Academic Probation

Manage Your Academic Standing - Probation

What does Academic Probation mean anyway?

You have been placed on Academic Probation (AP). Now you want to know what to do next.

We developed this guide to help you understand your next steps.

  1. UNDERSTAND: Know what the policy means for you.
  2. REFLECT: Take some time to think about why you have been placed on Academic Probation. Help you make an informed decision about how to move forward.
  3. CONNECT: Connect with the right people at Confederation College who can help you.
  4. MAKE A CHANGE: Take action for your academic success.

NOTE: We developed this guide to help you make choices and take actions. It is not a substitute for professional guidance.

Please meet with your preferred contact: Program Coordinator, Student Success Advisor, Indigenous Student Navigator, International Student Advisor, or Regional Campus Director (contact information found on Regional Campus homepages) if you want to discuss any of the options shown in this guide.

Any discussions related to your academic standing and self-reflection will remain confidential in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

1. UNDERSTAND

What is Academic Probation (AP) and what does it mean for me?

If you have a Term Grade Point Average below 1.25, you will be placed on Academic Probation (AP). This means that you will not be able to continue in your program until you complete a Student Success Plan with your coordinator. The Student Success Plan will include one or more of the following options and must be signed by you and your coordinator.

Options: 

  1. Continue in the program with specific conditions outlined in the Academic Success Plan
  2. Continue in the program with a reduced course load
  3. Access individualized student success supports (For example: counselling / tutoring)
  4. Access career counseling for exploration and/or development of an Academic Success Plan
  5. Step away from the program and connect with Student Success Advisor in the Student Success Centre, or an Indigenous Student Navigator in Negahneewin Student Services to explore other options
  6. Transfer to an alternative program (For example: General Arts and Science / Academic Upgrading)

Helpful Explanations of Terms:

  • Grade Point Average (GPA)
    There are different ways we calculate your GPA. It’s important to know the differences.
  • Cumulative Grade Point Average:
    All courses are used in the calculation of the GPA.
  • Term Grade Point Average:
    All courses within a semester are used in the calculation of the GPA.
  • Program Grade Point Average:
    All program-required courses (approved curriculum) are used in the calculation of the GPA.

Repeated courses
In cases where you have taken the same course (or equivalent course) more than once, all final grades for that course will be listed on your transcript.

We will use your highest grade when we are calculating your GPA.

Grade Point Average Calculation

  • Credit = Credited course hours per semester (as noted on course outline)
  • Quality Points = Course hours (X) number grade given
  • Grade Point Average (GPA) = Quality points/total credit hours

Calculating your GPA can be a complicated process. To make sure that you have calculated your GPA correctly, please meet with your perferred contact: Program Coordinator, Student Success Advisor, Indigenous Student Navigator, International Student Advisor, or Regional Campus Director (contact information found on Regional Campus homepages).

It is possible to complete all program courses but still not meet the minimum Graduation GPA of 2.0 (please note some programs have different requirements). In this case, you may need to retake course(s) and upgrade your marks until you have met the graduation requirements.

For more information about graduation requirements, you can view the Graduation Policy. To be eligible for graduation, you must successfully complete all program requirements with a minimum program GPA of 2.0.

What might happen to me because I’m on Academic Probation?

While you are on Academic Probation, you may continue in your program for the next academic term. However, you must meet the academic requirements mentioned below. These are also explained in the Course Evaluation and Grading policy. There are some consequences that could come with being on Academic Probation.

  1. Temporary inability to web register for future courses
  2. Extra tuition costs
  3. Removal from your program
  4. Restrictions/reductions to Financial Aid or other funding
  5. Possible immigration implications for international students (always discuss your Academic Probation situation with your International Student Advisor)

 

2. REFLECT

What contributed to my Academic Probation (AP)?

First, review your grades and academic progress through the Confederation College Student Portal ... You can talk to your  Program Coordinator, if you need help with this.

Second, start to reflect on what contributed to your Academic Probation (AP) standing so you can take effective action.

Here are some common reasons that students struggle. Take a look at these and decide how important these factors were for you.

5 - Was the overriding factor
3 - Was a significant factor
1 - Was a minor factor
0 - Was not a contributing factor

 
Rank: Rank: Rank: Rank: Rank:
ACADEMIC
(examples)		 CAREER
(examples)		 PERSONAL
(examples)		 Financial
(examples)		 HEALTH
(examples)

The course was too difficult for me

I’m not sure what career I want

I found it hard to make friends

I was working too many hours

I was sick during the semester

The work load for the course was too heavy

Since I started my program, my career goal has changed

I felt alone

My OSAP or other funding was not approved

I had trouble sleeping

I was not prepared for the amount of work I had to do for my courses

The program seems to lead to career I don’t want, or am not interested in

I am shy

Money was tight

I couldn’t afford regular meals

I don’t really know how to study

 I don’t see connection between the program and my career goals

I felt homesick

I had unexpected expenses

I suffer from a chromic pain/condition

I have an Accommodation Plan but did not use my accommodations

  

I had family issues or family members with illnesses

 I had trouble budgeting my money

I had emotional challenges

I had an IEP in high school but didn’t know I could get an Accommodation Plan at college

  

I had friend/roommate/relationship  issues

   My mental health affected my studies

I find online courses difficult

  

I had housing or accommodation problems

    

English is not my first language

   I am outgoing and didn’t prioritize my classes     
I don’t have strong computer skills        
         

Once you see which factors caused you the most difficulty, ask yourself the following questions:

  1. What was within my control that I could have managed better, and what was honestly beyond my control?
  2. What is within my control to do differently now?
  3. Which should I address first and who can help me?

There are many people who are able to support you, including your your Program Coordinator, Student Success Advisor, Indigenous Student Navigator, International Student Advisor, or Regional Campus Director (contact information found on Regional Campus homepages).

 

3. CONNECT

What college resources are available to me?

There are many people who are able to support you, including your your Program Coordinator, Student Success Advisor, Indigenous Student Navigator, International Student Advisor, or Regional Campus Director (contact information found on Regional Campus homepages).
 They can talk to you about supports, services, and options that are available to you.

The chart below lists some of the services that will be helpful to you as you plan your next steps. This is only a brief description of what each department can do, but it will help you decide who you would like to connect with.

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE: Action Resources & Services

 
What is it? (ONE) How can it help me? (TWO) How do I access services? (THREE)
Student Advisement

Consult with a Student Success Advisor or Indigenous Student Navigator who can help

  • explain policies & procedures
  • discuss options
  • explore appropriate services & supports
  • create a tailored action plan for future success

Student Success Advisors

Student Success Centre-Shuniah Building Office 153

 

Indigenous Student Navigator

Apiwin Lounge

Shuniah Building Office 144
Student Accessibility Services We are the disability support office for Confederation College.  Our aim is to provide individual assistance and supports for students with permanent, interim and temporary disabilities.

Accessibility Services

 

Student Success Centre

Shuniah Building Office 153

Tutoring

Tutoring/Learning Centres offer a variety of services including

  • free professional tutoring in select subjects
  • free Peer tutoring
  • access to the writing Centre

NOTE: Tutor.com is available through Blackboard for some specific courses.

Academic Success Centre

Shuniah Building Office 146

(Lower level of the Library)

 

Student Success Centre

Shuniah Building Office 153
Counselling

Counsellors are skilled helping professionals who support students in meeting their potential and getting the most out of their educational experience.    
 

Counselling services are provided free of charge and are available to all Confederation College students.		  
Other Services  

 

4. MAKE A CHANGE

Now is the time for you to decide what steps and supports will help you improve your academic performance. Our Confederation College employees are here to help you create a plan that focuses on your success. There is no better time to begin than right now!