AA/27/AS/23/UEPC - Change “Academic Probation” to “Academic Notice”

Effective February 10, 2024

Resolved: this language is used for undergraduate students and be it further

Resolved: the same criteria* for academic probation will be used for academic notice.

Rationale: The term “probation” is commonly associated with the carceral system and brings with it the same punitive stigma into academic life. Given the unfair and disproportionate impact of the carceral system on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPoC) communities, we recognize that carceral language may weigh more heavily upon our BIPoC students who are placed under this status.

Importantly, the purpose of placing a student on “academic probation” is not punitive nor intended to create an association between our students and any part of the criminal justice system. Rather, placing students within this status is meant as a wakeup call and a provision of resources and assistance to allow them to get back on the right track before they reach the point of academic disqualification.

While there is no substantive policy change associated with this resolution, we believe that replacing “academic probation” with “academic notice” in all university documents, policies, and procedures, more accurately reflects the intention of this status, minimizes the potential stigma felt by our students, and will hopefully increase the confidence students have in their ability to return to good academic standing at Stan State.

Lastly, it should be noted that the shift from “probation” to “notice” is quickly becoming standard academic practice in institutions of higher education throughout the nation and the state of California-notably on numerous campuses in the California State University system.

*A student will be placed under academic notice anytime their cumulative or Stanislaus State grade point average (GPA) falls below a 2.0

A student on academic notice is subject to academic disqualification when:

• As a freshman (fewer than 30 semester hours of college work completed) the student falls below a grade point average of 1.50 in all units attempted or in all units attempted at Stanislaus State; or
• As a sophomore (30 through 59 semester hours of college work completed) the student falls below a grade point average of 1.70 in all units attempted or in all units attempted at Stanislaus State; or
• As a junior (60 through 89 semester hours of college work completed) the student falls below a grade point average of 1.85 in all units attempted or in all units attempted at Stanislaus State; or
• As a senior or postbaccalaureate student (90 or more semester hours of college work completed) the student falls below a grade point average of 1.95 in all units attempted or in all units attempted at Stanislaus State.

 

Review History: Approved by the Academic Senate on December 5, 2023. Approved by Interim President Sue Borrego on February 10, 2024

Academic Affairs Division has the primary responsibility for this policy.

Attachment(s): AA/27/AS/23/UEPC Change “Academic Probation” to “Academic Notice”  

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