Academic Probation FAQs

Grading

Q: I don't agree with the final grade I received in a course. What can I do about it?

A: The staff in the Community Standards and Counseling office can review with you the informal process used to resolve complaints regarding unfair academic appraisal (e.g., final grade) and/or unfair treatment in the classroom. Stop by the Community Standards and Counseling office to obtain a copy of the Academic Grievance Student Checklist that will guide you on how to proceed. There is a deadline associated with filing a formal academic grievance. Refer to the Student Code of Conduct Policy for further information. Copies of this publication are available in the Community Standards office.

Q: My instructor told me I plagiarized on a graded assignment and has asked me to drop the class. What can I do?

A: When a student engages in a form of academic dishonesty, the instructor may handle the incident in a variety of ways. The instructor may: ask the student to redo the assignment, issue a grade of F for the assignment on the student's behalf, ask the student to voluntarily withdraw from the course, issue a grade of F for the course on the student's behalf, and/or refer the incident to the Dean of Student Services for review under the Student Code of Conduct Policy. Please note: A student may not withdraw from the course after a grade of F has been assigned for academic dishonesty. Examples of academic dishonesty appear in the College Catalog. Incidents of academic dishonesty are considered an offense under the Student Code of Conduct Policy.

If you feel the instructor's request is unfair, refer to the Student Code of Conduct Policy and Academic Grievance Student Checklist for further information.

Academic Probation

Q: What is "academic probation?"

A: Academic probation serves as a warning that you are in academic jeopardy; that is, you are not in good academic standing. In order to be in good academic standing and to be making academic progress toward a degree or certificate, a student must meet a minimum cumulative grade point average according to the Standards of Progress table illustrated at Academic Standards. If the standard of progress is not achieved at the intervals noted, you will be placed on academic probation.

Q: When will I be notified of my academic probation status?

A: You will receive notice in early January regarding your status for the spring semester, early June regarding your status for the summer semester, and late summer for the fall semester (summer students only).

Q: What happens if I am placed on academic probation?

A: Students on academic probation are limited to a maximum of 13 credit hours. At the conclusion of your probationary semester, your academic transcript will be reviewed. If progress is shown toward meeting the College's Standards of Progress, you may achieve "good academic standing" or "continue on academic probation." If progress is not shown toward satisfying degree requirements and the College's Standards of Progress, you will be "academically dismissed" from FLCC.

Q: What can I do to help myself get off academic probation and achieve good academic standing?

A: There are many resources at FLCC to help you reach your academic goals. We suggest you develop an action plan by incorporating the following suggestions:

• Meet with your instructors to discuss strategies for success in each of your classes. Visit your instructors during their office hours to clarify any concerns you may have regarding the material covered in class.
• Earn at least a 2.0 "C" average or better in all of your courses.
• Visit the Academic Support Center on main campus or at the campus centers to arrange to work with either a professional or peer tutor; all tutoring is free.
• Seek assistance with any of your writing assignments at The Write Place (B-372).
• Ask for help if you're having difficulty with math. Stop by the Math Center and work with a student tutor. The Math Center is located in the Academic Support Center at all three campuses.
• Meet with your academic advisor about your academic status.
• Meet with a counselor in the Academic Advising, Career, and Transfer Services Office to assess and clarify your career goals and to develop a plan for academic success. To schedule an appointment, call (585)785-1000.
• Enroll in academic support courses such as GST 101 First Year Seminar or GST 116 Introduction to College Studies. These courses will help you acquire the skills and techniques necessary to succeed in college.
• If you are undecided about your degree program or career path, enroll in GST 196 Career Explorations.
• For additional support services and resources to assist you in achieving academic success, check out Career and Transfer Services

Q: I understand I will be limited to a maximum of 13 credit hours due to my probationary status, but I pre-registered for 16 credit hours next semester.  Are there any exceptions to this rule?

A: Exceptions may be requested by submitting a Probation Overload Request. If you are registered for more than 13 credit hours and do not file a request or your request is denied, your course schedule will be adjusted to bring you into compliance with the 13 credit hour requirement. If you are registered for 13 or fewer credit hours, you do not need to submit a request; your schedule will remain as is.

Academic Dismissal:

Q: What happens if I am academically dismissed from FLCC?

A: Academic dismissal means that you are no longer in a degree program, lose all financial aid, and are not eligible to return to FLCC without completing the Academic Dismissal Appeal process. Basically, you were academically dismissed because you did not show progress toward satisfying degree requirements and the College's Standards of Progress illustrated at Academic Standards.

Q: How do I begin the appeal process?

A: If you have had extenuating circumstances (including, but not limited to, personal illness or injury) that impacted your academic progress, you may appeal your status. To begin the Academic Dismissal Appeal process, you must complete an Academic Dismissal Appeal Form and submit documentation to support the appeal. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with a counselor in the Academic Advising, Career and Transfer Services office to review the Academic Appeal process. The petition and all supporting documentation must be returned to the Director of Community Standards and Counseling by the stated deadline on the petition.

Q: What if I didn't have any extenuating circumstances?

A: If no extenuating circumstances contributed to your academic dismissal, you may appeal after leaving the College for two academic semesters (fall and spring). The Committee on Academic Standing/Director of Community Standards and Counseling will review and act upon your petition.

Q: Who will determine the status of my appeal?

A: The Committee on Academic Standing/Director of Community Standards and Counseling will review and act on your appeal. The Committee on Academic Standing is comprised of faculty members, representatives from the Academic Advising, Career and Transfer Services Office, Financial Aid Office, Bursar's Office, and the Assistant Dean of Student Services. Appeals are reviewed by the Committee on Academic Standing/Director of Community Standards and Counseling periodically throughout the academic year.

Q: How will I be notified about the outcome of my appeal?

A: You will be notified via e-mail regarding the outcome of your appeal approximately two weeks after the submission deadline. Any questions regarding the Academic Appeal process can be sent to the Director of Community Standards and Counseling at (585)785-1211 or at standards@flcc.edu.

Q: What happens if my appeal is approved?

A: If your Academic Appeal is approved, you will be reinstated with probationary status and required to meet conditions specified by the Committee on Academic Standing/Director of Community Standards and Counseling, including, but not limited to, completing a specific course(s), limiting the number of credit hours for which you may register, prohibition from online courses, achieving a semester grade point average of 2.00, and successfully completing all coursework.

Q: What happens if I don't meet the conditions outlined by the Committee on Academic Standing?

A: If you fail to meet the conditions, you will be required to be separated from the College as follows:

1st failed contract/dismissal – one year leave from Finger Lakes Community College

2nd failed contract/dismissal – three years leave from Finger Lakes Community College

3rd failed contract/dismissal – three years leave from Finger Lakes Community College

Q: What happens if my appeal is denied?

A: You will be notified in writing regarding the status of your appeal and when you are eligible to return to FLCC. All pre-registered courses will be dropped. Students may contact the Director of Community Standards and Counseling with any questions regarding reinstatement at (585)785-1554 or standards@flcc.edu.

Q: I received an academic dismissal letter, but I am registered for next semester. What happens to those classes?

A: If you do not file an Academic Dismissal Appeal for readmission or your appeal is denied, those pre-registered classes will be dropped.

Q: When will I be eligible to return to FLCC?

A:  Dismissed students, regardless of their financial aid status, must file an Academic Dismissal Appeal. Academic dismissal remains in effect until the student has been readmitted to the College by the Committee on Academic Standing/Director of Community Standards and Counseling.

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