New probation policy now in effect, GPA requirements increased
Alexa Bonacquisti
Issue date: 9/29/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
The Office of the Provost has introduced a newly revised Academic Standing (Probation) Policy, effective at the beginning of the current fall term.
The policy, which has been under revision since July 2006, now has several alterations and additions geared towards better helping students who are on academic probation to attain a higher GPA, and get back on track to complete their degree, according to the administration.
The biggest change is that the new Academic Standing Policy exhibits higher academic standards. Previously, a 1.6 cumulative GPA would have placed a student on probation; now, according to the new policy, a 2.0 or below will do it. As with the previous policy, students still will be required to meet with their academic advisors so they can develop an academic plan, with the eventual goal of being removed from probation and being restored to good academic standing. The policy dictates that in order to be removed from probation, students must achieve both a term and cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in the subsequent term. The total probationary period and the student's opportunities for appeal have not been changed.
John DiNardo, the vice provost for academic affairs, was the lead on this change in policy. He explained that there were several reasons prompting the revision of the policy.
"The key consideration was to raise the minimum academic standards for a Drexel student," DiNardo said. "We believe that is important because it helps raise the overall level of achievement for all Drexel students."
The Office of the Provost also considered other effects of academic probation on students.
"We also recognized that having a standard less than 2.0 was in conflict with federal financial aid standards and the standard we have set to be eligible to participate in cooperative education," DiNardo said. "In fact, many employers require a higher standard."
DiNardo said that the policy change did not reflect the number of students going on probation. Instead, the new policy is intended to help the students currently on probation, pushing them to earn the 2.0 required to graduate.
"In revising the policy, we not only have increased the ability to assist students to maintain a 2.0 by not letting them get to as low as 1.6 and having to climb back up again, we are introducing a plan to identify students that are in danger of approaching a 2.0," DiNardo said.
This plan will involve academic advisors to a larger degree; they will contact and keep up with students' progress and performance. Advisors will work with students to understand their academic strengths and weaknesses and to develop strategies to overcome their problems.
"Our belief is that in setting a higher standard, we will be able to work with students before they fall into trouble," DiNardo said. "And therefore, we will raise their potential for success."
The policy, which has been under revision since July 2006, now has several alterations and additions geared towards better helping students who are on academic probation to attain a higher GPA, and get back on track to complete their degree, according to the administration.
The biggest change is that the new Academic Standing Policy exhibits higher academic standards. Previously, a 1.6 cumulative GPA would have placed a student on probation; now, according to the new policy, a 2.0 or below will do it. As with the previous policy, students still will be required to meet with their academic advisors so they can develop an academic plan, with the eventual goal of being removed from probation and being restored to good academic standing. The policy dictates that in order to be removed from probation, students must achieve both a term and cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in the subsequent term. The total probationary period and the student's opportunities for appeal have not been changed.
John DiNardo, the vice provost for academic affairs, was the lead on this change in policy. He explained that there were several reasons prompting the revision of the policy.
"The key consideration was to raise the minimum academic standards for a Drexel student," DiNardo said. "We believe that is important because it helps raise the overall level of achievement for all Drexel students."
The Office of the Provost also considered other effects of academic probation on students.
"We also recognized that having a standard less than 2.0 was in conflict with federal financial aid standards and the standard we have set to be eligible to participate in cooperative education," DiNardo said. "In fact, many employers require a higher standard."
DiNardo said that the policy change did not reflect the number of students going on probation. Instead, the new policy is intended to help the students currently on probation, pushing them to earn the 2.0 required to graduate.
"In revising the policy, we not only have increased the ability to assist students to maintain a 2.0 by not letting them get to as low as 1.6 and having to climb back up again, we are introducing a plan to identify students that are in danger of approaching a 2.0," DiNardo said.
This plan will involve academic advisors to a larger degree; they will contact and keep up with students' progress and performance. Advisors will work with students to understand their academic strengths and weaknesses and to develop strategies to overcome their problems.
"Our belief is that in setting a higher standard, we will be able to work with students before they fall into trouble," DiNardo said. "And therefore, we will raise their potential for success."
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