Q. What does it mean to be on academic probation?
A. Students are placed on academic probation when they fail to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average in accordance with the following satisfactory progress scale:

Cumulative grade point average of 1.75 for 3 to 27 credits attempted;
Cumulative grade point average of 1.85 for 28 to 57 credits attempted;
Cumulative grade point average of 2.0 for 58 or more credits attempted.

Academic probation of transfer students is determined in accordance with the same graduated, minimum cumulative grade point average scale as for non-transfer students, as detailed above.  In determining a transfer student’s academic standing, the student’s total semester hours completed – those transferred from other institutions plus those attempted at the University of New Haven – are applied to the minimum cumulative grade point average scale.

Students who are on academic probation are limited to a course load not to exceed four courses (13 credits).  Any course above the four-course limit taken by a student at another institution during a period of academic probation will not be accepted for credit by the university.

The counting of the number of academic probations for any student shall not change as the result of an academic dismissal.  A student shall be dismissed automatically as a result of the third or, if readmitted, any subsequent probation.

Q. Am I being dismissed?
A. No, but you will face potential dismissal from The University of New Haven if you:

1. Qualify for a third probation
2. Qualify for any subsequent probation after readmission from an academic dismissal
3. Your grade point average for any individual semester is less than 1.0 and cumulative grade point average does not indicate satisfactory progress.  If your cumulative grade point average indicates satisfactory progress, an academic warning will be issued instead of an academic dismissal. 

Q. Should I change my major?
A.  This is an important question to start asking yourself.  It is very important to know why you did not do well last semester.  Many students struggle because their major did not fit with their interests or aptitudes.  This is something that you should discuss with your Academic Advisor.

Q. Is there any way to remove an F from my transcript?
A. Unfortunately, no. While retaking the course will remove the F from the calculation of your GPA, the F will remain on your transcript. 

Q. Should I repeat a course in which I received an F or D?
A. Contact your academic advisor to determine whether or not you should repeat the course. Generally speaking, you should repeat a course in which you have received a failing (F) grade.  A D is considered passing. However, you may have to repeat the course if it is a pre-requisite to another course. Your academic advisor will discuss this with you. Repeating any other course to raise your GPA may adversely affect your financial aid or veteran’s benefits if it is considered as passing by university standards.

The recording of grades for repeated courses shall be governed by the following conditions:

1. Credit for a course will be granted only once
2. The highest grade stands
3. Each attempt to complete a course will be reported on the student’s transcript
4. A student cannot repeat a course at another institution, for GPA improvement  

Q. How soon should I repeat a course?
A. It is recommended to repeat the course as soon as it is available. You can check the course offerings to see if it is available next term.  Repeating a course and earning a higher grade will boost your GPA.  Talk to your Academic Advisor about which courses you should repeat. 

Q. The course I failed was a prerequisite to a course I want to take next semester. What should I do?
A. If you already registered for the course for next semester, you must drop the course immediately.  Prerequisite courses are designed to prepare you for the course that follows.  If you did not do well in the prerequisite course, it will be very hard to do well in the next level course. 

Q. Will my instructors be told that I am on academic probation?
A.  No.  Your instructors are not made aware of you being on probation unless you tell them. 

Q. How does probation affect my financial aid?
A. The Financial Aid Office can assist you with this question.  Each student has different scholarship requirements. Please contact the Financial Aid Office to see what else you might put in here regarding how it affects financial aid But keep statement about scholarships. Financial Aid’s number is 203.932.7315.  Their hours are Monday- Friday 8:30-4:30. 

Q. Can I repeat a course at a different university?
A. To receive credit and a grade change for any repeated course, it must be completed at The University of New Haven. 

Q. I only took ONE little course?!? How can I go on Probation? I’m not even a full-time student.
A. The University of New Haven makes no distinction between full-or part-time status for Probation. If your grades fall below a 1.75, you are placed on Probation. For many students taking just “one little course,” and receiving a C-, D or F will do it.

Q. HOLD IT!! D is a passing grade. How can I go on Probation if I didn’t flunk anything?
A. Remember, Probation is a WARNING! D is for danger! You are too close to failing for the University of New Haven to ignore your situation. So, we give you a jolt and remind you how close you really are. We want you to stay in school. There is a big difference between a D and an F. If you received a D, you received a passing grade but is not considered to be good academic standing.  You are unable to graduate with a D average , either overall or in your major.