Undergraduate students must have a cumulative University GPA of 2.000 or higher in order to be eligible to graduate from UW-Madison. Designations of probation, strict probation, or suspension alert the student that they are not meeting the minimum GPA requirement for their degree.
When either a student’s cumulative University GPA or their most recent Term GPA is 0.000 to 1.999, the student will have an academic standing of Probation, Strict Probation, or Suspension. More detailed information can be found at Academic Standing in the College of Letters & Science.
If you are on Probation or Strict Probation, you will return to Good Academic Standing when:
- your term GPA is 2.000 or higher,
- your cumulative GPA is 2.000 or higher,
- AND your academic record does not contain any grade(s) of Incomplete.
Some students who are placed on probation find that staying in school and working to return to Good Academic Standing is the best choice. Other students choose to spend a term or two away from campus so that they can address the issues that are getting in the way of their academic success. Academic advisors can help students understand their options.
If you have been placed on probation or strict probation, your goal during this time is to identify the specific challenges that affected your learning, make a plan to resolve these, and follow that path. A number of tools can support your reflection and action.
- Talk with your academic advisor (find your advisor). They can help you explore an alternative degree plan, review your enrollment plan, and help you think about your bigger goals.
- Use this worksheet to evaluate your current stressors. Meeting with your advisor to discuss your results is recommended.
- Talk with others close to you: family, health-care providers, counselors, and friends.
- Consider your long-term academic and career aspirations. Some students take courses elsewhere and have the credits transferred to UW-Madison through the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. Others decide to pursue a different major or explore courses at a different school.
- Work with the Career Exploration Center (CEC) to learn more about professional opportunities that inspire and motivate you: https://cec.wisc.edu/
- Review your financial goals. Some students take time off from studies to work full-time in order to pay off bills, save up funds for tuition, etc.
- Review the perspectives of other students who have experienced probation. Read their suggestions here.
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How long will it take to return to Good Academic Standing?
This depends on a number of factors. You should take into account how many credits you’ve taken at UW-Madison, what your cumulative GPA is, and how many credits you plan on taking each semester. Your primary goal should be earning a Term GPA of at least 2.000 in your next period of enrollment.
We encourage you to utilize these resources as well:
- Meeting with your academic advisor to create a tentative plan.
How does probation affect my course schedule?
Students on probation may enroll in the same courses as their peers. However, the primary goal while on probation should be earning a Term GPA of at least 2.000. For that reason, students are encouraged to plan for a reasonable class schedule with fewer credits (12 or 13 in Fall or Spring terms) and use campus resources like tutoring or learning support services to perform well in those courses.
Students who wish to take Summer Term courses while on probation should consider whether other summer commitments (like work or travel) will permit sufficient time for studying and should review availability of support services in specific subject areas.
Students may also benefit from using campus resources to engage career exploration, address wellness concerns, or review their financial situation.
Meeting with an advisor can help students consider these resources and find courses that permit them to make degree progress.
UW-Madison also offers two courses that can assist students in making adjustments to support academic success:
- COUN PSY 101 – Academic Enhancement Seminar
- INTER-LS 145 – How to Succeed in College
Will retaking a course help me?
Retaking a course may certainly help a student strengthen their understanding of the course content or improve their skills. However, repeating a completed course does not remove or change the grade received for the earlier attempt or completion of the course. Credit is only awarded for the first successful completion of the course, and each graded attempt is included in the calculation of Term GPA and University GPA. Read more about retaking a course here.
Can I be a part-time student?
Sometimes attending school part-time or dropping classes during the semester can be a good decision, especially if a single class is affecting your success in other courses or your ability to earn a 2.000 Term GPA. If you are considering being a part-time student, talk to your advisor so you can understand the impact that part-time status may have on your student experience:
- Students on an F1 visa are subject to rules related to their student visas. Contact the International Student Services office for more information.
- Student athletes have eligibility and scholarship requirements that should be discussed with their athletic advisors.
- Students with scholarships or financial aid should discuss the effects of being part-time with their scholarship and/or financial aid advisors.
- Students using veterans’ benefits should also consult with University Veteran Services before enrolling part-time.
Always consult with your advisors to make sure that enrolling part-time is a good overall strategy.
Can I take a term off?
Yes. If you feel that you would benefit from some time away from school, then you can take a break. Please read through this information about withdrawing from UW-Madison.
L&S students who are on probation, strict probation, or in good academic standing do not need a dean’s permission to return to UW-Madison after they have taken time off. The process of returning to school after time off is called re-entry admission. If you are considering taking time off, talk with your advisor about the pros and cons of the decision. If you do decide to withdraw, talk with them about positive strategies for using your time away from school.
Can I take courses at another institution?
Yes, you can take courses at another school and transfer those credits back to UW-Madison. Grades earned at other institutions are not calculated into your cumulative University GPA. If you would like to view how some of your courses may transfer to UW–Madison, use Transferology.
For more detailed information, see transfer your credit to UW-Madison.
How will probation affect my financial aid and scholarships?
Financial Aid:
Being on academic probation or changing your credit load could impact your financial aid. Connect with the Office of Financial Aid to learn how your aid package may be affected.
Scholarships:
Because all scholarships work differently, you will need to contact your scholarship provider to determine if they require a certain GPA or credit load.
Can I graduate if I'm on probation?
Yes, students on probation may graduate, provided they have completed all degree requirements and have a minimum 2.000 grade point average (GPA) in four specific areas:
- University GPA, computed using all courses taken for a grade at UW–Madison.
- Intermediate/Advanced, computed using courses designated Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) with Intermediate or Advanced level. Courses taken on a refresher basis do not compute toward this requirement.
- Major, computed in each major using all courses that meet the requirements of that major and all courses in the subject listing of each major (if applicable). Courses taken on a refresher basis do not compute toward this requirement.
- Upper-Level in Major, computed in each major using courses designated as upper-level for that major. Courses taken on a refresher basis do not compute toward this requirement.
Repeating a failed course is permitted but will not remove the F from your record or from GPA calculations.
Use DARS to review your GPAs and degree progress, and talk with your academic advisor about your graduation plans.
How do I talk to my family about probation?
Many students who are placed on probation are experiencing a period of low grades for the first time in their academic career. It can be hard to face and difficult to talk about, especially with people who have known you for a long time and have seen your academic successes. But having that conversation can be important in many ways – whether promoting honest conversation in your family, enlisting support for a revised academic plan, or learning how others may have overcome similar challenges. As you approach that conversation, consider the following:
- Reflect on your experience. Before you talk to your family, take some time to reflect on what factors may have influenced your academic performance.
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- Complete the Academic Success Plan worksheet, review your results, and explore available resources.
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- Did you struggle with exams, papers, or attendance, and why?
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- What steps could you take in the future to get academic support?
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- Were personal, financial, or wellness issues affecting your academic performance?
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- Are you succeeding in courses outside of your intended major? How might that shape your degree plans?
- Meet with your academic advisors to identify resources on campus that can help you. They can also help you create a plan before you discuss the situation with your family. This will show your family that you’re being proactive, taking responsibility, and committing to your education despite the difficult circumstances.
- Be open and honest with your family about the struggles and challenges you experienced.
- Be willing to ask for and accept help and support.
Family members cannot access your grades or learn your academic standing without your consent. For more information about student privacy, please review UW-Madison’s FERPA guidelines here.
Probation
Resources & Tools
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L&S student who has cleared probation