Waubonsee Community College is committed to helping students attain their educational goals. The Students on Academic Probation (SOAP) program is intended to identify students who may benefit from additional support in making academic progress and help them make adjustments as early as possible.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Financial Aid is different.
Learn more about SAP for financial aid recipients.
A student's academic progress is reviewed at the end of each semester. Students will be notified (by email) if they have fallen below the set standards for "Good Standing."
SOAP has three main stages: Academic Caution, Academic Warning, & Academic Restriction, with periods of continued close monitoring.
Students will regularly check in with their advisor/counselor during the continued probation stages to adjust success plans and work on strategies to get back to good academic standing.
Common Questions
The following chart summarizes Waubonsee's SOAP stages and process. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to get in touch, email academicprobation@waubonsee.edu or call (630) 466-2361.
| Stages | Standard | Student Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
|
Stage 1: Academic |
The first time your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, you will be placed on Academic Caution. | Complete a pre-recorded online module by signing in with your Waubonsee credentials. This module is designed to share tips and resources you can implement to help you succeed academically. The link to the module is http://www.waubonsee.edu/SOAPModule |
| Continued Caution | Previously on Academic Caution, current term GPA is above 2.0, but cumulative GPA is below 2.0. | Schedule an appointment with your advisor/counselor to update your Student Success Plan. Your advisor/counselor will support you in adjusting your academic approach to help you achieve future academic success. To schedule your appointment please call (630) 466-2361. |
|
Stage 2: Academic |
If your semester GPA falls below 2.0 after being on academic caution or continued caution, you will be placed on Academic Warning. | Schedule an appointment with your advisor/counselor to complete a Student Success Plan. Through this plan your advisor/counselor will help you review opportunities to help you achieve academic success during your next semester. To schedule your appointment please call (630) 466-2361. |
| Continued Warning | Previously on Academic Warning, Academic Restriction, or Continued Restriction, current term GPA is above 2.0, but cumulative GPA remains below 2.0. | Schedule an appointment with your advisor/counselor to revise your Student Success Plan. Your advisor/counselor will support you in adjusting your academic approach to promote future academic success. To schedule your appointment please call (630) 466-2361. |
|
Stage 3: Academic |
If your semester GPA is below 2.0 after being on academic warning/continued warning, you will be placed on Academic Restriction. |
You are limited to a maximum of 3 approved credits at this stage. Schedule a meeting with your Advisor to receive guidance on the most beneficial course to take during this stage or to discuss the option of an appeal. The hold will remain on your account until a “C” or better is earned in the approved enrolled course. To schedule your appointment please call (630) 466-2361. An appeal process is available for those with documented extenuating circumstances. Please reference the Academic Restriction Appeal Process section below for more information.
|
| Continued Restriction | Previously placed on Academic Restriction or Continued Restriction and subsequent term GPA falls below 2.0. |
Enrollment will continue to be limited to 3 credits. The hold will remain until a 2.0 term and cumulative GPA is earned. Schedule a meeting with your Advisor/counselor to receive guidance on the most beneficial course to take for your current academic plan and to discuss the option of an appeal. To schedule your appointment please call (630) 466-2361. An appeal process is available for those with documented extenuating circumstances. Please reference the Academic Restriction Appeal Process section below for more information.
|
GPA definition: Grade Point Average is based on competed credits earned (no W’s or I’s are included). Developmental education courses are included in the GPA calculation for Standards of Academic Progress.
Note on withdrawals: Though W’s or I’s do not factor into GPA or the SOAP process, they affect your ability to make progress toward your degree, have financial repercussions, and cause you to be out of compliance with the financial aid eligibility standards. Students are highly encouraged to speak with their advisor/counselor before withdrawing a course and consult with financial aid if they are currently receiving aid.
Academic Restriction Appeal Process
At the Restriction and Continued Restriction probation stages, registration is limited to 3 credit hours without an approved appeal.
Requirements for Submitting an Appeal:
At least one of these conditions must be met for you to submit an appeal.
- The course you would like to retake is a 4-semester hour course.
- There were documentable extenuating circumstances beyond your control that affected your attendance and/or your ability to be academically successful during one or more of the terms that you attended Waubonsee. *Scheduling conflicts due to employment are not considered extenuating circumstances beyond your control.
- The coursework causing an academic standing of Academic Restriction/Continued Restriction is over two years old.
Deadline & Instructions:
To appeal your Restriction or Continued Restriction Status to enroll in Summer or Fall 2024, please complete the appeal form here: www.waubonsee.edu/SOAPAppeal.
The appeal form and documentation are due by February 11, 2025, for students enrolling in spring courses. The appeals committee will provide decisions on a rolling basis.
If you are appealing due to extenuating circumstances you need to submit supporting documentation by email to academicprobation@waubonsee.edu. Please note that it is strongly recommended that you submit documents that can support your narrative. If you are unsure or have questions about what could be used as supporting documentation, please email us.
If you have any questions, please call (630) 466-2361 or email us at academicprobation@waubonsee.edu.
Waubonsee’s Academic Early Action System
We want to support you in making satisfactory academic progress. Therefore, we have established the Early Action System which is designed to identify and support students who may benefit from a partnership with one of our many campus resources. Throughout the semester, teaching faculty will identify such students and will refer those students to a specialized support system. Designated staff who are ready to help will then reach out to the student to offer assistance, provide support, and refer to additional resources that will provide services and strategies for academic success.
Proactive use of academic coaches, and tutoring and connecting with your advisor is always encouraged to ensure you remain in Good Academic standing.
