Navigating Academic Probation at UCLA: A Comprehensive Guide

For students at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), maintaining good academic standing is crucial for a successful college career. However, circumstances can arise that lead to academic challenges. This article provides a comprehensive overview of academic probation at UCLA, specifically within the David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM) and the College of Letters and Science, outlining the requirements, consequences, and available resources.

Academic Standing at the David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM)

The Committee on Academic Standing, Progress, and Promotion (CASPP) is responsible for reviewing student academic standing and making determinations regarding changes in this standing. The chairs of the Academic Performance Committees (APC), the DGSOM Registrar, and/or the Associate Dean for Student Affairs notify CASPP of any circumstances that may warrant a change in a student's academic standing.

Categories of Academic Standing

The DGSOM recognizes several categories of academic standing:

Good Academic/Professional Standing: This indicates successful completion of all courses and clerkships, with satisfactory evaluations, no instances of unprofessional conduct, and adherence to all UCLA and DGSOM policies. These policies include the Professionalism Policy, Honor Code, Technical Standards, and Student Conduct Code.
Experiencing Academic/Professional Difficulty: This is an informal designation, removed by CASPP once the issue is resolved. It applies when a student experiences:

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- One course or clerkship failure.
- Two course or clerkship failures in one academic year.
- Three incomplete clerkships.
- One failure of a USMLE (Step 1, 2 CK) exam.
- Failure to meet USMLE policy.
- A violation of the DGSOM Honor Code, Professionalism Policy, or UCLA Student Conduct Code.
- Professional conduct deemed concerning by CASPP.
Students in this category are strongly encouraged to seek available resources.
Academic/Professional Probation: This is a formal designation recorded on the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE). Students are placed on probation for 12 months to improve their standing. Failure to do so may result in dismissal. This designation is assigned when:
- A student fails three courses or clerkships in one academic year.
- A student fails a retest exam.
- A student violates the DGSOM Honor Code, Professionalism Policy, or UCLA Student Conduct Code.
- A student exhibits professional conduct deemed concerning by CASPP.
Dismissal from the David Geffen School of Medicine: Students may be recommended for dismissal under the following circumstances:
- Failure to improve academic/professional standing during the 12-month probation period.
- Four course or clerkship failures in one academic year.
- Failure to meet the terms of remediation for a failed course or clerkship.
- Failure to meet DGSOM USMLE policy.
- Violation of the DGSOM Honor Code, Professionalism Policy, or UCLA Student Conduct Code, or unprofessional conduct deemed severe by CASPP.
- Failure to successfully complete the M.D. program.

Academic Probation in the College of Letters and Science

While the DGSOM has specific guidelines, the College of Letters and Science also has policies to ensure students are on track for graduation. One such policy is the Expected Cumulative Progress (ECP).

Expected Cumulative Progress (ECP) Policy

The ECP policy aims to promote four-year graduation for undergraduates in the College of Letters and Science. It involves progress checks every two quarters, requiring students to enroll in a minimum of 13 units per quarter.

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ECP Checks

ECP checks occur automatically every two registered, even-numbered quarters. For a student consistently enrolled at UCLA in their first year, the first check happens after the Winter quarter (quarter 2), with 27 UC units completed. In the second year, checks occur after quarters 4 and 6.

ECP Holds

If a student does not meet the expected units, an ECP hold is placed on their record, preventing study list changes and enrollment for the following term. Campus services may also be restricted. To remove the hold, students must consult with a College advisor and, if not graduating in four years, submit a Time to Degree Petition.

ECP Shortages

An ECP shortage occurs when a student falls behind in the required number of units. Students in their 12th quarter with an ECP shortage who are not graduating must submit a Time to Degree Petition to their academic counseling unit and complete a Degree Plan Contract.

Addressing ECP Shortages

Students can check their ECP progress and work to catch up. Repeating a course earns ECP credits, as do courses graded "IP," "DR," or "I." Even courses that do not count toward the degree, such as ESL 33A, provide ECP credit.

Academic Probation and ECP

Students on Academic Probation or Subject to Dismissal should prioritize raising their GPA and returning to good academic standing. They should work with an advisor to create a plan that considers their academic needs and challenges. Once back in good standing, the advisor can help them stay on track for graduation.

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ECP and Studying Abroad

When studying abroad through EAP, the term abroad counts as an ECP term, but units may not appear until transcripts are evaluated. Students abroad with an ECP hold can contact their academic advising unit to defer the hold until their return.

Resources for Students Facing Academic Challenges

UCLA offers a variety of resources to support students facing academic difficulties:

Academic Coaching Specialists (ACS): ACS provides academic coaches and tutors to help students with study strategies, time management, note-taking, and test-taking skills. They offer support for high-achieving, average, and struggling students, addressing individual problems and making referrals to other campus resources when necessary. ACS also has an Academic 911 program to assist UCLA students on academic probation.
College Advisors: Advisors can assist with academic planning, understanding policies, and navigating resources.
Tutoring Services: Subject-specific tutoring is available for students needing help with particular concepts or subjects.
Campus Resources: UCLA offers various campus resources, including counseling services, disability services, and learning centers, that can provide support and assistance to students.

Additional Considerations

Dropping Courses: Students in the College of Letters & Science can drop a course through the 10th week of the term.
Fee Reduction: Enrolling in 10 units or less may lead to a reduction in fees.
Research Credit: Students doing research with a professor/employer may be eligible for research credit.

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