By Alex Al Kazzaz/reporter
Some TCC students learned they could face academic probations or suspensions because their GPAs did not meet the academic standard requirement of 2.0 or more during Protecting Your GPA Sept. 21.
SE adult resources coordinator Carisa Bustillus said students can avoid academic probation or suspension during difficult times in their personal and professional lives.
“It’s all right to admit frustration,” she said, “especially if you are going through tough times.”
The first thing to do is to talk to a counselor or advisor, Bustillus said.
“You need to have a plan in place,” she said.
Most students don’t take the time to talk to a counselor about solutions because they are busy with work, other classes, personal problems and family, Bustillus said.
“Are students just scared to talk to advisors?” asked a student in the audience. “Do they think they don’t need help?”
Bustillus said some students are afraid a counselor will add more to their load and fear that it may be too much to handle.
Students can take steps to protect their GPA, she said.
The standard recommendation for college is two to three hours of studying in each class for every hour spent in a classroom. A three-hour class equals six to nine hours of studying.
The best resources for students seeking assistance would be library, stress relief group, counseling, disability services and math, writing and reading labs, Bustillus said.
“It’s never too late to fix or resolve a problem you may have,” she said. “But not discussing it with an academic advisor, counselor or family member will cause more pain to yourself and your college career.”
