Develop a plan to get off of Freshman Warning or Probation   

Review of your self assessment, discussion with your academic advisor and connecting to the resources on campus can help you create an action plan that is individualized to you to help get you on the right track. Here are some general tips that can help to bring you back to good academic standing:

Choose your classes wisely, don’t overload  

For some students the tendency once they have failed a course or two is to take extra courses in the next semester in attempt to skyrocket their GPA back up.   Not a good idea. Your GPA was low for a reason, whatever that reason may be.

• Taking too many courses can set you up for another poor semester.
  
• You are better off taking a course load that you can handle and doing very well in those courses, than taking on too much and do poorly across the board.
• If you do not have on campus housing or have financial aid you may not need to take 12 credits in order to be full time.
  
• Consider taking less so that you have more time to devote to your classes.  

If you find yourself in trouble, make wise decisions  

When on Freshman Warning or Probation, your GPA is extremely important to your academic standing.

• Your goal is to choose your classes wisely, have a balanced schedule and put the effort into doing well in your classes so that your GPA will improve.
  
• However, sometimes things happen (you get sick, your car dies, etc.).
  
• If you find things going terribly wrong in one or more of your classes- keep in mind the drop/add and withdrawal dates so that as a LAST RESORT you can get out of the class without damaging your GPA. 
  
• Withdrawing from a class may cause you to lose the money you paid for the class but it will not affect your GPA. 
  
• These dates can be found in the academic calendar located in your catalog.

Use your grade forgiveness policy  

If you have taken a course and received a poor or failing grade, you may take the course again and apply your grade forgiveness policy.

• By using grade forgiveness, your old grade will be taken out of your GPA and your new grade will be factored in.
  
• This can bring a dying GPA back to life. Use your policies wisely though, you are only given two throughout your college career at FAU.
  
• Word of caution: If the course you took was exceptionally difficult for you the first time chances are it will still be hard the second time around.
  
• Don’t take a course like this for grade forgiveness when you are on Freshman Warning or Probation.
  
• You are attempting to take courses and receive excellent grades, not just mediocre, to bring up your GPA.  

Use campus resources  

If you find that your difficulties first semester stem from personal problems, health related issues, or poor career/major fit, use the resources on campus to help you. Free services are offered from the:

• Counseling Center
  
• Career Development 
  
• Student Health Services
  
• Tutoring is also available for FREE, take advantage of the services provided to you.  

Practice good time management and study skills  

• Use a planner, PDA or wall calendar to prioritize and organize your time.
  
• Allow enough time for personal and social time as well as ample study time.
  
• In addition to focusing on when you study, you should also examine where and how you study.
  
• Find a study place that works for you and schedule frequent study sessions rather than cramming for exams.         

Enroll in SLS 1503  

Learning Strategies and Human Development is designed to help you with the acclimation to college life and to develop your learning strategies. The purpose of the course is to provide you with the knowledge and skills that you need to be a successful student.  

Meet with your academic advisor     

 

Advisors do more that just help students register for classes.

• The FAAS office is available to help students navigate through their freshman year and assist in handling any bumps they may encounter along the way.
  
• As advisors we have seen many students on probation and have ideas and support to offer to students in need.
  
• Take ownership of your education and seek out the support or advice of an advisor.