Academic Probation Services
Academic Probation ServicesEach student admitted to Calvin College is assumed to have the preparation, desire, and the ability to make satisfactory progress toward a degree. In practice, however, some students do not make the progress expected of them. The records of all undergraduate students are reviewed after each semester, and the Academic Review Committee uses the following chart to determine academic standing.
Cumulative total of semester hours attempted Minimum cumulative grade point average needed for continuation Minimum cumulative grade point average needed for good standing Minimum percent of attempted hours, which must be credited for good standing
16 or fewer 1.00 1.50 66%
17-31 1.30 1.65 66%
32-49 1.45 1.75 68%
50-67 1.60 1.85 70%
68-85 1.75 1.95 72%
86-104 1.90 2.00 74%
105-123 2.00 2.00 77%
124.00 or more 2.00 2.00 80%

FAQ:

What If The Academic Review Committee Identifies Students Who Are Not In Academic Good Standing?

Students are informed of their status, offered or assigned special assistance and counseling, and given the opportunity to improve their academic performance. If significant improvement is not seen in the subsequent semester, the student is subject to dismissal.

What is The Difference Between A Current GPA And A Cumulative GPA?

The current GPA is the grade point average for a given semester; the cumulative GPA is the grade point average of all semesters at Calvin combined.

What Happens to Students Who Have Never Been On Academic Probation But Whose Cumulative GPA Falls Between The Minimum GPA For Continuation And The Minimum GPA For Good Standing?

Students are continued on academic probation. First-year students are assigned to the Office of Student Academic Services for either ASC 006 or academic counseling; upperclass students may be assigned to the Office of Student Academic Services. For both groups of students, the current GPA for the subsequent semester must equal or better the cumulative average required for good standing in that semester. Failure to attain this standard results in being subject to dismissal.

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What Does It Mean To Be Assigned To The Office Of Student Academic Services?

The Academic Review Committee dictates the form of such an assignment, and the student is informed of such by means of a letter from the Registrar. The student must meet with the appropriate person at the Office of Student Academic Services. A probational requirement form is completed so that the expectations can be individualized and the requirements clearly stated.

What Does It Mean To Be Admitted On Probation?

Sometimes students seeking to transfer into Calvin have records from their previous school that do not meet regular admission standards (four-year schools: 2.00; community colleges: 2.50). If the Committee on Admissions believes, however, that the prospective student has the ability and desire to make satisfactory progress toward a degree at Calvin, the Committee will allow admission on probation and may assign the student to the Office of Student Academic Services. In this case, the number of transfer credits accepted determines one's "attempted courses" (see far left column of the chart). Then, in the subsequent semester, the student must earn a current GPA equal to or better than the cumulative GPA required for good standing in that semester. Failure to attain this standard results in the student being subject to dismissal.

Beyond the GPA Expectations, What Are the Requirements From the Office of Student Academic Services for Students Continuing On Probation Or Admitted On Probation?

The specific requirements are found on the probational requirement form but typically involve a careful look at course load and student goals as well as frequent meetings with the probational counselor, either by means of class attendance or counseling sessions.

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