Academic probation is a reality for all institutions, whether the institution is highly selective or one that supports open access. All members of the academic community have an interest in and responsibility for fostering student success.

There is no single type of student or student population or characteristic that makes a student destined for academic probation: no one is exempt from the possibility. What factors put students at risk for academic probation? What are some typical probationary policies?  Who are the stakeholders and what are their roles in supporting students on academic probation?  What can advisors do? In this broadcast, our Presentation Panel will discuss these questions and more!  Institutional programs that are supportive of the student on academic probation and useful resources for academic advisors will be shared.

Presentation Panel:

Marsha Miller, NACADA Assistant Director of Resources and Services
Event Moderator

Shelly Gehrke, Director of Academic Advising, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Author, "Students on Academic Probation," in NACADA Monograph 17: Advising Special Populations.

Shelly has presented at NACADA conferences on both the regional and national levels. Additionally, she has co-authored the Students on Academic Probation chapter of the Fall 2006 NACADA Monograph on Special Populations and contributed to other NACADA projects related to working with students on academic probation.  She obtained her PhD in Higher Education Administration and her MEd in College/University Student Personnel Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.  She gained her bachelors degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Jeanette Wong, Director, Office of Academic Advising, Azusa Pacific University
Author, "Students on Academic Probation," in NACADA Monograph 17: Advising Special Populations.

Jeanette directs the Office of Academic Advising at Azusa Pacific University, which (among other responsibilities) identifies, mentors, and evaluates students on academic probation.  She has presented at NACADA conferences on both the regional and national levels.  Additionally, she has co-authored the Students on Probation chapter of the Fall 2006 NACADA Monograph on Special Populations, and has served on various NACADA advisory boards, committees and panels.  Her degrees are from Whittier College and the University of Southern California.

Karen Reynolds, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Student Affairs, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University
Past Chair, NACADA Probation/Dismissal/Reinstatement Interest Group
2008 Best of Region 5 Conference presentation winner: “Students At -Risk or On Probation: Success/Retention Initiatives with Impact”

Karen has worked in academic advising for ten years.  She has been with Michigan State University for the past seven years, where she has been an academic advisor and student affairs administrator.  She specializes in developing, implementing, and assessing student success and retention programs and is an instructor for an academic success class.  She also leads workshops for students on academic probation and works individually with students at-risk or on probation.  Karen has an M.A. degree in Adult Clinical Psychology.

Darren Francis, Manager, Registrar and Information Services, Simon Fraser University-Surrey Campus

Chair, Canada Interest Group

Darren Francis brings an international perspective to our topic. A NACADA Emerging Leader and current Chair of the Canada Interest Group, Darren has presented at conferences in the United Kingdom and Greece, as well as NACADA annual and regional conferences.  He has served as Chair of the NACADA Region 8 conference in Vancouver, B.C., and as  President of the British Columbia Academic Advisors Association.

Tonya Gerharter, Advisor and Career Counselor, University of Wyoming

2009 Best of Region 10 Conference presentation winner: "Energizing At-Risk Students: Integrating Career and Self-Exploration with Academic Advising"