The college will likely place a failing student under academic probation if the student's grade point average (GPA) has fallen below an acceptable level for 15 hours of coursework, usually 1.5 for freshmen and 2.0 for upperclassmen. Note that requirements may be more stringent for programs like TAMS (Texas Academy of Math and Science), which requires at least a 3.0 GPA at the end of the junior year and dismissing any student with less than a 2.7 GPA.
Generally this level of insufficiency is due to a difficulty with course material, attendance or testing methods. Once a student is placed under academic probation, she will have two options: rehabilitation or academic suspension.
Academic probation can significantly hinder a student's college career. The student may be required to attend special workshops on study habits, work with assigned tutors, or meet with an academic counselor. The student may also repeat failed classes to replace the failing grades with passing ones. If the student shows progress throughout the following academic year, he may also be required to attend an academic review board before renewing good academic standing.
Failure to rehabilitate after the allotted time frame will likely result in academic suspension, in which the student will be unable to enroll in classes for at least one semester or term. This usually affects financial aid, and it is advised that the student consult her financial aid office for details. Alternatively, some institutions may bypass academic suspension and simply dismiss the student entirely, prohibiting any further enrollment in the university.