Place on Academic Probation is the standard response to a first unsatisfactory record, as defined in the Handbook for Students. Probation puts the student on notice that his or her academic performance gives considerable cause for concern. A student on academic probation is expected to pay especially close attention to his or her course work. Academic probation is also an opportunity for a student to develop a more structured advising relationship with his or her resident dean and academic advisers.

Should a first unsatisfactory record result from especially compelling and well-documented extenuating circumstances, the Board could decide to Take No Action and warn a student about his or her academic record instead of placing him or her on academic probation. An unsatisfactory record remains so, however, regardless of the action taken by the Board. Therefore all students who have an unsatisfactory record must take care to ensure that they earn all satisfactory grades during their next term in the College.

A student is relieved of academic probation provided he or she achieves a satisfactory record during the next term in the College. Academic probation is a formal action by the Board that changes a student’s status in the College (from “in good standing” to “on academic probation”) and is therefore disclosed to parents or guardians.