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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.

Program Outline

While a part of the PASS program, DGS students on academic warning will complete 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 during the summer before the Fall 2024 term and in person the first two days of classes.  

  • June 14, 2024, 3:00pm CST via Zoom
  • July 18, 2024, 1:00pm CST via Zoom
  • August 12, 2024, 9:00am CST via Zoom
  • August 26, 2024, 4:00pm CST in IUB 514
  • August 27, 2024, 4:00pm CST in IUB 514

Participants can access the Zoom using the link and password provided in their secure message from DGS.

Holds will be placed on registration accounts on August 27, 2024, for any student who has not met this requirement.  

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 September 2-20, 2024.

Holds will be placed on registration accounts on September 20, 2024, for any student who has not met this requirement.  

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 encouraged to attend one or more workshops. DGS offers a variety of workshops aimed to help students improve your academic performance by focusing on study skills, time management, strategies on test taking, and more.

Click on the links below to sign up for the workshops you will be attending. Space is limited. You may also go to a workshop with another department, (LAS, The Jeffries Center, Counseling Center, etc) and then inform your academic advisor. 

Workshops will take place in person at the Illini Union Bookstore Building (IUB) Room 514 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm.  Click here to see how to find DGS. 
 

  • Tech Tips for Student Success
    Thursday, August 29th 
    Unlock your potential and boost your academic performance with our "Tech Tips for Student Success" workshop! This hands-on session is designed to equip students with essential tech skills to stay organized, efficient, and on top of their studies. We will be looking at Outlook, Canvas, etc. Snacks will be provided. 

 

  • Time Management
    Tuesday, September 3rd 
    Are you wanting to find better ways to manage your time and organize your life? Come join us as we talk through skills needed to balance, plan, and organize time in college for academic success. This workshop will include time management strategies and outline ways you can effectively manage your time. Snacks will be provided.

 

  • Attaining a Positive Mindset
    Monday, September 9th
    The power of Positivity is real! Come join us as we look at how attitude, mindset, and self talk can make a difference. We will discuss the stigma of being undeclared or having academic difficulties, strategies used to overcome this, and ways you can develop a positive attitude, mindset, and utilize positive self talk. Snacks will be provided.

 

  • Reading & Study Skills
    Monday, September 16th
    Do your courses have a lot of reading? Are you wanting to find ways to improve comprehension and note taking? Come join us as we look at ways to develop reading and study skills needed to enhance academic performance. We will discuss practical tools, strategies, and various on-campus resources you can utilize for long-term success. Snacks will be provided.

 

  • Test Taking Strategies
    Monday, September 23rd
    Test, Paper, Project, Presentation? Which one would you prefer? Come join us as we discuss learning, studying, and assessment styles, as well as effective test-taking strategies. We will work out a study plan, how to tackle different types of tests, and how to utilize time management and study skills. Snacks will be provided. 

 

  • Navigating Academic Accommodations for Success with DRES
    Tuesday, October 8th
    Did you have an IEP or 504 plan in high school? Do you have different abilities that may impact class participation or the way you learn or take tests? Do you think you may have ADHD? Are you registered with DRES? If you answered yes to any of these questions (or know someone who would) come join us as we learn how DGS students can request and utilize accommodations for success with Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES). We will also discuss how this impacts course planning and registration and some other courses with INI/HDFS that may be useful. Snacks will be provided. 

 

  • Overcoming Test Anxiety with the Counseling Center 
    Tuesday, October 15th - AND - Tuesday, November 12th
    Do you have an upcoming test that you are anxious about? Join us as the Counseling Center (and our very own DGS Embedded Counselor) comes to talk with DGS students about test anxiety. We will discuss the causes of this very common performance anxiety and how to overcome our fears about test-taking. We will look at the symptoms of test anxiety, how our minds take over, and offer suggestions to successfully overcome this anxiety needed to maximize performance on exam day. Snacks will be provided.

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 a required. 

Course planning appointments should take place between September 30 - October 25, 2024.

Holds will be placed on registration accounts on October 25, 2024, for any student who has not met this requirement. You will be unable to register for spring 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.

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
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.