A study of students placed on academic probation 1978-1983, Lee College, Cleveland, Tennessee

The purpose of this study was to conduct a five-year, follow-up study of forty-six Lee College students who were placed on first-time academic probation after the fall semester, 1978. The following questions gave specific direction to the study:

1. What is the retention pattern for the students: i.e.. How many failed to return after being placed on academic probation? How many transferred to other colleges? How many were suspended?

2. What was the graduation rate of those probationary students entering in 1978 and graduating in 1983?

3. How do rates of graduation and scores on the American College Test compare?

4. What is the comparison between graduation and first semester grade point average?

5. Can the purposes and objectives of Lee College be identified relating to admissions and continuance of students on academic probation?

The study was made up of a purposive sample of forty-six students placed on first-time academic probation at Lee College. It was strictly a field study using the academic and personal records of the students in the Admissions and Records Office.

From the data collected on the students in the study, the following findings were observed:

1. Most students placed on first-time academic probation at Lee College are classified as freshmen.

2. Almost half of the students on academic probation withdraw or drop out after one semester.

3. Most students on academic probation are undecided about their major in college.

4. Women are more likely to drop out after being placed on academic probation than men.

5. Students on academic probation majoring in Biblical and Christian Education are more likely to graduate from Lee College than students in any other major in the college.

6. A larger percentage of men than women who were placed on academic probation were graduated after a five-year period.