FAQ - Academic Probation

What is the minimum GPA I must maintain?

You are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, which equates to a "C" average. You must receive at least a 2.0 GPA in all courses taken at CSULB and in all courses taken from other colleges and universities.

What happens if I fall below a 2.0 GPA?

You are placed on academic probation and are subject to academic disqualification if you remain on academic probation for two consecutive semesters without actively participating in a probation intervention workshop and seeking the assistance of one or more offices on campus that provide probation intervention strategies.

If my GPA falls below a 2.0, how do I raise my GPA?

Students are usually concerned about their GPA but if you are placed on academic probation, you should be concerned about the number of grade points you have below the 2.0 GPA. Since you are expected to maintain a "C" average, grades of "D," "F," or "WU" give you deficient grade points. You gain grade points when you receive an "A" or "B" grade.  A "C" grade neither gives you additional grade points nor does it take any away since this is the university's minimum expectation.

Early in the semester, before you receive your final grades, you should pay attention to your first quiz or your mid-term tests. If you don't receive high grades, take action. Attend class regularly, read the assigned readings, and talk to your professors immediately.

They can make suggestions about improving your grades. Talk to an advisor, either in the Academic Advising Center [AS-124, (562) 985-4837] or in the special program in which you participate. They can give you probation information and develop strategies with you to get you off probation immediately.  Also, attend a Strategies for Academic Success workshop if you fall into academic probation. Take advantage of CSULB's Learning Assistance Center [AS-012, (562) 985-5350]. They offer workshops and tutoring programs. Don't wait to see if you can do better on your own; it may be too late. Faculty and staff are here to help.

Where can I receive academic assistance?

The University provides academic assistance and support to all undergraduates.  The Learning Assistance Center provides support services that help students increase efficiency and effectiveness.  Their services include workshops on study skills, time management, and test taking strategies.  The Writer's Resource Lab provides personalized writing tutuorial services to any currently enrolled CSULB student.

Do I have to earn a specific number of units each semester in order to continue receiving financial aid?

If you are receiving financial aid at CSULB, you must show that you are making satisfactory progress toward receiving your baccalaureate degree.  Each semester the Financial Aid program takes into account the units in which you are enrolled at "census" time, that is, the first day of the fifth week of the semester.  If you have applied for financial aid based on a full-time status, that is 12 or more units, you must earn at least 12 units at the end of the semester or you will be placed on financial aid probation.  If  you are taking fewer units, you are held to specific units earned. For example, if you are taking nine units and only earn six units, you will be placed on financial aid probation. If even fewer units are earned, you can become disqualified from receiving financial aid.  Be sure to read the "Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy" from the Financial Aid office.  Get help early to ensure you earn all the units you are attempting.

What is the repeat/delete policy at CSULB?

An undergraduate student who has received grades of "D," "F," or "WU" in courses taken at CSULB may repeat any course ONCE for the purpose of deleting an unsatisfactory grade without prior departmental approval, if the repeated course is also taken at CSULB. The second grade must be a "C" or better in order to get the first grade removed from the GPA calculation and the second grade to take its place.  Second grades of "D," "F," or "WU" will NOT be substituted for the first and will be computed in units attempted and grade points earned, thus lowering your grade point average even more.

If I received a "D," "F," or "WU" in a class at CSULB, can I repeat the class at another institution for the repeat/delete credit?

No.  Students cannot delete a CSULB grade at another institution.

I received an "F" in a course taken at another institution.  Can I repeat/delete the course at CSULB?

Students who wish to exclude "D," "F," or "WU" grades in courses taken at another institution may do so by enrolling in the equivalent courses at CSULB.  Petitions must be filed with the office of Enrollment Services. The department in which the course is taught must indicate on the petition which particular course may be repeated to delete the previous grade. An official transcript from the institution where the original course was taken must accompany the petition. Only one repeat is allowed for the purpose of deleting a grade, and the repeated grade and grade points will be used in the overall grade point determination, provided the second grade was a "C" or better.