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What is probation?
This is an "alert" or "early
warning" status. It means your academic performance has fallen below the
minimum "C". You must do better in the future or you could face
dismissal from the University. If you are placed on probation, you will
only be allowed to enroll for a maximum of 14 credit hours; this
includes community college coursework.
Probation indicates that something is not working and that you should take advantage of services available at Ferris to help you achieve your potential. This may include improving your study habits, academic skills, goal-setting or time-management skills. Or it may mean you have chosen a program that is not right for you.
How do I get on probation?
You will be placed on probation if:
You will remain on probation until your cumulative GPA is 2.0 or better. You must maintain continuous progress toward achieving a cumulative GPA of 2.0 while on probation or you may be dismissed. (See table in Academic Dismissal section.)
What should I do if I am placed on academic probation?
Many
students have been placed on probation early in their college careers
and have then gone on to become successful college graduates. The key
often lies in the student's ability to diagnose and correct the problems
that kept them from achieving their potential.
See your faculty advisor immediately and discuss possible strategies that you might employ.
No matter how motivated you are or how dedicated the faculty may be, there is no substitute for time and work in your classes. All students need quiet study time. Many students find it helpful to form study groups to "talk through" the materials and help each other learn. The point is, find a strategy that works for you and stick with it.
What is academic dismissal?
Academic dismissal
means that a person cannot re-enroll at Ferris. If the student has
early-registered for the following semester, then his/her schedule is
dropped. Students are subject to dismissal under any of these
situations:
| FSU credit hours completed | Cumulative GPA minimum |
|---|---|
| 1-20 | 1.40 |
| 21-30 | 1.60 |
| 31-50 | 1.70 |
| 51-67 | 1.80 |
| 68-97 | 1.90 |
| 98 or more | 2.00 |
| Note: Course grades of CR, NC, I, IP, W, or AUD are not counted in the GPA. | |
Can I appeal academic probation or dismissal?
You
cannot appeal probationary status. You may appeal a dismissal if you
feel there are extenuating circumstances. This is done through a written
appeal form available in the College of Professional and Technological
Studies (ATC 180). Your appeal must include written documentation
validating the extenuating circumstances (e.g.; a physician's statement
in the case of serious illness).
If I have been dismissed, can I ever return?
Yes.
You may be readmitted when you have completed twelve (12) semester
hours of coursework, applicable to the major or program to which you
want to return, from a postsecondary institution. You must earn a
minimum grade of "C" or better in each course taken. Students who have
been dismissed from Ferris two (2) times are not eligible for
readmission to Ferris State University. If you wish to return to the
College of Professional and Technological Studies after you have
fulfilled the applicable readmission conditions, you may apply for
readmission by completing an application. If you are readmitted, you
will be on probation until your cumulative GPA reaches 2.0 ("C") level
or better. Students must earn a 2.0 GPA or better each semester to avoid
another dismissal.
The minimum "C"
In college, a "C" average, is the
cut-off point for probation or dismissal from the University. In order
to remain at Ferris, you must keep both your cumulative and semester GPA
at a "C" or better. Students who do not achieve this grade level are
subject to academic probation or dismissal from the University.
The grade point average (GPA)
Your grade point
average (GPA) is an average of all your course grades, weighted by the
course credit hours. There are two types of grade point averages. Both
semester and cumulative GPAs are printed on your grade slip at the end
of each semester.
Semester GPA
Your semester GPA is your grade
point average for the semester. It is computed by taking your course
grade and multiplying it by the number of course credit hours and
averaging the results. (See example below.)
| A | 4.0 | C | 2.0 | |
| A- | 3.7 | C- | 1.7 | |
| B+ | 3.3 | D+ | 1.3 | |
| B | 3.0 | D | 1.0 | |
| B- | 2.7 | D- | 0.7 | |
| C+ | 2.3 | F | 0.0 |
| Grade | Credit Hours | Points | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A- (3.7) | x | 4.0 | - | 14.8 |
| C (2.0) | x | 5.0 | - | 10.0 |
| B+ (3.3) | x | 3.0 | - | 9.9 |
| A (4.0) | x | 5.0 | - | 20.0 |
| 17.0 | 54.7 | |||
| 54.7/17.0 = 3.21 (GPA) | ||||
Cumulative GPA
Your cumulative GPA is figured by
using the same process. Add your most recent GPA totals to the previous
cumulative totals and divide by the total number of credits you have
completed.
STUDENT RESOURCES
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