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Academic Probation

The probation policy and conditions are intended to enhance the probability of academic success. Students should be aware that many types of financial aid are dependent on academic success or adequate academic progress. Students may become ineligible for financial aid for either poor academic performance (GPA) or for lack of academic progress (not successfully completing enough credits). Student Financial Services may be consulted for detailed information.

CALCULATION OF GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) FOR PROBATION. For academic probation consideration, the GPA includes all Walla Walla University courses as well as the default grade of all Walla Walla University courses with a grade of Incomplete. Grades in remedial courses (courses numbered 001-100) or transfer courses do not count in the probation GPA calculation.

ACADEMIC WARNING. A student whose Walla Walla University cumulative and previous term GPAs are 2.0 or higher, but whose current term GPA is below 2.0, receives a warning letter from the Associate Vice-President for Academic Administration. A copy of the letter is also sent to the student's academic adviser.

ACADEMIC PROBATION AND DISMISSAL. Students must show satisfactory academic performance by maintaining a term and cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above. At the end of each term, students' academic performance is reviewed. Students are automatically placed on academic probation if their performance places them in one of the two categories described in the following paragraphs. Probationary status is communicated to them in writing by the Associate Vice-Present for Academic Administration. A copy of the letter is also provided to each student's academic adviser. After the fourth day of the term, a student's probation status does not change for that term even if a subsequent grade change is submitted or an Incomplete is finished.

Students on academic probation have one term in which to demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement. During that term, they must comply with the conditions listed in the following section, "Conditions of Academic Probation." At the end of the term, each student's performance will again be reviewed.

A student is automatically placed on probation when:

  1. The student's cumulative grade point average for courses taken at Walla Walla University, including default grades for Incompletes, is below 2.00.

    The student is placed on probationary status for the ensuing term, at the end of which the student must earn a term GPA of at least 2.3 (C+ average). A student who meets this requirement may continue on academic probation for the following term. When the cumulative GPA reaches 2.0, the student returns to regular status. If neither a 2.3 term GPA nor a 2.0 cumulative GPA is achieved during the probationary term, the student is automatically dismissed from the University. The Associate Vice-President for Academic Administration notifies the student of the dismissal and process of potential appeal.

  2. The student's term GPA at Walla Walla University, including default grades for Incompletes, is below 2.0 for two consecutive terms, even though the cumulative GPA is above 2.0.

    The student is placed on probationary status for the ensuing term, at the end of which the student must earn a term GPA of at least 2.0. A student who meets this requirement returns to regular status. If a 2.0 term GPA is not achieved during the probationary term, the student is automatically dismissed from the University. The Associate Vice-President for Academic Administration notifies the student of the dismissal and process of potential appeal.

A student dismissed for academic reasons may, following at least six months' absence from the University, apply for readmission by contacting the Associate Vice-President for Academic Administration. Convincing evidence will be required to demonstrate the student's commitment and potential for academic success.

CONDITIONS OF ACADEMIC PROBATION. Academic probation entails the following conditions to assist a student in improving academic performance:

  1. The student must meet in person with the Associate Vice-President for Academic Administration within the first three days of the term.
  2. Enrollment is limited to 13 quarter credits. Students are advised to repeat courses with a grade less than C. Students with Incompletes should consider further reducing their academic load.
  3. A biweekly conference with the academic adviser is expected.
  4. The student may be required to participate in a special mentoring program at the discretion of the Associate Vice-President for Academic Administration. A fee for this service will be charged to the student's account.
  5. Courses outside the University, such as correspondence or online courses, are not permitted.
  6. Participation in the University Athletics Program or Adventist Colleges Abroad is not permitted.
  7. Extracurricular activities which necessitate class absences are not permitted.
  8. The student is not permitted to hold office in any student organization or serve as a student missionary or taskforce worker.

Note: A student receiving financial aid must also meet satisfactory progress standards adopted by Student Financial Services. See the Financial Policies section of the Financial Bulletin for details.

CLASS ATTENDANCE. Students are responsible for punctual and regular attendance at all classes for which they are registered. Missing instruction for any reason may jeopardize the course grade.

FINAL EXAMINATIONS. All students are expected to take final examinations as scheduled. Requests for exceptions are to be submitted to the Associate Vice President for Academic Administration three weeks prior to the close of the quarter. A fee is assessed for each out-of-schedule examination; see the Academic Fee section of the Financial Bulletin.

TRANSCRIPTS. Official transcripts are issued from the Academic Records Office. Transcript requests must be in writing using a transcript request form or personal letter. Forms are available in the Academic Records Office or online at http://www.wallawalla.edu/academics/forms/records/transcript.pdf. Letters must include the student's ID number or Social Security number, birth date, dates of attendance, signature and return address. Requests for faxed transcripts must include the following statement, “I realize my privacy may not be maintained.” Faxed transcripts are not official transcripts. Transfer credit is not recorded after a student has ceased attendance at the University.