Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Academic Warning?
To earn a degree from Penn State, all students must have a minimum 2.00 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). Students go in Academic Warning status when their cumulative GPA has fallen below a 2.00. Academic Warning is an intervention to ensure students work with representatives who can help contribute to their academic success.
Q. What are the consequences of being on Academic Warning?
At the time that final grades post, if on Academic Warning, a registration hold will be placed on a student’s account that prevents enrollment for subsequent semesters. The hold will allow students to adjust their current schedule, but prevent enrollment for subsequent terms.
Also, while on Academic Warning, students must maintain a minimum semester GPA of 2.00. If a student does not meet the minimum semester GPA while on Academic Warning, they will be put on Academic Suspension (unable to enroll at any Penn State campus for two consecutive semesters).
Q. How do I remove the registration hold while on Academic Warning?
Students on Academic Warning are required to meet with their assigned academic adviser to complete an Academic Action Plan. Students should also attend a mid-semester meeting before the Late Drop deadline. The academic adviser can approve the removal of the registration hold.
Q. How do I remove myself from Academic Warning?
By reaching a cumulative GPA of 2.00, students are no longer on Academic Warning.
Q. How is my cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) calculated? What is the difference between cumulative and semester GPAs? Where can I find both GPAs?
The cumulative GPA is the weighted mean value of all grade points earned through enrollment in Penn State courses including online courses and any Penn State campus. A semester GPA is calculated using only Penn State courses completed for one specific semester. Please visit the University Registrar’s Grade Point Average site
Links to an external site. for more information.
You can find both cumulative GPA and GPA for each semester by viewing your unofficial transcript in LionPATH.
Q. Why must I meet with an adviser to prevent/remove the registration hold?
Advisers at Penn State are invested in the personal and academic success of students. Advisers are aware of University resources and have experience assisting students with overcoming challenges. A conversation with an adviser allows students to reflect and develop a plan to move forward successfully. In addition to other considerations, it is a time to:
- Reflect on the challenges that led to Academic Warning
- Discuss the resources available for support
- Plan a balanced schedule for the upcoming semester
- Understand GPA, grades required for Good Standing, and the Suspension Policy