How does Bounce Back work?

The Bounce Back Program is an academic recovery program for current students on Academic Probation or slated for Academic Suspension. Our program has also expanded services to new transfer students who are needing a fresh start at Truman and could use additional supports in their first semester. We rely on our faculty and staff partners along with our Bounce Back coaches to help students understand the requirements and enroll in the program.

How to refer a student:

If you meet with a student who may be eligible for Bounce Back, please refer them to the Director of Student Success. We also encourage you to direct students to this website where they can find the program application.

How to join the program:

Student should complete the program application and attend an academic recovery webinar to learn more about the program.

How can I determine student eligibility?

You can determine if a student is eligible for Bounce Back by reviewing their unofficial or advising transcript to determine if they are on Academic Probation or slated for Academic Suspension. If you are unsure after checking their transcript, you can always contact the Director of Student Success (aharding@truman.edu) or Academic Standards Chair (appeals@truman.edu). New transfer students who would be good candidates for the Bounce Back Program are identified by the Office of Admission and approved by the Director of Student Success to participate in the program as part of their admission to Truman.

Participation Criteria:

• Bounce Back is reserved for current Truman students who were placed on Academic Probation or are slated for Academic Suspension, or new transfer students who must participate in the program as part of their admission to Truman. In order to be on Academic Probation, a student will have a institutional cumulative or term GPA that is below 2.0. A student is on Academic Suspension if they have a institutional cumulative GPA below 2.0 and their term GPA has been below 2.0 for two consecutive semesters. If you’d like more information on academic standing policies at Truman, review the University Catalog under “Academic Policies and Procedures.”
• If a student does not meet the above criteria, we encourage you to refer these students to one of our many academic success resources on campus. Of course, if you feel a student has a special circumstance that might warrant their participation in Bounce Back, please email the Director of Student Success at aharding@truman.edu.

What are the options?

Bounce back is a comprehensive support program with three options. Students are required to enroll in one (1) if they are on Academic Probation, while students slated for Academic Suspension or who are required to complete Bounce Back as a new transfer student are required to complete two (2) options, Academic Coaching and another option.

• Academic Coaching is a personalized one-on-one coaching program housed within the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE). Participants meet for one hour a week over the course of the semester. Bounce Back coaches are CAE academic advisors.
• INDV 110: Skills for Academic Success is a class-based option offered by the Education Department and taught by MAE graduate students. This is a graded, 2-credit hour course that is discussion-oriented that covers reading and understanding textbooks; listening, concentration, and note-taking strategies; understanding arguments and critical thinking; effectively managing time and avoiding procrastination; preparing for and taking tests; and understanding and confronting obstacles to learning. This class might be best for a student who has room in their schedule and is looking for an option that directly impacts their GPA.
• Paired tutoring sessions offers students a targeted support