Quick Facts: Probation

Probationary Status means that your cumulative/overall average is below 60.00%, the minimum required by the University for you to continue your studies. When you are placed on probation you must maintain a minimum semester average of 60.00% in order to be allowed to continue your studies at Guelph. If you do not achieve a minimum semester average of 60.00% while you are on probation you will be required to withdraw from the University of Guelph for a minimum of two semesters and will have to re-apply to the University after that period of rustication.

When are you placed on probation?

The initial decision to place a student on probation is based on the student's cumulative average and the number of course attempts the student has. The decision to allow a student to continue on probation once they have completed a semester on probation is based on the student's semester average. For the complete Continuation of Study policy you should refer to Section VIII--Undergraduate Degree Regulations and Procedures in the current Undergraduate Calendar.

When you are on probation does Summer Semester and/or part-time registration count?

Both summer semester and/or part-time registration count. If you register for the summer semester and you are on probation you must achieve a minimum average of 60.00% to be allowed to continue (i.e. if you take one course you need to obtain a minimum grade of 60.00% and if you take 2 or more courses you need a minimum average of 60.00%).

Strategies to Support Academic Success

You are encouraged to take steps to support your academic success at the University of Guelph. Some strategies that have helped students succeed have been:

• Reduce your course load. If you have already reduced your course load (i.e. 2.50 credits to 2.00 credits) and are still having difficulty consider reducing you load to part-time (less than 2.00 credits).
• Contact your instructor and/or teaching assistant for assistance in preparing for the completion of course work. Ask for help with specific concepts or material from lectures which you do not understand. Prepare yourself for meeting with the instructor before you visit him/her so that you are able to effectively discuss your difficulties.
• Use the Learning Commons in the Library early in the semester. Seek assistance through sessions such as essay writing, preparing for multiple choice exams, study habits, organizing your work load.
• Take a Stress Management Course (Stress Management and High Performance Clinic). These courses are very valuable if you have exam anxiety or if you suffer from headaches or a lack of sleep.
• Obtain a tutor. (If you consider this step you may wish to check Tutoring at Guelph (TAG).
• Consistently attend Supported Learning Group (SLG) sessions (email slg@uoguelph.ca).
• Keep yourself healthy, eat a balanced diet, and schedule yearly physicals with Student Wellness Services (John T. Powell Building, extension 52131).
• Contact Counselling Services to make an appointment to discuss any difficulties that you may be dealing with that are of a personal nature.

Bounce Back Program

Bounce Back is a winter semester program for first year students whose first semester was more challenging then they were expecting. Students who register get paired with an upper-year student who can help address challenges and find a path towards success. Please see https://uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3qsEZL2bNUL7xgW for more information.

Additional information about probation is available on the UAIC website.

Seek assistance in determining the route of your academic difficulties and address them.