The members of the Undergraduate Petitions Committee review every petition carefully before deciding on whether or not to grant the petition. If you are a student who is petitioning suspension or probation, our goal is to assist the student in being academically successful while maintaining the integrity of the university. We want each student to be successful at Winthrop. With that in mind, we view the petitions process as an opportunity for you to take stock of your situation, reflect on what in your academic and personal life has led you to this point, take responsibility for your actions, and make a plan for future academic success. We look for evidence of such reflection and responsibility as well as the formation of a plan because these things are crucial to a successful career at Winthrop University.
With that in mind, we ask you to consider the following as your prepare your petition:
1. Do I need to address the number of academic hours I will enroll in? (Some students
who have a low GPA might be able to improve it by gradually increasing their load,
but start with only two courses.)
2. Have I been involved in too many hours of off-campus work to be able to concentrate
on my academic requirements?
3. Am I in the right major? (Some students are perhaps overlooking the obvious. With
poor grades in classes required of their major, while having much better grades in
other classes, it sometimes suggests a reconsideration of the direction being taken.)
4. Have I discussed my difficulties with anyone on campus? Should I seek the proper resources
(a faculty mentor, the counseling center, a student services staff person, an academic
advisor) to help develop a better strategy for succeeding with my goals?
5. Do I have clear goals for my academic career? If not, should I discuss my options
with someone on campus?
6. Is my program of studies able to be accomplished in the 4 years I originally planned?
(Significant off campus commitments such as work or family may require a student to
take longer than four years to complete a degree.)
7. Am I focused on my academic priorities? (Students often join time-consuming organizations
which interrupt their ability to give the necessary time to studies.)
Student Services (Director per College)
Other resources on campus:
Ask your academic advisor or Student Services Director whether additional resources are available to assist you with courses in your major.
Sincerely,
The Undergraduate Petitions Committee
The petition for academically suspended or dismissed student is found here.