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Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I on academic probation?

Students admitted to the university are expected to maintain satisfactory academic standing, which requires a cumulative quality point average of 2.0 (C) or better in their total program of courses and minimum 2.0 in the course work of their major areas of specialization.

The Registrar's Office reviews the academic progress of students at the end of each semester and places those students who fail to maintain a cumulative quality point average of 2.0 or better on academic probation or dismissal. Students who do not meet the required quality point average may be granted one probationary semester in which to raise their average. Students who show academic progress in that semester (greater than a 2.01 semester QPA) may continue in their course of study, but will remain on academic probation until their CGPA is a 2.01 or above. 

Any student who fails to meet the conditions of academic probation is subject to dismissal. A student whose adjusted cumulative average beyond the first semester falls below 1.7 or whose semester average is below a 1.0 is subject to immediate dismissal unless the overall QPA remains at 2.0 or above. A first-year student must pass at least 3 or more credits of the courses attempted during his or her first semester or he/she will be academically dismissed for a minimum of one academic year.

A student cannot be considered for readmission to the university for at least one calendar year following dismissal. A decision to readmit is made only when a student presents compelling evidence that he/she can perform academically at a level needed to graduate from Shippensburg. Typically, this might include achievement of a quality point average of 2.5 or above in several courses taken at another accredited institution of higher education. Courses for which a student has received a D or F grade at Shippensburg can only be repeated at Shippensburg and any specific courses taken at another institution must have prior approval of the academic dean. If a student has been dismissed twice for academic reasons, including when a dismissal appeal has been granted, he/she is ineligible for readmission to the university for at least five years, when he/she may be considered for academic bankruptcy upon readmission.

See Academic Standards and Policy on Probation, Continuing Probation, and Academic Dismissal Status University Policy on Probation

Who will assist students in the CAPS?

Professional staff and trained graduate assistants will provide academic support to student in the CAPS program through individual appointments. These sessions may also be supplement with peer tutoring, Learning Specialists, and writing support.

How much of a time commitment is CAPS?

For those who take full advantage of CAPS, there will be a time commitment of approximately one hour per week for individual meetings. Students may also potentially need some of one-on-one tutoring, depending on the individual student’s academic needs. The Learning Center recommends that students identify which courses they may have some difficulty in and set up peer tutoring for those courses before they begin to experience any academic difficulties.

What topics are covered in CAPS?

Through the "Intake Process," students and their CAPS coaches will identify areas that they can improve in. They will develop an individualized plan and work on different strategies. Areas that may be covered will consist of things such as Time Management, Organizational Skills and Prioritizing, as well as learning how and why to maintain grade trackers.  Students may also work on other areas such as Note- taking, study skills, and test taking strategies.  Each student's plan is unique and will be  tailored to meet their individual needs.