Academic Standing FAQs

What does this letter mean?

Depending on the Academic Standing letter you receive, the meaning is different. Below is a quick glance at the three possible letters you could have received regarding your academic performance:

Academic Warning letter:  Simply a letter to alert you that you are potentially in danger. This letter has no impact on your continuing coursework.

Academic Probation letter:  A letter alerting you that your Cumulative (total) Grade Point Average (GPA) has dropped below 2.0. There is no impact on your continuing coursework but you are in danger of being suspended and your financial aid could potentially be affected.

Academic Suspension letter:  A letter indicating that while on probation your Semester GPA dropped below a 2.0 and that you may not return to Southeastern the next regular semester unless admitted on appeal.

What should I do?

First, consider meeting with your academic advisor or with your Department’s Undergraduate Coordinator to see if you should adjust your schedule prior to the start of the next semester. Once the semester begins, make sure you are attending class, completing assignments and studying for tests.  Always ask your professor for help or clarity on things you don’t understand. A good working student-professor relationship is a key to your academic success.

Can I bring up my grades?

It is not too late to bring up your grades. However, depending on your specific circumstance, you may need to shift the manner in which you are working to ensure a greater opportunity for success. It is important to view this as an academic marathon. While you may have had a difficult semester, your college career is a journey with many opportunities to pull up your GPA. Tutoring is very beneficial to many students as well as Academic Exploration with ACE. Ask your academic advisor or set up an appointment with our Academic and Career Exploration office.

Are there other resources at Southeastern that I can turn to for assistance?

Look for tutoring opportunities through the Tinsley Learning Center as well as through your departmental office and even upperclassmen in your degree area.  Go to the Academic and Career Exploration Website for more information about how ACE coaches can help you explore your goals, strategies, obstacles, and opportunities for improvement. 

Do I need to leave the University?

If you receive an “Academic Warning” or “Academic Probation” letter, you do NOT have to leave the University. However, you do need to immediately address the issues that are causing the current poor performance.  If you do not do this, your grades could cause you to be put on academic suspension.

If you receive an “Academic Suspension” letter, you are required to leave the University for one semester if this is your first suspension. If this is you second or greater suspension, you will have to leave for one year. However, the option exists for you to appeal the suspension and return the next semester (see below for more details).

What is academic warning?

This is an Academic Standing that indicates your GPA is between 2.0 and 2.4 and that you could potentially be in danger of going on probation. Although this standing has no immediate impact on your status as a student or your course enrollment, research indicates that students in this GPA range are more susceptible to falling into Academic Probation unless action is taken.

What is academic probation?

If you are placed on probation, you are still a student at Southeastern and may continue to enroll in and take courses.  According to the university General catalog, “A student will be placed on academic probation whenever the student’s Cumulative Grade Point Average is below 2.0. A student will remain on probation until a Cumulative (total) GPA of 2.0 or higher is achieved.”

What is academic suspension?

Suspension means you must sit out a minimum of one regular (fall or spring) semester. A student on academic probation is suspended at the conclusion of any semester in which the student’s semester Grade Point Average is less than 2.0. A beginning freshman may be put on probation at the end of the first semester of enrollment, but cannot be suspended. If a suspended student had registered during the Early Registration period for the next semester, the class schedule is cancelled. 

So I really can’t go to college if I am suspended?

You can attend summer school during suspension in an attempt to bring your cumulative GPA above 2.0 but you are not eligible for financial aid. If you do NOT raise your GPA above cumulative 2.0, you will remain suspended for the next regular semester.

If you choose not to attend summer school, you may appeal the suspension prior to the beginning of the next regular semester. If the appeal is granted, you will reenter on academic probation. Legitimate reasons for submitting an academic appeal include but are not limited to medical conditions/situations, major family emergency, legal disputes, etc.

You should note that you cannot register at any other University of Louisiana college during your suspension period but you many enroll at a Community College.