Academic Success and Student Progress

For Parents

We encourage you to check in periodically with your student about their experiences in and outside the classroom. Academically, it is common for a student to undergo an adjustment period as the rigor and classroom environment of college are different from high school. Students are more likely to succeed if they use available support resources, even if they didn’t utilize those resources in high school.  

We encourage you to speak with your student about time management and creating a personal task management system, whether that is a calendar app, an online tool, or a printed planner. Below are steps your student can follow to reach academic success: 

• Attend class regularly: Reinforce to your student the importance of showing up and engaging in learning. 
• Manage time effectively: Encourage your student to use a planner or to-do list to keep track of responsibilities. 
• Get to know instructors: Motivate your student to build relationships with their professors who can provide mentorship and academic support. 
• Seek help early: Encourage your student to make the most of campus resources like academic mentoring, advising, and counseling, even if they are not currently struggling. 

Academic Progress 

As your student adjusts to this academic environment, encourage them to stay engaged with their coursework and take initiative in their learning. At the end of each semester, students who have not completed at least 12 units earned and/or a cumulative grade point average above 2.0 will be reviewed further by a committee to determine the appropriate academic action, which may include Academic Concern, Academic Notice, or Academic Time Away.    

• Academic Concern serves as an early alert for students and advisors, signaling the need for additional support when students receive unsatisfactory grades (D, F, no credit), a semester or cumulative GPA between 2.0 and 2.5, multiple Incompletes, or complete fewer than 12 units.  
• Academic Notice is assigned to students experiencing ongoing academic difficulties, including multiple failing grades, unresolved Incompletes, or a GPA below 2.0. 
• Academic Time Away is a one-semester break to resolve significant academic struggles.  

Academic Accommodations 

WashU strives to be an inclusive community and provide equal educational opportunities for all. Students with disabilities or suspected disabilities should request accommodations through Disability Resources (DR). DR manages any type of accommodation request including academic, housing, transportation, or for a temporary injury. In order to receive accommodations, students must submit a formal request for accommodations through DR and provide the required documentation. Academic accommodation requests are accepted on a rolling basis; however, in order to receive prompt accommodations and services, students are advised to submit a request with documentation at least two weeks in advance of when they would like accommodations to be implemented. 

Guiding Questions 

Here are some guiding questions for conversations you can have with your student to ensure they are prepared for the transition:  

• What strategies help you stay focused during lectures or long class days? 
• What system (planners, apps, etc.) will you use to organize your schedule, deadlines, and exams? 
• Are there any professors you feel comfortable reaching out to for guidance? 
• If you’re having trouble understanding a concept, what’s your first step? 
• Do you know where to find academic mentoring or academic advisors on campus? 
• Have you considered joining a study group for peer support in difficult courses? 
• How will you measure your academic progress throughout the semester? 
• If your grades aren't where you'd like them to be, what’s your action plan? 
• If academic struggles affected your financial aid eligibility, how would we work together to navigate that? 
• Are there scholarships, on-campus jobs, or emergency funds you might explore if needed?  
• If you have a need for accommodations, have you contacted Disability Resources?  

WashU offers a range of resources designed to support student success, including academic mentoring, study strategies, or individualized accommodations. 

For Students

Welcome to a new chapter in your academic journey! College is a time of exciting growth, but it can also be a big adjustment. The expectations, independence, and rigor are different from high school—and that’s okay. Many students take time to find their rhythm. You’re not alone, and plenty of resources are available to help you succeed.

One of the best things you can do is create a system to manage your time and responsibilities. Whether you prefer a calendar app, a to-do list, or a printed planner, finding what works for you is key. Here are four simple but powerful behaviors to help you succeed:

• Attend class regularly: Showing up is half the battle. Engage, participate, and take ownership of your learning.
• Manage your time well: Use a planner or task management tool to keep track of deadlines, assignments, and exams.
• Get to know your instructors: Building relationships with your professors can open doors for mentorship, recommendations, and support.
• Ask for help early: You don’t need to be in crisis to access support. Make use of academic mentoring, advising, tutoring, and counseling services before you fall behind.

Academic Progress

As you settle into the academic environment at WashU, stay proactive in your learning. If you find yourself struggling, take steps early to stay on track. At the end of each semester, academic standing is reviewed based on credits completed and GPA. Here's what that could mean:

• Academic Concern: An early alert to help you course-correct. This can result from low grades (D, F, no credit), a GPA between 2.0–2.5, multiple Incompletes, or fewer than 12 units.
• Academic Notice: Assigned if you continue to face academic challenges, like a GPA below 2.0 or unresolved grades.
• Academic Time Away: A one-semester break to regroup and prepare for a more successful return.

Remember, these measures are designed to support—not punish—you. They’re meant to help you succeed in the long run.

Academic Accommodations

WashU is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment. If you have a disability—or even think you might—you can request accommodations through Disability Resources (DR). This can include academic, housing, or temporary accommodations (like for an injury). Requests are accepted year-round, but we recommend applying at least two weeks before you want accommodations to begin.

Reflection Questions to Ask Yourself

To help guide your academic success, consider the following:

• What helps you stay focused during long lectures?
• How do you plan to organize your schedule and track deadlines?
• Are there any professors or staff members you feel comfortable approaching?
• What’s your first step if a class concept doesn’t make sense?
• Do you know where to find academic mentoring or advising?
• Would joining a study group help you in your toughest classes?
• How will you measure your academic progress over the semester?
• If your grades drop, what’s your backup plan?
• How would academic struggles affect your financial aid, and what support would you need?
• Are there scholarships, jobs, or emergency funds you could explore?
• Have you contacted Disability Resources if you need accommodations?