An unfortunate fact of academic life is that some students, for various reasons, have poor academic performance. Academic advisors often must advise students who are on academic notice, probation, or suspension. In some instances, the circumstances leading to unsatisfactory performance in a given semester are attributable to transitory, situational problems that will not have an impact on subsequent performance. For some students, unsatisfactory performance reflects certain types of problems that are often long-standing and, if not given attention, may persist and result in further academic difficulties. Reasons for unsatisfactory performance include:

· poor study habits;
· too many hours of work and/or a work schedule that conflicts with the school
schedule;
· unrealistic course choices in view of interests and abilities;
· lack of direction;
· exam anxiety and/or poor exam-taking techniques;
· personal and/or family problems;
· lack of preparation to perform college-level work (freshmen); and
· lack of motivation.

Some suggestions for working with students with unsatisfactory performance are as follows:

· Review students' previous records to determine if there is a long-standing history of
poor performance and if a significant number of unsatisfactory credits have been
accumulated.
· Explain the university's academic forgiveness policy and examine how it could benefit
the student (refer to the Academic Forgiveness Form (pdf)).
· Discuss candidly the ramifications of past or present unsatisfactory performance and
the possible outcome of continued unsatisfactory grades (See University Catalog on
Retention Standards.
· Refer students to on-campus resources such as:
First-Year Experience Center
Enrollment Services
Communications Lab
Mathematics Tutoring Lab
Writing Lab
Student Affairs
Student Support Services
· Convey to students your concern about their academic performance and encourage
them to meet with you on a regular basis.
· Assist students in making appropriate course selections in view of their past
performance or suggest taking a reduced course load.
· Work with students to determine the reasons for unsatisfactory grades and help them
to determine the types of changes that need to occur.

Very often, concerned advisors can influence students' academic careers and also may contribute to improved student retention. Students do not always recognize the consequences of unsatisfactory performance, and through early intervention, advisors may help students avert continued academic difficulties.

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