UC Berkeley > L&S > Advising > Probation/Dismissal > Probation

Probation

Probation Defined

Academic Probation is noted on the transcript when the cumulative UC GPA falls below 2.0 at the end of a fall or spring semester. In order to return to good academic standing ("clear probation"), it is necessary to raise the GPA to at least a 2.0 by the end of the next semester of enrollment.

Term Probation is noted on the transcript when the fall or spring semester GPA falls below 1.5. To clear term probation, a minimum 2.0 term and overall GPA must be achieved by the end of the next semester of enrollment.

Students on probation must take all courses for a letter grade in order to maximize the opportunity to earn the grade points needed to clear probation. However, courses offered only on a Pass/Fail basis (such as courses numbered 98, 99, 198 199, etc.) are permitted.

It is not possible to clear probation with Summer Session grades.

What To Do If You Are on Probation

Start by participating in the “Reach for Success” workshop, available on-line or in person at the beginning of each semester. Following that, meet with a college adviser to plan a strategy for returning to good academic standing. The adviser can help you in several ways:

  • Identify the grades needed to clear probation
  • Address any Incomplete grades on your record
  • Select appropriate courses for your probation semester
  • Decide whether to repeat D or F grades
  • Develop an effective study routine
  • Determine if you are eligible for a reduced study load.

What Happens at the End of the Probation Semester

Official grades are not posted until several weeks after the close of the semester, and consequently, there is a delay in letting you know if you have cleared probation. To determine your status as soon as possible, ask your instructors for final grades and see a college adviser, who can help with any concerns you may have about clearing probation. To prepare for your appointment, you can use the Probation GPA Calculator.

If you are unable to meet the conditions to clear probation, you will be subject to dismissal. In that case, the Dismissal Review Committee will review your academic record and make a final determination about dismissal. Most students who do not meet the conditions of their probation are dismissed, but any information you provide to an academic adviser prior to the review will be considered during the decision making process.