Academic Probation
Academic probation is a signal that you may need additional support to reach your academic goals—not a punishment. It simply means your GPA has fallen below the required minimum, and now is the perfect time to take steps that will help you get back on track.
Improving your academic standing now is important because continued academic difficulty could eventually lead to academic dismissal, which may affect future opportunities such as transferring to a university, entering certain programs, or maintaining financial aid, veterans’ benefits, scholarships, or family health insurance coverage.
The good news is you’re not alone. Northwest Vista College has many resources designed to support you, strengthen your academic skills, and help you continue progressing toward graduation. By taking action early and using the tools available to you—like academic advising, tutoring, and student success programs—you can overcome this setback and move forward confidently.
We’re here to help you succeed, and this is a great moment to create a plan that aligns with your goals and sets you up for long‑term success.
What is Academic Probation?
Academic probation means your cumulative institutional NVC GPA has fallen below 2.0 at the end of a semester. It’s the college’s way of signaling that you may benefit from extra support to help you succeed—not an indication that you don’t belong here.
If you begin a term in Good Academic Standing but end the semester with a GPA under 2.0, you’ll be placed on Academic Probation. This allows you to reflect on what challenges you faced and to connect with resources that can help you move forward.
Checking your grades throughout the semester is one of the best ways to stay on track. If you notice yourself struggling, reach out to your assigned advisor early. Together, you can build a personalized plan, explore strategies that fit your learning needs, and connect with tutoring, workshops, or other supports designed to help you raise your GPA and continue progressing toward your goals.
How will I know I am on Academic Probation?
You will receive an email in your ACES student account letting you know your academic standing at the end of each semester. Academic standing is reviewed after the fall, spring, and summer terms by looking at your current semester grades along with your previous academic history.
It’s important to check your ACES email regularly—especially at the end of each term—so you don’t miss any updates about your academic standing or next steps.
If you discover you’ve been placed on Academic Probation, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Your advisor is here to help you understand what it means and to create a plan that supports your success moving forward.
What happens if I am placed on Academic Probation?
When you are placed on Academic Probation, a registration hold is added to your account. This hold doesn’t block you from enrolling in classes—it simply ensures you connect with the support you need to be successful during your next semester.
During your probationary term, you’ll complete a few important steps designed to help you strengthen your academic skills and improve your GPA:
- Meet with your Assigned Academic Advisor: Your advisor will work with you to understand what challenges you experienced, explore strategies that fit your learning needs, and create a plan that supports your progress. This meeting is required and is an important part of helping you regain Good Academic Standing.
- Complete the support course Back on Track (BoT). This short, non‑credit course provides tools to manage your time, study effectively, find campus resources, and avoid academic dismissal. Students often say the course helps them feel more confident and prepared.
- Work with a Certified Peer Advisor: Additional support is provided by students who understand the academic challenges you may be facing and can help you develop strategies to improve your academic performance throughout the semester.
While on probation, you may enroll in up to 12–13 credit hours (usually 4 classes). This limit helps you focus on improving your grades without becoming overwhelmed.
After meeting with your advisor, you’ll be able to register for the upcoming semester(s).
Remember, Academic Probation is not the end of your journey—it’s an opportunity to reset, reflect, and receive support. Many students successfully return to Good Academic Standing by taking these steps, and your NVC advising team is here to help you every step of the way.
What am I required to do while on Academic Probation?
1. Complete the Back on Track Canvas Course
The Back on Track (BoT) Course is a free, required non‑credit course that helps you understand Academic Probation and build strategies for academic success. Each short module focuses on practical tools—like time management, study skills, and resource awareness—to help you stay focused and improve your grades.
Students who complete the course are far more likely to return to Good Academic Standing at the end of their probationary semester because they leave with a clear plan and stronger academic habits.
You’ll be enrolled in BoT during your probationary term and must complete it to remain eligible to register for the next semester. Finishing the course early gives you more time to put the strategies into action and reach out for support if you need it.
2. Meet with their Assigned Certified Academic Advisor
All students on academic probation are required to connect with their assigned advisor to discuss their academic progress. In addition, you will complete your Action plan with your assigned advisor and submit it through the Back on Track course.
3. Demonstrate Progress with "C" or Higher Grades
While you are on Academic Probation, your main goal is to show academic improvement during the semester. To remain eligible to register for future terms and continue making progress toward Good Academic Standing, you must:
- Earn a 2.0 semester institutional GPA or higher (a “C” or better in all enrolled classes)
Meeting this requirement demonstrates that you’re moving in the right direction and helps protect your academic standing, financial aid eligibility, and future opportunities.
Your advisor will review your end‑of‑semester grades with you and help you plan next steps.
Remember—you are not expected to do this alone. Your advising team is here to help you build strategies, connect with resources, and stay on track for your goals.
What is Continued Academic Probation?
If your cumulative institutional GPA is still below 2.0, but you earn a 2.0 or higher semester institutional GPA, you will remain eligible to take classes under Continued Academic Probation. This status shows that you are making positive progress each term and moving toward Good Academic Standing.
While on Continued Academic Probation, you will:
- Meet with your assigned advisor each semester to review your progress and update your success plan.
- Remain limited to 12–13 credit hours (up to 4 classes) each semester so you can focus on improving your grades.
You will continue on Continued Academic Probation until your cumulative institutional GPA reaches 2.0 or higher, at which point you will return to Good Academic Standing.
Remember, staying on Continued Academic Probation indicates that you are moving in the right direction—and your advising team is here to help you keep that momentum going.
Is there anyone that can help me while I am on Academic Probation?
Our goal is to partner with you as you work toward your educational goals. You won’t navigate Academic Probation alone—your advisor will help you create a personalized Student Success Action Plan designed to get you back on track.
We strongly encourage you to take advantage of the many free resources available to support your success:
- Connect with your Instructors: Visit them during office hours or talk with them before or after class. They can clarify expectations, help you better understand course material, and offer guidance if you’re struggling. If an instructor reaches out about your progress, be sure to respond—they want to help you succeed.
- Tutoring Labs Tutoring is available through multiple academic departments. Whether you need help with assignments, study strategies, or understanding course concepts, tutoring can make a big difference.
- Academic Advising
Your advisor will help you monitor your progress, adjust your success plan, and explore majors or career pathways if needed. Staying in touch keeps you moving in the right direction.
- The Access Office If you have a disability or believe you may qualify for accommodations, the Access Office provides support to ensure you have equal access to your courses and campus resources.
- The Advocacy Center If non‑academic challenges—such as food insecurity, housing instability, transportation issues, finances, or other personal barriers—are affecting your focus, the Advocacy Center can help connect you with immediate support.
In addition, the college offers many other resources and can provide you with referrals to off-campus resources that could assist you with non-academic needs.All campus resources are free and designed to help you build a strong foundation for academic and personal success.
What happens if I am not academically successful while on Academic Probation or Continued Academic Probation?
Your academic standing is reviewed at the end of every semester. To continue attending, students on Academic Probation or Continued Academic Probation must earn a semester institutional GPA of 2.0 or higher. This shows that you are making progress toward returning to Good Academic Standing.
If your semester institutional GPA falls below 2.0, you will be placed on Academic Dismissal. Academic Dismissal does not mean the end of your college journey—it simply pauses enrollment so you can regroup, address challenges, and return with a stronger plan. Students on dismissal have options to petition for reinstatement and work closely with an advisor to determine the best path forward.
The most important thing to know is this:
You are not alone. Your advising team is here to support you long before you reach this point. Please reach out early and often so we can help you stay on track and avoid dismissal whenever possible.
Please see more information about Academic Dismissal here.
FAQs about Academic Probation
How do I get placed on the Back on Track Course?
You will be placed on the Back on Track course by the academic standards team or by your academic advisor after the census date during your probationary semester. After census, you will be sent an email via your student ACEs email explaining how to access the course and an invitation to the course. You must accept the invitation to access the course.
Where is the Back on Track Course?
The Back on Track course is located in Canvas and can be accessed by clicking on the Canvas icon in ACES. You will will also receive an invitation to be a part of the course. You will need to accept to be able to complete it as directed.
What do I need to do?
You will need to complete the course modules in its entirety, including the Post-Assessment. You will have until the end of the semester to complete, however the best time to complete is before the midterm of the semester. Students who complete the BoT course prior to midterm have a much higher likelihood of successfully completing their classes and be able to continue enrolling than those that do not.
How do I get my registration hold waived so I can register for the next semester(s)?
There are two ways to have your registration hold waived:
- Once you completed the course and meet with your assigned advisor- Your assigned advisor will waive your registration hold.
- If you have not completed the course- You will need to wait until final grades have posted and academic standing has run before your hold may be waived. This can take up to 3 weeks from the time final grades are visible, delaying your ability to register and find the best classes for your schedule.
I don't see the Back on Track Course.
If you don't see or find your module, please contact the Academic Standards team at nvc-ast@alamo.edu. If you are not currently enrolled in classes, but previously on Probation the last term you attended, you will be placed on the module on the term that you are returning.
Information for Spring 2026 Students
If you were placed on Academic Probation and enrolled for the Spring 2026 semester, here’s what you need to know:
• Enrollment in the Back on Track Course- Students who were enrolled in classes as of February 4 (Census Date) will be added to the Back on Track (BoT) Canvas course by Friday, February 6.
• Accepting Your Course Invitation- You will receive an invitation through your ACES email to join the course. Please accept this invitation to gain access. Declining it may impact your eligibility to enroll for future semesters.
• When to Complete the Course- There is no strict deadline, but it’s best to complete the course within the first half of the semester. This gives you time to apply the strategies you learn and improves your chances of academic success.
• End‑of‑Semester Enrollment Eligibility- Your enrollment eligibility will be reviewed after final grades are posted. To continue attending, you must earn a minimum semester institutional GPA of 2.0.
If you do not meet this requirement, you may be dropped from future courses and placed on Academic Dismissal, which requires completing the petition process after the 16‑week sit‑out period.