Review frequently asked questions below about Douglas College academic probation.
If your cumulative grade point average (CGPA) falls below 1.50 then you will be placed on Academic Probation and notified, by the College in writing of your probationary status via email.
CGPA is calculated based on the total number of credits attempted at Douglas College. For repeated courses, the highest grade is used in the calculation for the CGPA. Transfer credit grades are not included in Douglas College CGPA.
You can make an appointment with an SSA or Counsellor. The process and the timeline are the same at both services. It is the student’s choice where they wish to go. Students may decide to meet with an SSA if their academic difficulties are related to program and course planning, course load, financial planning and funding. They may find a counsellor is the best fit if academics have been impacted by personal concerns or difficulties. Either way, we will discuss your unique situation and refer you to appropriate services to support your success
You will be restricted from registering into courses and are required to meet with your Student Success Advisor (SSA) by a prescribed date for academic advice.
There are many academic and non-academic support services available at Douglas College to help you work towards achieving academic success.
You should reach out to your Student Success Advisor to learn more about these services. They can recommend appropriate resources to help you succeed and plan out your academic journey.
While on probation you are only permitted to take up to a maximum of 9 credits. This restricted course load is to help you maximize your chances of achieving academic success during your probationary period.
If you would like to request a credit limit increase you must first discuss this with your SSA and formally request it.
SSAs can provide you with academic advice, course planning and provide resources to support you in your academic journey at Douglas.
If you are not sure who your SSA is, please email studentsuccess@douglascollege.ca to find out.
If this is your first time on Probation you are required to book an appointment with a Student Success Advisor or Douglas College Counsellor by a prescribed date. After the deadline, if you have not met with your advisor or a Counsellor, your ability to register in courses, request transcripts, and conduct other college-related transactions will be temporarily placed on hold.
The process to have your registration hold removed takes time, and will require two meetings. Plan ahead and book your appointments early to ensure you can register for future terms. Do not expect the hold to be lifted in the first meeting.
You must demonstrate academic improvement and achieve a minimum of 1.50 CGPA to pull yourself out of Academic Probation standing.
Your SSAs can support you with course planning. You might be advised to repeat failed courses given that success in a previously failed course will help you raise your CGPA. This is because an “F” or “UN” grade has a grade point average of 0.00 and is calculated in your CGPA. When you repeat a course, the higher grade you earn will be calculated in your CGPA. However, please keep in mind that both grades are recorded on your transcripts.
You can register for the same course up to a maximum of two times. After this point, you must formally submit a Request to Repeat a Course form.
For detailed information on course repeats, refer to the “Course and Status Changes Policy: found on our policies page.
Yes, you can still apply for financial aid while you are on academic probation. However, all financial aid options have different eligibility. Please refer to the Financial Aid information on our website to see if you qualify.
Please consult with an International Advisor regarding if/how the probationary status might impact your student status.
Contact International Advisors.
No, all credentials require students to be in Good Academic Standing in order to graduate. Many programs have a 2.0 Program GPA requirement which may require both a Program GPA and to be in Good Academic Standing for graduation. It is your responsibility as a student to be aware of the graduation requirements for your program. Please review both your program's Program Guideline and the Credentials Awarded Policy for your requirements.
Credentials Awarded Policy: Credentials Awarded at DC Policy.pdf
Program requirements: Programs | Douglas College
Contact studentsuccess@douglascollege.ca if you have questions regarding your graduation requirements.
Yes. Your first semester on probation does not impact your ability to continue with your studies. If you continue on probation you will encounter restrictions. See Academic Performance policy.
Yes, your Academic Probation standing will be recorded on the transcript.
A transcript is a detailed record of your academic history. This consists of all the courses you have attempted, grades earned, CGPA along with your academic performance each semester.
Yes, you can transfer if you meet the admission requirements, including the GPA requirement stated by the other institute.
Contact studentsuccess@douglascollege.ca for more information regarding University Transfer.
If you are unable to raise your CGPA to 1.50 for 3 consecutive semesters, you will be required to meet with the Registrar in order to further discuss your academic plans and standing at Douglas College.
Students may find they wish to meet with a counsellor while on Academic Probation if their academics have been impacted by personal concerns or difficulties. Counsellors at Douglas provide confidential individual counselling, groups, and workshops in these areas:
- Personal counselling
- Career counselling
- Assistance with college policy (Request for Exception, Appeals etc.)
Visit Counselling to get in contact or email stuserv@douglascollege.ca