Student Experiences

Student Experiences in the Academic Probation Process

These stories reflect common experiences that many students report having regarding their academic standing and in the academic probation process. 
 
"When I failed an important math class, I was devastated. If anything, getting the academic probation letter made me feel worse. Eventually, I got up the courage to talk to my TA. I went to her office hours, she closed the door, and my story spilled out. I was worried what she would think. But she surprised me. She told me, 'You probably wouldn't believe how many times I've had a conversation like this. Every time a person walks in thinking they are the only one, but really, more students struggle than you think.' I saw that there’s no shame in struggling academically; lots of people do. It's all about how you respond. When I got the letter I was really down. But I learned something important in the process, about how to face up to challenges, to ask others for help, and find a way forward. That was some time ago, and I can see now that the process was productive for me and helped me grow as a person and as a student."  
 
"I was very busy one semester keeping up with class, work, and family responsibilities. My grades tanked. Still, the probation letter was a shock. I hadn’t thought much about the academic probation policy before, so I didn't realize I had let my grades get so out of hand. I was ashamed and embarrassed at first. How did I let this happen? After talking with my probation advisor, I felt a little better. Eventually, I saw that probation is MSU's way of making sure that everyone is doing okay and giving me another opportunity. I can understand that, and I am glad this process is there for students when we need it. This experience increased my awareness of policies and expectations, but it also connected me with advisors who helped me figure out how to manage my schedule. I ended up taking a leave of absence for a semester, and that helped me get back on track. Graduation is around the corner, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished at MSU."
 
"A few semesters back, I was struggling with some mental health issues. I felt like I was barely holding it together. I couldn't focus on my studies, so probation didn't come as a surprise. But it did help me realize that I didn't know how to deal with everything, so I reached out for some guidance from people around me including one of my close friends and a counselor CAPS. They helped me learn how to manage my mental health better—to take care of myself and get support when I need it. I still struggle sometimes, but overall I'm doing better mentally and academically now, and I've learned how to deal with stress and hard times more effectively when they come up." 
 
"Coming to MSU hit me like a ton of bricks. I'd done well in high school but I just wasn't prepared for the way college works, how much reading some professors assign, or the fancy language some people use. When I ended up on academic probation, I felt like a failure, like I didn't belong. After a while, I realized that probation didn't define me as a person or limit my potential as a student. Yes, I struggled, but it wasn't that I couldn't do the work. I needed to learn how to do college. It took some time, but I made an effort to take advantage of as many resources as I could: I met with my advisor, used repeat credits, and started spending more time at the library. Now, I'm on track to graduate and I know that I deserve to be here just as much as anyone else."
 
"Being a student is really important to me, and so is my family. That’s a huge part of why I’m here at MSU: to be able to create more opportunities for my family in the future. One semester, there was a lot going on at home. That, on top of work and school, was just too much and I did poorly. When I got the academic probation letter, I wondered if maybe I should just give up. Thankfully, though, I talked with a advisor who encouraged me to keep going. I talked through all my responsibilities with them and that helped me make a plan for how to get done what needed getting done. I started talking with professors and TAs early on in my classes to get tips about how to be strategic and efficient. It hasn't been easy, but I'm proud of what I'm doing for me and for my family."  
 
"Being on academic probation helped me to realize that I was in the wrong major. Although I started college thinking that I wanted to major in science, I didn't find the classes as interesting as I expected to. It was difficult to focus in class, and I wasn't very motivated to study. Unsurprisingly, my grades were pretty bad for a couple of semesters. When I found out I was on probation, I was upset with myself and pretty discouraged. I knew I was in the wrong major, but I felt stuck there—like it was too late to switch. The good thing about probation was that it led me to reach out to advisors who reassured me that it was not too late. They helped me navigate that process, and helped me select a major I loved. Once I made the change, I turned my grades around. It has been much easier to stay focused because I'm interested in the topic and have a sense of academic direction." 
 
"During my first year at MSU, I made some poor choices with my time, so my grades suffered. At first I ignored the problems—even after I got on probation. I hoped they would just go away. Of course they didn't. It took me a while, but finally I started being more proactive. I talked with my advisor, my stats professor, and a TA. Different people gave different advice and eventually I figured out what made sense for me. Looking back, I wish I had started talking to people earlier, when I first got the probation letter. I think I didn't because I felt embarrassed and I worried how people would view me. But I see now that most people at MSU really want you to succeed. Probation is a way to help you get back on track when you have difficulties. I probably still have another semester until my GPA is high enough to return to good standing, but I've been able to do better in my classes and make progress."