In accordance with State regulations, the following academic and progress notice and pause policy has been established. The primary purpose is to ensure that a student is making progress toward an educational objective and to alert the student and the student's counselor to the possible need for additional counseling and/or special services.

Understanding Academic Standing

What Is Academic Standing?

At the end of each semester, the college reviews your cumulative grade point average (GPA) and course completion rate. These measures help determine your academic standing and eligibility to continue enrollment within the District.

What's Changed?

Updated Terminology

  • Academic Probation → Academic Notice
  • Progress Probation → Progress Notice
  • Dismissal → Pause


These updates are designed to emphasize support, intervention, and success rather than punitive language.

What These Terms Mean

  • Academic Notice
    • You’re placed on Academic Notice if your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 after having attempted 12 or more cumulative units within the District.
    • This is an early warning to help you get back on track.
       
  • Progress Notice
    • You're placed on Progress Notice if you complete less than 50% of your classes after having attempted 12 or more cumulative units within the District.
    • Includes grades such as W (Withdrawal), NP, or Incomplete.
    • This is also an early warning stage.

What is a Pause?

If your academic performance does not improve after being on notice, you may be placed on a Pause.

  • A Pause means you will not be able to enroll in classes temporarily.

Types of Pause

  • Academic Pause (GPA-related)
    • Happens when your cumulative GPA remains below 2.0.
       
  • Progress Pause (Completion-related)
    • Happens when you continue to complete less than 50% of your classes.

Getting Back on Track (Academic or Progress Restart)

If you are placed on a Pause, you still have options:

  • Appeal your status to continue your education.
  • Sit out for a term and return (restart/readmission).


Work with a counselor to create an Action Plan for Success (required for appeals and restart/readmission).

Get Support

Visit Counseling Services
Petition for Academic Restart (Appeal)

Additional Information

  • You may appeal placement on academic or progress notice or pause.
  • Grounds for appeal may include: Extenuating circumstances, significant academic improvement, or disability-related issues where reasonable accommodation was not provided in a timely manner. 
  • Students must be in good academic standing to qualify for enrollment priority.
  • Students on academic or progress notice for two consecutive terms will lose enrollment priority until they are no longer on notice.
  • Registration appointments will be issued in accordance with Title 5 regulations.
  • Students placed on academic or progress notice for two consecutive primary terms will lose CCPG eligibility.
  • Foster Youth are exempt from losing CCPG due to academic or progress notice.
  • Students will receive notification if they are at risk of losing CCPG eligibility.
  • Noncredit course enrollment
  • Counseling services and academic advising
  • Tutoring and academic support centers
  • Career planning and exploration resources

Academic notice: You can move off academic notice by raising your cumulative GPA to 2.0 or higher.

Progress notice: You can move off progress notice by raising your cumulative course completion rate (for all courses you've taken at SOCCCD) to at least 51%. You can do this by passing your classes and avoiding grades of W (Withdrawal), I (Incomplete), or NP (No Pass).