Common Causes of Academic Notice

Advisors recognize the wide variety of reasons a student may be on Academic Notice. Causes of academic difficulty can be divided into two main categories - Internal and External factors.

External factors may not always be within the student's power to control, and include financial, personal, or familial issues and may prevent the student from attending school and/or focus on school.

A recent statewide study, co-authored by Humboldt Professor Jennifer Maguire, showed that 1 in 5 Humboldt students experienced housing insecurity at least once in the last year. And students of color at Humboldt have continued to report particular challenges finding and maintaining housing close to campus.

Internal factors are problems that a student may be able to overcome independently, or with the guidance of a caring and knowledgeable advisor or mentor.

External Factors

  • Severe illness or injury
  • Psychological issues
  • Homelessness/Eviction
  • Death of a close family member
  • Financial instability or serious reversal of financial situation
  • Inappropriate behavior of someone in class (including professors)
  • Sexual Assault/Harassment
  • Microaggressions
  • Roommate concerns/complications
  • Called to Military Service
  • Undocumented family member

Internal Factors

  • Transition to college/homesickness
  • Undefined goals/purpose
  • Poor time management
  • Sleeping and eating habits
  • School not a high priority
  • Too many commitments
  • Relationship issues
  • Lack of motivation
  • Drug and alcohol issues
  • Poor study skills
  • Lack of concentration

If your advisee has experienced one or more catastrophic external factors that were beyond their control, they may be able to withdraw from all, or some, of their courses. They can apply for a withdrawal from a current or past semester https://registrar.humboldt.edu/node/396

For more information on retroactive withdrawal, the student should contact the Office of the Registrar.