College Transitions Program Frequently Asked Questions

Why was I admitted into the College Transitions Program (CTP) on Freshman Probation (FP)?

To be regularly-admitted to NMU, the Admissions Office looks for your ACT composite score to be a 19 or higher (or 900 SAT combined score) and your recalculated high school grade point average to be 2.25 or higher.  NMU only counts “academic” courses and not courses like gym, band, choir, shop, etc. The admissions staff will also look to see that you’ve completed at least 12 academic “units” (one year of an academic course equals one unit; one-half a year equals one-half unit). NMU’s admissions staff reviews your ACT/SAT and your high school grade point average then places you in the College Transitions Program and admits you on freshman probation.

How would I have been notified?

Your admission letter would have welcomed you to NMU and noted that you had been admitted in the College Transitions Program. You would also have received a letter from the Vocational Support Services, soon after your admit letter, that briefly described the CTP. You will be notified of which “block” you were placed in when you attend Orientation. This is usually done via the e-mail address you provided to NMU.

Am I being punished for something?

Absolutely not. The College Transitions Program is a support program. Since we do not personally know you or your study habits, all we can go on are the scores and high school GPA that we received. Based on those scores, we made a determination that we may need to provide you with some extra help and/or support to ensure that you become successful in college.

Will other students know that I am on freshman probation?

Other than program staff and your academic adviser, the only people who know that you are in the CTP are you and anyone you tell. It is unlikely that the faculty teaching your courses probably will know unless you tell them. We hold your academic status in strict confidence.

Will I be successful?

That is completely up to you. Our data shows that 61-79 percent of freshman probation  students will attain “good standing” and be off probation after only one semester. Prior to establishing this program, less than 40 percent of CTP students attained good standing after their first semester. If you attend all classes, set aside plenty of time for studying and accept our assistance, you have an excellent chance of being a successful college student and graduate.

What is different about CTP students?

You will sign a Freshman Probation Agreement which outlines your responsibilities, you will be placed in a required “block” of courses, and your freshman seminar (UN 100B) instructor will also served as your academic adviser until you exit the CTP, i.e., reach good standing. In addition, until you reach good standing, you will not be assigned to your intended academic major.

What’s not different?

You will be enrolled in the same courses as other freshmen (unless you choose to do so, you will not be placed in any “developmental” courses), you will be able to complete your degree on time, and you will be treated as a college student. Therefore, you will:

• be held accountable for your actions,
• have to step forward for help,
• not receive any guarantees, and
• be rewarded for hard work.

How do I get out of the College Transitions Program and off freshman probation, and achieve good standing status?

As soon as you complete at least 12 credits (100-level or higher) and attain at least a 2.00 GPA (“C” average), you will be placed in good standing and exit the CTP and be off freshman probation. At that time you will be free to enter any major, take courses of your and your adviser’s choosing, etc.

Under what circumstances would I stay in the CTP after my first semester?

If you fail to pass at least 12 credits (100-level or higher) or you earn a GPA of less than 2.00 (but at least 1.70) you will remain in the CTP for (at least) one more semester. We will not, however, place you in a CTP block of courses after the first semester.

What happens if I do not earn the necessary grades to stay in school?

If you fail to earn at least a 1.70 GPA in your first semester (or fail to maintain a 1.70 overall GPA), you will be academically suspended for one calendar year. This suspension may be appealed, but unless there are extreme/unusual circumstances, you will not be able to attend NMU (or any other Michigan four-year school) for an entire year.

When do I sign the Freshman Probation Agreement?

During Orientation prior to completing the course registration process.

What is a “block” of courses?

We place up to 25 students in the same “block” of courses – a UN 100B Freshman Seminar course (two credits) and two liberal studies courses (four credits each), plus a “choose a course” – for a total of 12-14 credits. We may, however, have substituted a two-credit support course (EN101 or EN102) for one of the four-credit courses if your scores/HSGPA indicates some area(s) of weakness. In this case the total “load” for the semester will be 12 credits. By participating in a block, it is easy for students to get to know classmates, share notes, form study groups, etc.

May I substitute courses within my block?

Typically, no.

We may, however, be able to switch your entire block of courses. It depends on availability

What about switching to a completely different block?

Maybe. If other blocks are available, we may be able to switch your entire block.

May I add a course to my block?

Maybe. If you’d like to add a health promotions or another one- or two-credit course, we may be able to accommodate your wishes. We will definitely not add another four-credit course to your schedule.

When may I take classes in my major?

If a class is available from your major to use as your “choose a course” we will try to add it to your block schedule. Even if no class in your major  is available your first semester,  we are quite confident that you will attain academic good standing after the fall semester. And then, we will work with you to register for courses in your major for the following semester.

Whom may I speak with if I do have additional questions?

The director of the College Transitions Program is Chris Fries, assistant director of the Academic and Career Advisement Center. Chris may be reached at 906-227-2283 or cfries@nmu.edu.