Effective Fall 2025, DGS will become the Division of Exploratory Studies. Same mission; new name.

Program for Academic Support & Success

The Program for Academic Support and Success (PASS) is a program designed to support DGS students on academic warning as they set and achieve goals to return to good academic standing.

Purpose

PASS is designed to assist students on academic warning, formerly called academic probation, with building appropriate study habits, time management, majors/career exploration tools, selecting a realistic major, identifying campus resources, and much more. Through group sessions and individual appointments, students are empowered to make informed decisions and identify and utilize resources.

Participation in PASS is not just about overcoming immediate progress issues; it is also designed to build recognition of individual talents, abilities, and strengths long-term.

For accountability, there will be holds that prevent registration on students' account, and the holds will be removed when students complete the PASS appointments. 

Program Outline

While a part of the PASS program, DGS students on academic warning will participate in the following:

Yes

Students in PASS are required to attend one of the following PASS Information Sessions where they will be provided with information on the PASS program, requirements, and academic warning policies. This quick-paced information session will help start the semester on a positive note and springboard to a successful term.

Information sessions will take place via Zoom before the Spring 2025 term and in person the first two days of classes.  

  • January 15, 2025, at 9:00am via Zoom 

  • January 16, 2025, at 1:00pm via Zoom 

  • January 17, 2025, at 4:00pm via Zoom 

  • January 21, 2025, 4:00pm CST in IUB 514 

  • January 22, 2025, 4:00pm CST in IUB 514 

If you do not attend one of the above Information Sessions, a HOLD will be activated on your registration account. 

Students in PASS are required to meet with their advisor before or during the first week of classes to talk about their course schedule and ICT plan.

Students in PASS are required to complete and submit the following online Personal Assessment and Action Plan form BEFORE the Advisor Conference Appointment.

Students in PASS are required to meet with their assigned academic advisor for an Advisor Conference. Please make Advisor Conference appointments between TBA.

If you do not attend an Advisor Conference, a HOLD will be activated on your registration account. 

Be sure to select the “(PASS) – Advisor Conference” appointment type when prompted in the appointment system. These appointments are in-person and scheduled for 60 minutes. Make sure you come prepared and have time in your schedule.

If you have a situation that would prevent you from attending in person you can email your assigned advisor to find out if there is an alternative option. 

Students in PASS are required to meet with their advisor for a midterm check in before the drop deadline.

Students in PASS are required to meet with their assigned academic advisor to plan classes for the subsequent term in preparation for online course registration. All DGS students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor to plan for course registration, but for students on academic warning, this is required

Course planning appointments should take place between TBD.

If you do not attend a Course Planning Appointment, a HOLD will be activated on your registration account. You will be unable to register for classes until you attend a course planning appointment. It is your responsibility to make the appointment with your assigned academic advisor. 

 

Students in PASS are encouraged to schedule a meeting prior to their departure from campus. That way, we can celebrate achievements, and if there are any last-minute challenges, we can discuss a strategy and plan next steps.

Students in PASS are encouraged to complete an online assessment of the program. Student opinions are important to us, and we appreciate feedback.

  • Complete the Program Evaluation (Student Feedback) here!

Keep in mind that while on academic warning, Illinois students:

  • Must earn a term GPA of 2.00 or higher with 12 graded credit hours to avoid being considered for academic dismissal from the university. 
  • Must earn at least a 2.0 term and Illinois GPA to achieve good academic standing.
  • Who have experienced extenuating circumstances have the option to petition for a retroactive course drop of one or more courses.
  • Can elect only one course credit/no credit while on academic warning.

Requirements (and failure to meet requirements) will be communicated to students via Illinois email accounts.

 

Student Testimonials

"Your PASS advisor, just like mine, will believe in you when you don't believe in yourself. Place your trust in them, stady dedicated to the program, and you will see a continuous, positive change not only in your academic life, but in your personal life as well."

"To get the most out of the program I learned that active participation was a huge factor. The relationship with my advisor was pretty awesome. It was like a respectful best friend kind of thing where she was easy to talk to and was fun to get to know."

"I would say that the most significant thing about my PASS experience is that I had people who truly cared about my success in this institution. I had people who were genuinely concerned and did not want to see me fail. They were willing to help me and keep me encouraged even when times became hard."

"The impact that PASS had on my future success was very instrumental. It kept me on my toes and made me work hard. When I finally got out of it I was like I do not want to deal with being on edge like that again. PASS gave me one last chance to show that I am capable of succeeding in this university.

  

Questions?

Contact Teri Farr, Associate Director for Academic Advising and Student Success.