You can expect to be placed on probation for a semester if you accumulate a certain number of D and/or F grades. See the section on end-of-term grades for a detailed listing of grade combinations and outcomes that can lead to probation. A semester of probation is designed to serve as a "wake-up" call. It is a sign that you are in imminent danger of being withdrawn from Duke for academic reasons.
Students who get poor grades in the fall will be placed on probation in the spring. Students with poor grades in the spring will be placed on probation in the fall. Students on academic probation are expected to remain in a full course load during their semester of probation and will be permitted to withdraw to an underload by their academic dean only in compelling circumstances. If you petition for and are permitted to withdraw from a course to an underload during your semester of probation, your probationary status will automatically be extended to the next semester. Probationary information is not placed on your official transcript, but a notice will be placed on your Academic History, where it will remain for as long as you are on probation. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are notified of probationary status.