What is Academic Probation?

Academic Probation: You will be placed on academic probation if you have less than a cumulative 2.0 GPA when attempting 12 or more units.

Progress Probation: You are placed on progress probation if you attempted 12 or more cumulative units and "W", "I" and "NC" units reach or exceed half the cumulative units attempted. You will be removed from progress probation status when the cumulative number of "W", "I" and "NC" units recorded is less than half the cumulative units attempted.

Consequences of Academic Probation

  • You may not be able to register for classes until a Back to Success workshop is attended
  • Suspension of Financial Aid
  • Limit to 12.3 units per semester
  • Sequential classes with substandard grades must be repeated. For example, if you do not pass English 1A, you must repeat this course before you can take the next English Course.
  • Expenses for repeating classes to raise GPA
  • Graduation and/or transfer delays or complications

Dismissal

You may be dismissed for academic or progress probation if you are on probation for more than two consecutive semesters. If you have been dismissed from another college and are applying to Pasadena City College, you will be processed as if the dismissal occurred at Pasadena City College.

Petition for Reinstatement After Dismissal

Is you have been dismissed, you may petition for readmission after a lapse of one 16-week semester or more. You must present positive evidence of a serious intent to succeed and have a realistic academic goal identified. If the petition is granted, you will be admitted on either academic or progress probation, but with enrollment limitations.

Strategies for Getting Off Academic Probation

Here are a few basic strategies a student can use to help themselves off probation.

  • Clean up your transcript!
    Retaking classes with D or F grades is the quickest way to improve your GPA and get off probation. A "C" or higher grade will substitute your previous substandard grade. If you are on progress probation, finish more than 50% of your units each semester to avoid dismissal. If you must, drop classes during the first two weeks of the Spring/Fall semesters so that a "W" is not recorded.
  • Take fewer units!
    Reduce your course unit load to devote more free time to each course, especially if you have work or family obligations. Remember that rushing to fulfill your educational goal may result in having to repeat courses, wasting time and money.
  • Make an Educational Plan.
    See a counselor to make sure you are on track.
  • Take a counseling course.
  • Practice effective learning strategies/study skills.
  • Use campus resources.
    Get tutoring if you are having trouble. Talk to your professors. Study at the library if studying at home is too distracting. Find a job on campus if possible.
  • Drop classes before the deadlines.
    Check your schedule after you drop. Do not assume a professor will drop you.
  • Attend a Back to Success workshop!