Even the best of well-planned educational goals can sometimes hit a stumbling block, and that is okay. Setbacks are known to happen and knowing what to expect can help you move forward in a positive direction. One setback that you may experience is being placed on Academic Risk or Academic Probation status due to your grade point average (GPA) falling below the minimum requirement for your academic level.
Start a degree program at American Public University. |
Your GPA is determined by the final grade you receive for each course. Each letter grade has a set number value or “points” tied to it, and you can review the our online grading chart to see how many points each grade has. If you need help determining how to find your GPA, use the GPA Calculator located in your ecampus under “My Status & Records.”
Note: Resources in this article can be accessed in the Success Center of your ecampus. Please keep in mind that you must be logged into your AMU or APU ecampus to view these resources.
Academic Risk
The Academic Risk period begins for undergraduate students after you attempt 12 semester hours and have a cumulative GPA below 2.0. Once you’re placed on Academic Risk status, you enter an academic risk period and your GPA will be reviewed after the completion of six semester hours (two courses).
For master’s students, the Academic Risk period begins after you attempt six semester hours and have a cumulative GPA below 3.0. Your GPA will be reviewed after the completion of three semester hours (one course).
The intent of the Academic Risk period is to provide you with an opportunity to rehabilitate your cumulative GPA to the minimum level, so that you may continue to pursue your academic goals. Once you’re placed on Academic Risk, regardless of your funding method, you will be restricted to part-time registration status (two courses for undergraduate students and one course for master’s students).
We recommend that you retake your failed courses (if there are any) during the Academic Risk period. It is the quickest way to boost your GPA according to our Failed Course Retake Policy.
Depending on your funding method, you may be eligible to take one course at a time during this period. If you can, I recommend doing so; this way you are able to focus your efforts on obtaining the highest grade possible in your course attempts. If you are unsure how your grades affect your funding, be sure to reach out to Academic Advising as soon as possible, so we can provide you with the best options to rehabilitate your GPA and maintain your enrollment status in regards to your funding method.
If you improve your GPA to meet or exceed the minimum requirement after the review period, you will be removed from Academic Risk and placed back into good academic standing.
In the Success Center of your ecampus, there is an infographic that explains how to navigate academic risk:
Academic Probation
If you are unable to raise your GPA to the required minimum level during the Academic Risk period, you will be moved into Academic Probation. Once you’re placed on Academic Probation, your GPA will be reviewed regularly based on your academic level. For instance, the GPA of a master’s student will be reviewed after the completion of three credit hours, and the GPA of an undergraduate student after the completion of six credit hours.
Undergraduate students can be placed on Academic Probation up to three times during an academic program; however, you can only be put on it for two consecutive periods. Placement on Academic Probation beyond the first time will be based on whether or not you completed the previous Academic Probation period(s) with a GPA above a 2.0.
Master’s students can be placed on Academic Probation up to two times during their academic program. Placement on this status beyond the first time will be based on your completion of the previous Academic Probation period with a GPA above a 3.0.
If you would like a visual aid in navigating academic probation, use one of these ecampus links:
Probation Drops
When you enter Academic Probation, both your current and future class registrations are affected. Like Academic Risk, you will be restricted to part-time registrations. For instance, if you are in the first week of a class, you will be dropped from that course as well as from all future course registrations.
While this drop can be inconvenient, the purpose of it is to have you meet with your academic advisor to discuss your options and the best way to rehabilitate your GPA. During this conversation, your academic advisor can assist with course pairing and academic progression. Your academic advisor can also help you to get connected with your funding source to determine if you can be reinstated into your classes.
Asking for Help
It’s our job in Academic Advising to ensure you are properly prepared for success in your academic program. One way we accomplish this goal is by being proactive in your education.
If you receive an email from Academic Advising, please don’t wait to read it. We regularly send out emails to students whose GPA is approaching the minimum requirement for their academic level, so that those students can take steps to avoid Academic Risk or Academic Probation.
If you are unsure of your GPA and what courses to pair together, or you have questions regarding your course workload, do not hesitate to reach out to us by phone, email, or chat. We’re here to help answer all your questions and concerns. You’re not alone; we’re with you every step the way!
Comments are closed.