Academic Counseling

Overview

The Office of Academic Counseling supports students on academic notice (formerly academic probation) and guides academically disqualified students through the readmission process. Academic Counseling collaborates closely with university advisors, faculty, and campus offices to promote student success and support graduation.

Mission Statement

The Office of Academic Counseling is dedicated to fostering meaningful collaborations across campus, supporting students in their academic journey, and encouraging them to achieve their full potential. Our team is committed to guiding students toward persistence and success on their path to graduation.

You can find Academic Counseling in the lobby of the Figueroa Building, Suite 107 (FIG 107).

Our Philosophy

“Appreciative Advising helps students capitalize and make meaningful their collegiate, academic, and extra-curricular opportunities and experiences. Appreciative Advising is a reciprocal approach to advising where both the student and the advisor benefit and learn. The ultimate goal is to lead a change of perspective for both the advisor and the student.”

— Bloom, Huston, and He (2008)

In support of the University of Southern California’s retention initiatives, the Office of Academic Counseling will establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with key campus and community stakeholders to enhance the persistence and success of students on academic notice and those seeking readmission. Through innovative, student-centered programming and targeted interventions offered via the Appreciative Advising Program, we aim to proactively support students on academic notice and those at risk of academic difficulty.

Goals for Students

Avoiding Academic Notice
To support students on academic notice in achieving academic success and regaining good standing.

Avoiding Disqualification
To decrease the number of USC students who may be academically disqualified from the university.

Readmission
To facilitate the readmission of students who have been academically disqualified from USC.

Retention
To increase the six-year graduation rate of USC’s undergraduate population.

Essential Forms

Review and fill out Academic Counseling forms.

Academic Notice

(Formerly Academic Probation)
Undergraduate and limited-status students are placed on academic notice if their cumulative USC GPA falls below 2.0. If they do not raise their GPA to at least 2.0 after two consecutive semesters of enrollment (excluding summer), they will be academically disqualified unless they achieve a minimum semester GPA of 2.3 in their second and all subsequent semesters on notice.

Actions such as Corrections of Grades, completion of Incompletes, removal of Missing Grades, and exception requests WILL NOT result in academic statuses being changed retroactively.

Mandatory Advisement

Students on academic notice will have an RNR01 hold placed on their account whenever their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0. To support their academic progress, these students must attend mandatory advisement, which includes meeting with their academic review counselor at least three times per semester. Before registering for classes or making any changes to their academic program, students on academic notice must first meet with both their departmental advisor and academic counselor. During this process, they must complete an Academic Counseling Advisement Record form, which must be signed by their departmental advisor and an authorized school representative. Additionally, students must clear all holds and obtain necessary departmental clearances before their registration appointment with their academic counselor. All registration-related changes must be completed in person with their academic counselor. Registration Deadlines Please review the following deadlines related to USC registration policy for classes held during the regular session (session code 001):

Timeline and Deadline Dates
End of Week 2	Last day for academic notice students to register or add classes.
End of Week 3	Last day to drop without a “W.” Last day to change P/NP or audit enrollment option. Last day to receive a refund.
End of Week 7	Last day to withdraw without a “W” on transcript. Last day to change P/NP to letter grade.
End of Week 12	Last day to drop with a “W” on transcript.

Disqualification and Readmission

Academic Disqualification

Students who do not meet the GPA standard (2.0 cumulative or 2.3 semester) by the end of their second consecutive term on academic notice will be academically disqualified from the university. Disqualified students interested in returning to USC should promptly meet with their academic counselor to discuss the readmission process.

Upon readmission, students are placed on a readmission contract. Failure to meet the terms of this contract will result in permanent disqualification. Additionally, readmitted students who achieve a 2.0 cumulative GPA but later face disqualification again will also be considered permanently disqualified.

Petitions for Readmission

Students seeking readmission after disqualification must begin the petition process by meeting with an academic counselor. Since readmission is not guaranteed, it is strongly recommended that students connect with a counselor as soon as possible after disqualification to explore the best path forward. While completing coursework at another institution is a required step for readmission, it will not impact a student’s USC GPA or reduce their grade point deficit.

Interested in beginning the Petition for Readmission process? Complete the inquiry form today to get started!

Complete the Inquiry Form

Readmission Information

For information on readmission deadlines, students should contact their academic counselor directly.

Readmission Contract & Eligibility

Students who are granted readmission will be placed on a readmission contract. The terms of this agreement must be met every semester of enrollment, including summer sessions, until the cumulative GPA reaches 2.0 or higher. Students may only petition for readmission once. Those who are not readmitted will receive guidance on how to strengthen a future petition or be encouraged to explore other educational opportunities.

Important Considerations for Financial Aid, Housing, and Outstanding Balances

Students receiving financial aid, residing in campus housing, or carrying an outstanding balance should inform the respective offices of their intent to return. A Collections hold due to an outstanding balance may prevent registration, regardless of readmission approval. The readmission petition process does not address financial aid, housing, or balance-related concerns—students must work directly with these offices to resolve any outstanding issues.

Schedule an Appointment

Schedule appointments with an academic counselor online by following the steps below:

Sign in to your Advise USC account.
After logging in, navigate to and click on the blue “Schedule Appointment” box.
Select “Teams” and the name of your “Academic Counselor.”
Choose “General Academic Advice” and then “Academic Performance.”
A list of available appointments will appear.
Choose the date and time that works best for you.
Click on the “Submit” button to submit your request.

Please note: Your Academic Counselor will send you a link to our pre-assessment survey that you must complete before your first appointment.