Many students struggle at some time during their academic careers. Being on academic alert or academic warning is a sign that you should make some changes and it gives you the opportunity to be intentional about ways you can improve your academic performance.

UW’s low scholarship status includes academic alert and academic warning. 

• Students are placed on academic alert if their GPA falls below 2.00 after their first quarter on campus as a degree seeking (matriculated) student.
• Students are placed on academic warning if their cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 but it wasn’t their first quarter as a degree seeking (matriculated) student.

Students should schedule an appointment to see an academic adviser as soon as possible to discuss their academic standing. International students should also contact an ISS adviser to understand how their academic standing could affect their visa status. 

Students must complete the Academic Self-Assessment BEFORE their scheduled advising appointment. 

Questions and Answers

What is Low Scholarship?

Students are on low scholarship when their cumulative GPA falls below 2.00. It includes academic alert and academic warning.

Students are placed on academic alert if their GPA falls below 2.00 after their first quarter on campus as a degree seeking (matriculated) student.

Students are placed on academic warning if their cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 but it wasn’t their first quarter as a degree seeking (matriculated) student.

What is Academic Alert? 

The first quarter at a new school, whether your previous school was a high school or another college or university, can be a significant change that can sometimes lead to poor academic performance. You are on academic alert if your cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 after your first quarter on campus as a degree seeking (matriculated) student.

Very often we see students who may do poorly in their first quarter, but then turn things completely around after that. Perhaps you just needed some time to figure out how everything works here at UW, or maybe you have already discovered the problem and addressed it. We recommend you address any issues right away, and we hope to be a great resource for you. 

Please note: Our office makes an extra effort to reach out to pre-major students on academic alert. A registration hold may also be placed on your account so that you can come in and meet with your adviser.

What is Academic Warning?

When you are on academic warning, you must show improvement in order to remain at the UW. You are on academic warning if your cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 but it wasn’t your first quarter as a degree seeking (matriculated) student.

During each quarter you are on warning, you have to earn at least 2.00 quarterly gpa for your regularly graded courses, or earn high enough quarterly grades to raise your cumulative gpa to 2.00 or higher. If you don't, you'll be dropped from the UW for low scholarship.

Please note: Our office makes an extra effort to reach out to pre-major students on academic warning. A registration hold is placed on your account so that you can come in and meet with your adviser.

How do I know if I’m on academic alert or academic warning?

All UW students are sent an email to their UW student email notifying them of their inclusion in the university’s low scholarship process and identifying next steps. 

If you think you are on academic alert or academic warning but did not receive an email notification, check your UW transcript for any notations.

If you still have questions about your status, visit advising and we can help you determine your academic status and your next steps.

I am on academic alert or academic warning. What are my next steps?

Being on academic alert or warning can feel overwhelming or disappointing, but you are not alone. Many students struggle but can ultimately return to good academic standing. There are many people here at the university to support you.

Use MyUW to identify your academic adviser and contact them right away. Different advising departments will have different instructions:

1. For pre-major students working with a UAA adviser, schedule an appointment with your assigned academic adviser as soon as possible. 
2. After scheduling your appointment with your UAA adviser, complete the Academic Self-Assessment before the appointment.

During your advising appointment, you and your adviser will work to outline your individual goals, identify possible barriers and any helpful resources. Together, you will create a plan that supports your academic goals. Keep in mind that success looks different for each student.

Please note: You will not be able to register for the next quarter until you have met with your adviser and completed this required process.

How do I get off academic alert or academic warning? 

When you raise your UW cumulative GPA to a 2.00 or above, you will come off academic alert or academic warning and return to good student standing. 

Please note: You can avoid being dropped from the UW if your current quarter GPA is 2.00 or above. You may continue on academic alert or academic warning, but not be dropped. 

What if I have been dropped from UW due to low scholarship? 

If you have been dropped from the UW for low scholarship, view the Reinstatement page to learn more about possible next steps. 

Will being on academic alert or academic warning affect my financial aid? 

Each student’s financial aid award is different. Students should contact the UW’s Student Financial Aid Office immediately to inquire about the impact of academic alert or academic warning on their financial aid. 

It is also important to be familiar with the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. To learn about the Satisfactory Academic Progress criteria, please refer to their Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.  

What are UAA Advising’s Low Scholarship Program Goals? 

As students participate in UAA Advising’s low scholarship program, they will... 

• Connect with an academic adviser who can help facilitate reflection and planning. 

• Understand the UW’s low scholarship policies and process. 

• Identify barriers that may have affected their academic success. 

• Identify resources that may be helpful to their academic or personal growth. 

• Develop a plan that supports their individual academic goals.