Academically challenged students can get assistance

By Phil Witte
Daily Forty-Niner

Students who go through a rough stretch and find themselves on academic probation can restore their academic status by participating in Strategies for Academic Success.

The program, offered by Academic Services, is a 90-minute workshop with one follow-up appointment that restores a student's academic standing for a semester.

Suzanne Wurzer, assistant director of Academic Advising, said the program is designed to give students the power in their academic recovery.

"We require an appointment so we can have the transcripts ready for the students," Wurzer said. "The counselors make sure the students understand the calculation of grade point averages and how their actions contribute to it and that ultimately they have power over it."

The workshops, which start Friday at 2 p.m. in the North Campus Center, is just the first step in restoring academic standing. Students are required to fill out a questionnaire explaining why they are on academic probation, and, from their responses, directed to an appropriate follow-up.

"If students are having trouble studying, the follow-up is with the Learning Assistance Center," Wurzer said. "If a student thinks health problems were the cause, the Student Health Center is the follow-up. We try to tailor it some specific problem the student has been having to help the individually."

Wurzer said academic standing is not restored until students complete the Academic Advising workshop and verify meeting and completing the follow-up department's requirements.

All students qualifing for the program are sent letters inviting them to the workshop, but reservations are required.

Three more Friday workshops are also scheduled during the semester. The dates are Oct. 20, Nov. 10 and Dec. 15.