A Motivational/Empowerment Model Applied to Students on Academic Probation

This article outlines a motivational/empowerment model for students on academic probation implemented at The University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG). The model draws from several theoretical orientations, and includes individual and group interaction as well as discussion in four key topic areas: personal responsibility, positive affirmations, goal setting/life planning, and self-management. Since implementation, the percentage of UNCG students eligible to return to the institution after being placed on academic probation has increased from 40% to 58% over a four-year period. When comparing the net gain in grade point average of students completing the program to a control group, students enrolled in the program had a significantly higher academic achievement (p = .036). Generalizability of the model and future research recommendations are explored in the article.