Fannon Institute for Student Success
Academic Probation Spring 2026
Welcome back to the Spring 2026 semester
During this challenging time we are committed to partnering with you to make your academic journey a success. Success begins with devoting time to take this online module meant to support you during the academic recovery process.
There are many pathways towards academic success and the staff in Fannon Institute for Student Success are available to help you explore the right resources to meet your specific needs.
We look forward to seeing you get back on track and into good academic standing!
Kim Stack, Executive Director
Undergraduate Student Success and Academic Support
On the road to academic recovery
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
Instructions
Tips for navigating the module:
Table of Contents
This on-line module has 6 sections:
Academic Probation
Many students find themselves on academic probation. The important part is to understand what being on academic probation means, to think about why you are on academic probation, and to utilize the URI resources that will help you reach good standing and achieve academic success.
⇒ Students with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) below a 2.0 are placed on academic probation.
⇒ Students may continue on probation for up to 3 consecutive semesters before being dismissed with the following exception: If a student’s *quality point deficit is more than 8 points, they can be dismissed before the end of their 3rd semester if they were on academic probation the previous semester.
⇒ Quality point deficit is the difference between the number of quality points earned, and the number of quality points needed to have a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Quality points correspond to a letter grade (eg. an A = 4 quality points, a B = 3 quality points, etc.).
*You will be able to calculate your quality point deficit in a later section.
Possible Contributing Factors
Here are some common factors that can impact a student's academic success:
✔ Frequent class absences
✔ Disengaged during class – not taking notes, not participating in class discussions
✔ Not completing ALL assignments
✔ Missing assignments, tests
✔ Working over 15 hours
✔ Family concerns
✔ Unwilling to use resources
✔ Seeing lack of connection between college and career goals
✔ Low sense of emotional well-being
Pause & Reflect: Can you identify factors that lead you to be placed on academic probation? What are they?
Roadmap Towards Academic Success
1. Meet with your academic advisor.
Work with your academic advisor to understand your academic status and make a plan for the semester.
2. Take action steps from the start.
Engage in behaviors that are proven to help students be successful. Come into the semester with an action plan.
3. Connect with campus resources.
Resources are available to support students. Build a network of support by connecting to campus partners.
Navigating your way towards good academic standing can feel daunting at times. The good news is that you do not have to do it alone. To get started, follow these 3 steps:
Many services are available both in-person and virtually.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Don’t forget to complete this Google Form that can help your academic advisor personalize the support you receive this semester.
2. Taking Action Steps: Helpful Tips
1. Utilize Second Grade Option – Students can repeat a class taken that earned a C- or less in the first 30 attempted credits. Both grades appear on the transcript but only the second grade is calculated into the GPA. The class must be taken within the 2 semesters following the term when 30 attempted credits is reached, and must be taken at URI. Note: transfer students can only repeat classes taken in the first semester. Work with your advisor to complete SGO Forms.
The road towards academic success takes time, planning, and the commitment to do things that can help you in the process. Here is a list of helpful tips that you can do now to get you started:
Taking Action Steps: Helpful Tips
2. Increase the amount of time spent studying - Typically students should spend a minimum of 2-3 hours studying per week for every 1 credit hour taken. That means a student should study at least 6-9 hours a week outside of class for a 3-credit class, a total of 30-45 hours a week for 15 credits. Being a student is a “full time job.”
3. Change study location – Choose a space where there are not a lot of distractions. The library, your residence hall study lounge, and the AEC all have good spaces for individual and group studying.
The Rhody Connect app can be helpful in finding study spaces and other campus resources.
Taking Action Steps: Helpful Tips
6. Visit Faculty Office Hours – Visit your professors in the first week or two of classes to introduce yourself and ask for advice on how to be successful in their class. This will also make it easier to go to office hours when questions come up throughout the semester. Check your syllabus or Starfish for days/times/location.
7. Build Your Rhody Community - Surround yourself with people who have your best (educational) interests in mind.
“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”
– Confucius
3. Connecting with Campus Partners
Connecting with campus resources is essential to your academic success. They are part of your support network at URI and can help you on your journey to academic recovery. Click on each link to view a short video on some of the services offered on campus.
⇒ Disability, Access, and Inclusion
⇒ Student Support and Advocacy Services
Connecting with Campus Partners: Caring for Your Mental Health
URI offers resources to help you care for your mental health. This is such an important part of your overall wellness. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out for help. You are not alone.
Academic Status and Financial Aid
Enrollment Services is a one-stop shop for all your enrollment needs, from registering for classes or getting a transcript, to understanding financial aid or paying your bill. Students' academic performance may affect their financial aid and/or scholarships. Enrollment Services will notify students of any financial aid or scholarship changes and may ask students to appeal in writing to continue receiving financial aid. Please check e-Campus To Do List regularly.
Students can connect with Enrollment Services in various ways: book an appointment through Starfish, call to speak to staff, visit them in Green Hall, or through their virtual lobby.
Click here for details on how to speak to a financial aid counselor.
*IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FINANCIAL AID AND ACADEMIC STATUS*
Enrollment Services monitors students' academic progress. Your financial aid eligibility is based on satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards. Enrollment Services measures your academic performance each year and enforces SAP standards to ensure that you, as a financial aid recipient, progress toward graduation. If you fail to meet these standards, you become ineligible to receive financial aid until you comply with all requirements.
Students can appeal if they are not meeting SAP. The SAP deadline for the Spring 2026 semester is due February 20, 2026. You must meet with your academic advisor for assistance and a signature well in advance of the deadline. Students can book an appointment with their academic advisors through Starfish.
Calculating Your Quality Point Deficit
This interactive video will show you how to calculate your quality point deficit, predict quality points, and utilize the Second Grade Option policy. If you have any question, make an appointment with your academic advisor to review your quality point deficit and any other questions you may have about the module.
NOTE: Students may continue on academic probation for up to 3 consecutive semesters before being dismissed with the following exception: If a student’s quality point deficit is more than 8 points, they can be dismissed before the end of their 3rd semester of being on academic probation.
Online Academic Support Resources
Topics include:
⇨ Remote and Online Learning
⇨ Planning and Time Management
⇨ Study Strategies that Promote Active Learning
⇨ The Study Cycle
⇨ Mindset and Motivation
⇨ Procrastination, Focus and Distraction
The Academic Enhancement Center offers a series of online self-guided modules to help students prepare for academic success. These modules share tips and strategies to help you start the semester strong.
So What’s Next?
1. Complete and submit this short quiz to receive credit for completing the module.
2. Sign up for an individual session with your academic advisor to review your concerns, plan for the semester, and complete any related paperwork such as the second grade option form.
3. Seek out tutoring and writing support to maximize every grade of every course you are in!
4. Identify the campus resources you need to be successful and contact them today.
YOU GOT THIS!
Completing this module was your first step towards academic success. What you decide to do next matters. Here are 4 steps you can take now to keep you moving in the right direction: