second, and more severe of the 3 levels. If you are on Probation for two consecutive semesters, you are in danger of being suspended.
What does this mean?
- It means that your cumulative (overall) g.p.a. is less than 2.0 and that you have received poor or failing grades in some courses.
I did ok this semester. Why am I on probation?
- All of the courses you’ve taken at Bucks are included in your cumulative g.p.a. Therefore, you may have done well this semester, but poorly in past semesters. Or, you did well in other semesters, but not so well this semester.
Can I still attend next semester?
- Yes, you can, but you will be limited to a maximum of 7 credits.
Why am I limited to 7 credits?
- The faculty, staff, and administration at Bucks want you to be successful in your studies.
- Your grades indicate that you are having trouble in one or more areas and we want to help you correct the problem to avoid the possibility of being suspended.
What should I do?
- Meet with an Academic Advisor to discuss your course selection.
- An Academic Advisor can help you choose the appropriate courses for you.
- If you are already registered, the Academic Advisor will review your schedule and recommend changes, if necessary.
- If you are registered for more than 7 credits, the Academic Advisor will help you adjust your schedule.
- HINT: The quickest way to improve your g.p.a. is to repeat the courses in which you earned less than a final grade of “C”.
When should I adjust my schedule?
- You should adjust your schedule immediately using Self-Service Student Planning.
- You may adjust your schedule with the help of an advisor at any scheduled advising appointment or walk-in registration event.
- You may also contact the Academic Success Team at APC@bucks.edu for assistance.
I’m registered for more than 7 credits. What if I don’t adjust my schedule?
- Members of the Academic Success Team will review your schedule prior to the start of the term. They have the authority to drop (but not add) courses from your schedule. If any courses are dropped, you will receive email notification at your live.bucks.edu email account.
- It's in your best interest to meet with an advisor and decide on schedule changes yourself, before it is done for you.
Can I talk to somebody to see if I can take more than 7 credits in the upcoming semester?
- You may appeal to take more than 7 credits by completing the Probation - Appeal for more than 7 credits form.
- You may also contact Marlene.Barlow@bucks.edu for assistance.
I’m on Financial Aid. What about that?
- Students must make satisfactory academic progress to receive Financial Aid. Satisfactory Academic Progress is determined by the number of credits you attempted (withdrawals count), the number of credits you completed, and your g.p.a.
- HINT: This is all the more reason to address any problems or issues with your studies immediately, before you find yourself on Probation.
If I do well this upcoming semester, can I then register for more than 7 credits the following semester?
- Yes, but not until we receive your final grades for the semester and see that your g.p.a is 2.0 or higher.
- Students who register for the next semester during Current Student Registration will be limited to 7 credits.
- You may add additional credits if your Academic Standing improves and you are no longer on Probation.
When can I add additional courses?
- During any scheduled registration period after final grades are posted.
- Please meet with an Advisor to choose your courses wisely. We do not want you to add courses and find yourself on Suspension at the end of the new semester.
Questions?
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Academic Warning:
Julie Piotrowicz
Julie.Piotrowicz@bucks.edu
Academic Probation:
Marlene Barlow
Marlene.Barlow@bucks.edu
Academic Suspension:
Denise May
Denise.May@bucks.edu
Registrar
215-968-8100
registrar@bucks.edu