Academic challenges are a natural part of the university experience, and we’re here to help you navigate through them successfully. We encourage all students with concerns about their academic success to meet with a College of Letters & Science advisor or your major department advisor. Remember, the best way to avoid academic difficulties is to address concerns before they escalate.
When challenges arise, the resources on this page can help get you back on track for smooth sailing during your time at UCSB.
What do I do if I am struggling academically?
Early action is key. Asking for help can be difficult but addressing academic concerns before they become bigger problems can reduce the impact on your overall academic record.
Reach out to instructors: Instructors want to help you learn and be successful at UCSB! Consider attending office hours to clarify doubts and address your concerns with your instructors and teaching assistants (TAs).
Reach out to an advisor. If you face problems during the quarter, meet with our friendly College of Letters & Science advisors at 1117 Cheadle Hall or via QLess and/or meet with your major department advisor to discuss your options. You may also visit the Transfer Student Center in the UCSB Library or ONDAS in 1150 Kerr Hall for additional advice. Take advantage of available resources!
Access your resources. UCSB Students have access to many FREE resources to help them succeed! Some vital resources include:
- CLAS: Campus Learning Assistance Services is UCSB's tutoring service for all UCSB students.
- DSP: If you have a disability, work with the Disabled Students Program to arrange necessary accommodations.
- CAPS: If you’re struggling with the emotional ups and downs of life, you may want to reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services.
- CARE: Campus Advocacy Resources and Education has a 24/7 Confidential phone line (805-893-4613) for students who have experienced sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, or harassment.
Consider course options. If you are feeling overwhelmed, consult with a Letters & Science advisor about dropping a course or changing your grading option to lighten your load. Review the process for petitioning to drop a course after the GOLD deadline. And be aware of the Grading Option change deadline on GOLD.
Know UCSB and L&S academic policies. Familiarize yourself with academic policies, regulations, and degree requirements outlined on this website. The more you know, the smoother your path will be.
Stay informed. Regularly check important academic dates, deadlines, and information on our homepage and on GOLD for registration deadlines. Follow us on Instagram (@ucsbadvising) for reminders of upcoming deadlines, events, and other important information.
Plan for the future. Consider your future after graduation with guidance from Career Services. Career counselors can assist you with finding a good career fit and helping you build an exceptional resume among other resources. If you are considering a different major path, speak with one of our knowledgeable Undeclared & Transitions Advisors.
Take a break. Life can get overwhelming, and it's okay to need a break. Whether it's due to illness, stress, or other challenges, your well-being comes first. If you feel like stepping away to recharge will help you refocus on your academic goals, talk to a Letters & Science advisor. They’ll guide you through your options and help you find the best path forward
I had a rough quarter and my GPA suffered. What happens now?
If a student’s cumulative GPA is below 2.0, they will be under Academic Review (formerly known as Academic Probation) the following quarter and be notified by email sent to their UCSB email account. Also, if a student is under Dean's Review and is continued for the following quarter, then they will be under Academic Review for that quarter. This is an opportunity for the student to work with Letter & Science Advising to assess their situation and get connected to resources they need to be successful.
Here's what you need to know about Academic Review:
First, don't panic.
If you received an email from the College of Letters & Science's Dean, read it carefully and follow the instructions provided. Reach out to our L&S Academic Advisors with any questions or concerns.
What happens during Academic Review?
- You may be required to meet with a Letters & Science advisor to review their future courses.
- You are limited to enrolling in a maximum of 17 units.
- You are required to take courses for a Letter Grade, unless Passed/Not Passed is the only grading option.
- You are still eligible to petition to drop a course or to request an Incomplete during the quarter if needed. Review the Petitions page for more information.
What happens next?
If you earn a 2.0 quarter GPA or higher while under Academic Review and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 after the quarter, you'll return to Regular Academic Status.
If your cumulative GPA is still below 2.0 and/or your quarter GPA is again below a 2.0, you will be under Dean’s Review after the quarter.
What's Dean's Review?
Students are under Dean’s Review if they have a quarter GPA below 1.5 or if while on Academic Review they earned a quarter GPA below a 2.0 and/or their cumulative GPA is below 2.0. At this time, the College reviews the student’s record and considers whether a student needs to take specific steps to be enrolled the next quarter under Academic Review or whether the student needs a break in enrollment to reassess their situation and repair their GPA.
Here's what you need to know about Dean's Review:
First, don't panic.
If you received an email from the College of Letters & Science's Dean, read it carefully and follow the instructions provided. Reach out to our L&S Academic Advisors with any questions or concerns.
Complete the Academic Self-Reflection.
As part of the Dean’s Review process, you may be required to submit an Academic Self-Reflection (ASR) allowing you to reflect and explain the circumstances surrounding your academic struggles. Students under Dean's Review after the Spring Quarter are always required to submit an Academic Self-Reflection.
What happens next?
After reviewing your academic record and Academic Self-Reflection, the Dean will make one of the following determinations:
Reinstate you, allowing you to remain enrolled under Academic Review. You will then be required to meet with an L&S Academic Advisor and may need to follow an Academic Enrollment Agreement which specifies additional conditions for continued enrollment.
OR
Decide that you need a break in enrollment. This means you will be Academically Disqualified from the quarter, which allows you time to address the challenges keeping you from being successful.
I’ve been Academically Disqualified. What now?
Being Academically Disqualified is a required break in enrollment to protect a student from further harming their academic record and potentially not being able to complete their degree. In almost every case, it is temporary. It is the goal of the College of Letters & Science to work with students so that they are ready to return to UCSB at the appropriate time. Students should meet with a Letters & Science Advisor to discuss their unique situation and develop a plan to continue progress toward graduation.
Take these steps to return and continue your journey at UCSB.
STEP 1
Speak to a Letters & Science Advisor to guide you through the steps to be reinstated.
STEP 2
Complete the Readmission/Reinstatement form before the posted deadline for the quarter you wish to return.
STEP 4
Continue working with Letters & Science advising quarterly to ensure you are on track for Graduation!