Successful Transition Off Academic Probation: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify factors that contributed to the successful transition off academic probation for undergraduate students at MacEwan University1. Focus groups were conducted with volunteers enrolled in any of the main faculties/schools who had successfully to taking time off from university, changing programs, or personal growth. Students underutilized available support services while on academic probation largely due to feelings of embarrassment and shame. Recommendations for institutional improvements centered on personalized approaches that identified existing resources such as listing resources along with contact information in notification of academic probation letters sent to struggling students. Finally, those who successfully transitioned off probation also emphasized the need for personal contact with university staff to help understand the implications of academic probation, and the steps required to successfully transition off it.