Start of Semester Priorities

Academic Safety Net An online workshop facilitated by the Academic Success Center ~ UL Lafayette Junior Division

Why are interim grades important? • Interim grades are an early sign of academic difficulty • 1 in 5 students with D’s, F’s or W’s at interim grades went on academic probation in Fall ’08

What steps should I take to get back on track? • Explore contributing factors to academic difficulty • Educate yourself • Get to know your advisor • Seek out campus resources

Causes of Academic Difficulty  Generally, there are 5 main causes of academic difficulty:  Motivational difficulties  Adjustment to college life  Study Skills  Directions/Goals  Personal Issues (including finances)

Motivational Issues  Motivational difficulties can include difficulty adapting to and feeling a sense of belonging in a competitive academic environment.  How would you describe your motivation level this semester? _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

Adjustment to College Life • Balancing study with the new freedoms and responsibilities of adult living can be a difficult challenge. • What has the adjustment process been like for you? _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ ___________________________________

Study Skills • Studying is essential to academic success. • What is your current study method and what are your plans for improvement? Student Success Workshop • ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ____________________________

Lack of Direction • Often times students are unaware of the various options they have when choosing a major. • What is your major & why did you choose it? ________________________________ • How well is this major suited to your interests and abilities? ________________________________ http://studentsuccess.louisiana.edu/career

Personal Issues • Personal issues can affect academic performance. Ex: health, relationships, finances, family responsibilities, etc. • What if any personal issues have affected you this semester? • ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ • http://www.louisiana.edu/Student/Counseling

Need to know information • Academic probation and suspension • Financial aid probation and suspension

Facts about Academic Probation • Approximately 1/3 of First Time Freshmen (FTF) who go on Academic Probation after their first semester do not return for the following semester.

What is Academic Probation?

• A first semester freshmen with a 1.33 GPA or below will be placed on academic probation for the following semester.

How can I figure out my GPA? • Using the GPA estimator on ULink, what is your current average this semester based on interim grades? _________ • If the semester ended today, would you be placed on academic probation?

What do I do if get on Academic Probation?  While on academic probation, students must make a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher.  If a student does not meet this semester GPA requirement, the student will be suspended from the university.

How to I get off of academic probation?

• A student must raise their cumulative GPA to a 2.0 or higher to get back to academic good standing.

What if I get suspended? • If suspended a student can submit an appeal with their academic dean’s office. • Visit the following link for more details: http://studentsuccess.louisiana.edu/appeals/index.shtml

• Action Plan: What steps can I take to avoid probation this semester? ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________

Does academic standing affect financial aid status? • Students on academic probation may also be placed on financial aid probation. • Visit the following website for financial aid guidelines: http://admissions.louisiana.edu/financial-aid/standards.shtml

What if I am placed on financial aid suspension? • Students can earn back FA by: – paying for classes and earning at least a 2.0 GPA – submitting a financial aid appeal

• Visit the following link for more information: http://studentsuccess.louisiana.edu/appeals/index.shtml

Tips to stay on track… • Get to know your your Academic Counselors http://studentsuccess.louisiana.edu/ • Be an active listener • Attend Class • Ask questions in class • Take notes • Recopy notes the same day • Find a study place (library, coffee shop, etc.) • Use instructors’ office hours

Tips to stay on track… • Avoid the “drop mentality” – registering for one more class than you plan to finish, to allow for dropping • Eat healthy • Get a good night’s rest • Go to tutoring in Lee Hall • Use the Writing Center in Griffin Hall • Avoid working too much

Recommended Study/Work Hours Credit Hours

Study Hours Per Week

Work Hours Per Week (no more than)

15

30

15-18

12

24

24

9

18

30

Advisors are a valuable resource  Why should you get to know your advisor?  Knowledgeable about academic requirements  Advising occurs in March for the fall semester and October for the spring semester.  Willing to work with you in achieving your academic goals  Ex: graduate schools, internships, career opportunities, and job availability  Who is your advisor? Where is he or she located? How often do you correspond with him/her? ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________

Campus Resources • The Resource and Referral Guide for Advisors and Students (PDF) & • Student Guide to Academic Procedures and Resources (PDF) • Admissions – 336 Martin Hall, 482-6473 http://admissions.louisiana.edu/basics/ • Academic Success Center – 115 Lee Hall, 482-6818 http://studentsuccess.louisiana.edu/ • Campus Organizations http://www.louisiana.edu/Student/Organizations

Campus Resources • Career Counseling - 110 Lee Hall, 482-5431 http://studentsuccess.louisiana.edu/career • Counseling & Testing - 2nd floor Olivier Hall, • 482-6480 http://www.louisiana.edu/Student/Counseling • Financial Aid – 106 Foster Hall, 482-5252 http://admissions.louisiana.edu/financial-aid/ • Learning Center – 2nd floor, Lee Hall http://studentsuccess.louisiana.edu/learning • Office of Disability Services – 126 Conference Center, 482-2742 http://disability.louisiana.edu/

Congratulations • You have completed the Academic Safety Net Workshop. • You are now required to meet with an academic counselor in 115 Lee Hall to review and discuss your steps to a successful semester.