The probation system is designed to serve as a warning that things need to change. You are required to have at least a 2.0 GPA (a "C" average) to graduate in L&S. You must also earn a term GPA of 2.0 each semester or term.

You are on probation when your term (academic semester or summer session(s)) GPA is between 1.00 and 1.99. If things are not going well and your grades are declining, the probation system allows you a semester to improve your grades. It gives you time to assess your strategies and make some improvements so that you may obtain the required 2.0 GPA needed to graduate.

You are on strict probation when your term GPA is less than 1.00 or if you were on probation and your term GPA is between 1.50 and 1.99.

The L&S Probation Systems is as follows:

To clear probation, a student's cumulative and term GPA must be at least a 2.0 on any number of credits and your academic records contains no grade(s) of Incomplete. For specific details on the probation system, read the entry on the Probation and Drop System in the Undergraduate Catalog.

The key for you is to reflect on the reason(s) why you are on probation. Were your classes too difficult? Were you doing too much of something else (other classes, work, social life, etc.) instead of keeping up on your class work? Are you having more trouble with certain types of classes (language, literature, math, science) than others? It does not matter what it is - no reason is better or worse than another - as long as you recognize what thing(s) caused the problem, and then do something proactive about it.

You don't have to do it alone. Solicit advice from academic advisers, deans, doctors, counselors, and even parents. If you believe it will take some time to get things sorted out, consider taking time away from school. Coming back from being dropped from school is much more involved than coming back when you voluntarily took time off.

You should select classes very carefully, especially if you're on strict probation. If you are serious about staying in school, you need to select classes you know you can do well in. Your credit load should be closer to 12 credits than 18 credits. It is recommended you diligently utilize resources such as tutoring, advising, and instructors' office hours. More importantly, TRACK YOUR SEMESTER GRADES. If you are in danger of getting a sub-C grade in a class, you need to think seriously about dropping it. Probation is no time for heroic efforts to raise your grade! It's a great time to speak with your major adviser and your dean to talk about options. It is strongly recommended you do this before the drop deadline.

Withdrawal means dropping all your classes and leaving school for the semester. You can withdraw up to the end of the 12th week of Fall/Spring classes (Summer Session and modular course deadlines vary; refer to the Timetable). Assuming you withdraw after the beginning of the semester, you will still get an invitation to enroll for the next semester. The form for withdrawal is online and instructions are included.

The completed withdrawal form must be returned to the L&S Dean's Office in Room 70, Bascom Hall. Rather than "DR" showing up next to each class, your transcript will say that you withdrew from the semester and the date that you withdrew.

When you have been DROPPED by L&S, this means that you have had at least two consecutive semesters/term grade point averages of less than 2.0 and will not be allowed to continue at the University for at least one year. We do not drop students to "punish" them for poor grades. Experience tells us that students who have been dropped from the U.W.-Madison find time away from school to be an important, positive factor for later academic success. Many students find a new academic environment away from the U.W.-Madison. Whether you take time off from school or attend another institution, you may wish to appeal to return to the U.W.-Madison in the future. If you wish to be considered for immediate readmission, you must appeal your dropped action through the Faculty Appeals process.

Information on appealing after you have been dropped can be found here.