Academic Probation, Disqualification, and Reinstatement Information

If your HSU or cumulative grade point average has slipped below 2.0, it means that you are on academic probation. This does not reflect on your ability or potential. You are still an HSU student, and there is a support system in place to help you return to good academic standing.

Being a college student comes with challenges, academic and otherwise. It is not unusual for students to face difficulties navigating those challenges, and many students have been in this position. Those who have learned from experience, making use of guidance and support, have gone on to be successful at HSU and beyond. 

An important first step is that you meet with your academic advisor. They are a valuable link to campus resources and can help you develop a plan to be successful. 

Academic Probation FAQ

Steps to Academic Recovery

What do I need to do if I am on Academic Probation?

If you have an advisor from the Academic and Career Advising Center (ACAC) you will be required to meet with them to discuss resources and additional strategies to return to good standing. If you do not have an ACAC advisor, we still recommend that you make an appointment with your advisor to review you class schedule and discuss strategies to ensure a successful semester.

Steps to Academic Recovery Flow Chart (JPG)  

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What is Academic Probation?

Students are placed on Academic Probation if their overall or HSU GPA falls below a 2.0. Academic Probation is a warning to alert you that you are in danger of being disqualified from the university.

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Why do I have an Advising Probation hold on my Student Center Account?

If your advisor is in the Academic and Career Advising Center (ACAC), you receive additional support and programming aimed at helping you to return to good standing.  Once you have met with your advisor and developed an academic plan for the semester, your advisor will remove this hold. 

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How long do I have to get off Academic Probation?

It varies from 1-2 semesters, but you should try to improve your GPA as soon as possible. Academic Probation means that you are vulnerable to disqualification and it requires immediate action including adjustments to your schedule and meeting with your assigned advisor. If you are on Academic Probation and the Humboldt State or cumulative GPA is below the following levels at the end of your first semester in probation standing, you will be academically disqualified:

  • Freshmen (<30 units) below 1.50
  • Sophomores (30 to 59.9 units) below 1.70
  • Juniors (60 to 89.9 units) below 1.85
  • Seniors (≥90 units), below 1.95

Disqualification can happen within one semester after being placed on Academic Probation. You may remain on probation for no more than two sequential semesters. After two semesters on Academic Probation, you must either return to good academic standing or be disqualified. To determine your class standing and which GPA level applies to you, remember to include any units that are currently in progress.

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Should I repeat a class?

Meet with your advisor to see if repeating a class is a good idea for your situation. Classes in which you earned a grade of C- or below can be repeated at HSU for grade forgiveness. Repeat Policy

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Have I been dropped from my classes?

No, your schedule is exactly as it was before when you registered. We suggest you to meet with your academic advisor to see if you need to adjust your schedule.

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I want to withdraw from HSU this semester--How can I withdraw if I have an Advising Probation hold?

The AP hold does not prevent you from withdrawing from the semester. If you wish to withdraw from the semester (and it is not past the withdrawal deadline), you can either fill out the Withdrawal Form in the Registrar's Office or scan/fax and mail/email a signed letter stating that you wish to withdraw. You can contact the Office of the Registrar to notify them in the following ways:

Email: records@humboldt.edu
Fax: 707-826-6194
Address: Humboldt State University
Office of the Registar
1 Harpst Street, Arcata, CA 95521

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What is Academic Disqualification?

Academic disqualification occurs when the GPA of a student who is already on probation falls below the minimum level allowed or when a student has not achieved good standing within two semesters. When disqualified, a student is no longer enrolled at the university; they must take a minimum of one semester off before reapplying and petitioning for reinstatement to the university. 

More information about disqualification, the timeline for reapplying, and the process to petition for reinstatement can be found on the Disqualification and Reinstatement website.

If you are disqualified, you should contact us at the Academic and Career Advising Center to discuss your next steps, a plan for your time off, and guidelines for petitioning for reinstatement. It is important to know that a disqualification doesn't mean your college career is over--it means that you are required to take a break, but encouraged to return and finish your degree. Many students return to HSU, recover academically, and graduate. Additionally, you can still access free Academic and Career Advising Center services in your time off, such as resume review, job and internship searches, and major and career exploration.

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What is Academic Reinstatement?

Reinstatement is an academic standing that is similar to Academic Probation and Disqualification. It recommends that students register for a maximum of 12 units each semester until their HSU and Cumulative GPAs return to good standing (2.0). Additionally, they are required to earn a 2.0 or better for each semester in all graded courses.

Students who are on Academic Probation may be changed to reinstated standing if their GPA-level technically disqualifies them, but they earned a 2.0 term GPA in the most recent term. They are "automatically reinstated" by the Office of the Registrar and required to see an ACAC Academic Advisor or their EOP advisor.

Students who were disqualified and are returning to HSU after the mandatory waiting period are also in reinstated standing. The Office of the Registrar refers to this as "non-immediate reinstatement". After a student officially applies for reinstatement and is accepted, they are requires to meet with an ACAC Academic Advisor or their EOP advisor to create an action plan for Academic Recovery. They have a reinstated hold on their Student Center until they meet with an Advisor.

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How do I calculate my GPA?

The Learning Center's GPA calculator can help you calculate your semester GPA, HSU GPA, and Overall GPA. You will need your academic transcript to calculate any GPA; you can get an unofficial transcript from your Student Center.

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Can I change my major while I am on academic probation?

In most cases, YES (you would need to double-check the prerequisite requirements for impacted majors). Finding the major that aligns with your strengths and interests allows you to succeed academically.

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Where can I learn more about academic standing and inform myself about relevant academic policies?

The Office of the Registrar or your catalog is a good place to start.  Specifically, you can learn more about the Academic Standing policy and the Grade Forgiveness or “Repeat Policy.” The Office of the Registrar also has a page dedicated to tools for students on Academic Probation.

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Are there any other tips that can help keep me on track?

Helpful Tools:

  • You can find a complete list of academic deadlines on the Calendar of Activities & Deadlines. 
  • You can download the entire Calendar of Activities & Deadlines to your own Google account. (Instructions are embedded within the calendar.) 
  • The Learning Center has created a one-page document, called Semester on a Page, which lists important deadlines, such as the last day add or drop a class. To view and download the most current Semester on a Page, go to the Learning Center's handout page. Many students use semester on a page as a place to record the dates of major class assignments and exams. 
  • The The HSU Class Schedule has a list of open, cancelled, and closed classes.

Pay close attention to the following deadlines:

  • Drop without instructor approval
  • Last day to Add
  • Credit/No Credit Option
  • Withdrawal deadlines
  • Don't forget the most obvious deadlines, the ones in which you have assignments due or tests to take!

Tips to Consider:

In addition to the workshops and one-on-one study sessions, the Learning Center recommends that students on AP take advantage of the following resources as much as possible:

  • Last day to Add Credit/No Credit Option
  • Don't forget the most obvious deadlines, the ones in which you have assignments due or tests to take!
  • Keep in regular contact with your major advisor.
  • Apply for a tutor at the Learning Center's Tutorial Services for help with difficult courses.
  • Use academic resources on campus such as the Writing Studio, Science Tutoring Lab, and Math Tutoring Lab.
  • Participate regularly in peer study groups.
  • Consider taking a Supplemental Instruction course to augment time spent studying for difficult science courses.

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What other resources are there to help my recovery?

There are various resource on-campus you can visit to help you recover from Academic Probation:

Mental Health and Stress Relief

Supportive Spaces

Academic Resources

Financial Resources

 

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