Academic Probation

A student is placed on academic probation when their GPA falls below the minimum 2.0 (C average) required for good academic standing at LMU. This may occur if the term, cumulative, or major GPA falls below 2.0. Academic standing is reviewed at the end of each Fall and Spring semester based on coursework completed during those terms only, as Summer grades are not included in probation evaluations.
While on probation, students work in partnership with a Student Success Team member to focus on improving their academic standing and developing strategies that support consistent academic progress.
To return to good standing, you must:
- Earn at least a 2.0 term GPA
- Raise the cumulative GPA to 2.0
- Make timely progress in the declared major
- Meet any conditions set by the Dean
While on probation, the following conditions apply:
- Enrollment is limited to a maximum of 16 units
- At least 12 units must be taken for a letter grade
- Consultation with an advisor is required before withdrawing from any courses
As part of the probation process, students will partner with their Student Success Team member to complete an Academic Success Plan (ASP). The ASP helps students identify factors that may have impacted previous academic performance and establish SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound to support academic progress throughout the semester.

The plan should address:

Factors that impacted your academic performance

Planned term for repeat courses, as needed

Strategies for improving study habits and supporting long-term success

Campus resources you will use consistently to meet your goals

How you will prioritize academics alongside personal commitments

The Academic Success Plan serves as a roadmap for the semester and helps guide ongoing conversations with your Student Success Team member about academic progress and goals.
Academic setbacks do not define your ability, potential, or future success. Many students encounter challenges during college that require them to reassess their approach, develop new strategies, and make adjustments to their academic habits. Academic probation provides an opportunity to reflect on your experience, identify areas for growth, and create a plan for moving forward with greater intention and support.

Students who successfully return to good academic standing are not necessarily the students who study the most. They are often the students who develop consistent routines, seek support early, and make small adjustments before challenges become larger obstacles. Academic recovery is typically the result of steady habits practiced over time rather than one major change.

Plan Your Week for Success
At the start of each week, take a few minutes to look at what is coming up across all classes. Review announcements, assignments, and upcoming exams, and map out a plan for when each task will be completed. Add due dates and study time to a planner or calendar so everything stays visible in one place. Working backward from deadlines helps you start earlier and avoid last-minute pressure. When the week is planned, it becomes easier to stay on track and balance other responsibilities.

Start Assignments Early
As soon as content for an upcoming assignment becomes available, take time to read through the instructions and understand what is being asked. Break the work into smaller steps such as research, outlining, drafting, revising, and final review. Give yourself target dates for each step before the actual deadline. Starting earlier gives you time to ask questions, get feedback, and improve your work before the deadline.

Review Course Material Regularly.
After class, revisit your notes, identify key concepts, and summarize them in your own words to check your understanding. When something is unclear, address it as soon as you canus. Attend office hours, ask questions in class, or follow up within 24 hours. Addressing confusion early helps prevent small gaps in understanding from becoming larger challenges later.

Use Academic Resources as Part of Your Success Plan
Academic support is most effective when used consistently throughout the semester rather than only during times of difficulty. Going to office hours early in the week helps keep expectations clear before assignments are due. Using the Academic Resource Center (ARC) for tutoring reinforces understanding while material is still fresh. If staying organized or consistent feels challenging, an academic coach through the ARC can help with planning, accountability, time management, study strategies, and goal setting.

Improve Writing and Research Skills
When working on papers or projects, getting feedback early can make a big difference. Scheduling Writing Center appointments while drafting helps strengthen ideas and organization before submission.

For research assignments, meeting with a librarian through a research consultation helps identify strong sources and build a focused plan. Studying with others through study groups can help you stay accountable. Hannon Library study rooms can also provide a focused environment for individual or group study

Monitoring Your Progress
Regularly monitor your progress throughout the semester. When grades are returned, take time to understand what is working and what may need to change. Using a GPA calculator can help clarify what grades are needed moving forward to return to good academic standing.

After reviewing this, it can be helpful to meet with an academic advisor to talk through your plan and make adjustments. Making changes early provides more time to improve and stay on track.

Taking Care of Yourself Helps You Stay Consistent
Staying consistent academically is also connected to how you are doing mentally and physically. If stress, difficulty concentrating, or low motivation start to affect coursework, reach out to Student Psychological Services for support. Taking care of your physical health is just as important, especially during busy times like midterms and finals, and Student Health Services can help with that. Building a sense of connection can also make a real difference academically. Being part of a community helps you stay engaged and supported over time. Connecting with Ethnic and Intercultural Services is one way to find that sense of belonging on campus.

Connecting with the Career and Professional Development can help you explore career interests, clarify goals, and better understand how your coursework connects to future opportunities.
To remain eligible for federal, state, and University financial aid programs, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). These standards are separate from University academic standing.

Undergraduate students must:
• Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
• Complete at least 67% of attempted units
• Complete their degree within the maximum timeframe (150% of required units)

If you have been notified that you are not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements, you may be required to submit a SAP appeal to regain financial aid eligibility. A SAP appeal requires an academic plan prepared with your academic advisor.

For full SAP policies, requirements, and appeal instructions, visit the LMU Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress webpage.
Students who remain below a 2.0 term, cumulative, or major GPA after two consecutive semesters on probation are subject to academic disqualification in accordance with University policy. Academic disqualification results in a minimum one-year separation from the University.

Students are encouraged to meet with their Student Success Team member to review their academic standing, discuss available options, and develop a plan for moving forward.

Students who wish to appeal a disqualification must submit a written request to the Dean of their college. For complete academic policies and procedures, review the LMU Bulletin.