All students with a grade point average below 2.0 must raise their grades within two semesters or they will face expulsion under a new UA policy.

Previously, students with a GPA below 2.0 were given academic warnings, but the consequences of warnings were not serious enough, university officials said.

Mal Drain, a pre-physiology freshman, said she believes she and other freshman need more time to get used to the grueling hours and changes that accompany a first year in college.

“”It’s really not fair to us,”” Drain said. “”Freshmen have to go through an adjustment period. We’re not used to the classes or the way that the classes are run. This is just going to make it a lot harder.””

Jerry Hogle, vice provost for instruction and a professor of English, said students have no need to be concerned over the change.

“”I don’t think it will have much of an impact on campus,”” Hogle said. “”In previous years, teachers rarely used academic warnings as a device. Many colleges just put students right on probation.””

Students with below a 2.0 GPA must now raise it to a 2.0 within two semesters. If students are unable to raise their grades during that time, they have the option to appeal to the dean for an extension.

However, if the poor performance continues, the student will be disqualified from the UA for two semesters and might not be able to return.

Drain said she was concerned about students who could potentially lose hold of their scholarships and financial aid with the change.

“”A lot of students have sports scholarships that they need to keep,”” Drain said. “”They have to do well in school and stay on the sports team. It’s hard to stay on top of it all.””

But Hogle said probation will have no effect on scholarships for students.

“”This change does not impact financial aid changes,”” Hogle said. “”Only being expelled can make you lose financial aid.””

While Hogle said he realizes potential student concerns, he guaranteed the thought process behind the transition was balanced and well-planned by the Undergraduate Council.

“”This was an elimination of a process that wasn’t being used much anyway,”” Hogle said. “”There will be no more warnings starting with freshmen this year. Everyone under a 2.0 is under probation.””

If placed on academic probation, students will receive a letter detailed with ways to improve grades and the

situation.

The letter notifies students they are in serious danger of flunking out. The letter also warns students of potential expulsion from the UA and states that the students may not be able to return.

While the letter sounds serious, Hogle insists there is no need for students to become immediately alarmed.

“”Going on probation does not mean you will be expelled,”” Hogle said. “”You are given at least two semesters to bring your grades up. The axe doesn’t fall immediately.””