My name is George H. Paterno ( no, I am not related to the Penn State football coach ). I have over 30 years experience working at area colleges, 21 years at KU. It is my job to be an advocate, and assist all KU jeopardy students. Students who earn a cumulative GPA below a 2.0 become a part of the Academic Jeopardy Program. The goal of this program is to help students develop a plan to improve their academic performance, return to good academic standing, and continue to make progress toward a degree at KU. Please remember, Jeopardy is a temporary status that many KU graduates passed through on their way to academic success.

My experience has taught me that ALL admitted students have the ability, the POTENTIAL, for success.  Unfortunately, sometimes things outside the student's control interfere with the successful completion of a course. This may include unexpected illness, relationship or family issues, or possibly substance abuse. You may have an undiagnosed learning disability. The important thing to remember is you are not the first, or the only student to experience what you are going through. There is no reason not to get the help that you are entitled to, and you have rights as a student. One right, under the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act ( FERPA) means your educational record, including discussions/ recommendations of the Jeopardy coordinator, are never released without your permission. More on FERPA can be found the REGISTRARS Office page.

If you became ill, or were forced to miss several class meetings and your grade is affected dramatically but did not "withdraw" prior to the 12th week of class ( receive a W grade in one or more courses which would NOT lower your GPA) you may benefit from an "Appeal to the Undergraduate Exceptions Committee ( U.E.C.). With proper documentation, this committee can approve a retroactive administrative withdrawal for a recent semester. For a Petition Form to make an appeal to this committee, please contact the Jeopardy Coordinator.


Many students receive financial aid, and many types of financial aid require 24 "new" credits per year. Repeating a course in which you have received a D does not count here as "new", but the repeat of an F does. The time period for the new credits is 12 months, so summer school does count in the credit totals earned for the previous academic year. This is complicated, so never be afraid to ask. You can link to more details by clicking Academic Progress Requirements for Financial Aid, or contact the Financial Aid Office at (610) 683-4077.

Some students may have an undiagnosed learning disability ( a perception or processing difficulty ) for subjects such as Math, Foreign Language, or reading. Sometime it's the testing process itself that is the problem. What is important to remember is that students with documented learning disabilities, are protected by the same rights as students with physical limitations ( such as visual, hearing or mobility impairment ). The Federal Americans with Disabilities Act makes it the law to supply "reasonable accommodations" for all Americans in employment and education who have been appropriately identified and who qualify under this Act. For more information, please use the following link to Disability Services.

Often I see students who have poor grades for reasons that have nothing to do with the school or learning itself. The whole person goes to school, not just the brain. So if the person is having trouble with abuse, or relationships, or depression, or anorexia, school work can suffer.
Talking with a professional counselor in the University Counseling Services may help you to better manage your personal concerns so you can focus your attention on your academic coursework.


ALL STUDENTS MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANAGING THEIR ACADEMIC GOALS and CAREERS.

This means reaching out for the proper resources when needed.


Many students need help with TIME MANAGEMENT. By this I mean colleges schedule less time in class than High School, but require MORE time outside of class for assigned reading, research, review of class notes, tutoring, study/review sessions, test preparation, and writing term papers . It's up to you to create this time and to use it efficiently. For help with time management, study techniques, and test preparation go to Academic Skills Lab.


For assistance with Term Papers, contact the University Writing Center.


Tutoring for specific courses is available for free. Tutors are KU students who received grades of A or B in the KU course they tutor. To receive free tutoring, or to become a paid tutor, please contact the Tutoring Center.



The thing to remember is that all this free support is available, but YOU HAVE TO ASK . This is NOT high school where notes are sent home or you are sent to the "office". You are not required by law to attend college or obtain the benefits. It is an OPPORTUNITY, not a right.



You MUST be a participant, not a spectator ! ATTEND class, MEET with your teacher during their office hours, ASK what you need to do to get an A or B in the class, GO to the support offices you think can help,
DO the assigned work before it is due, SEEK help when needed and LEARN how to be successful here.


You can do it, IF you make the effort, or you would not be here in the first place.


 

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