Each incoming student is assigned a faculty advisor who is responsible for academic advising during the first year. A student receiving a semester quality point average below 2.0 but who is not placed on academic probation is placed on academic guidance and is encouraged to work closely with the advisor. A student whose cumulative quality point average for Houghton College work falls below the following guidelines at the conclusion of a semester is considered in serious academic difficulty and is placed on academic probation, and the student is required to meet with the advisor to develop a plan for academic improvement. Such a student is limited to 15 credit hours in the following semester. (Hours earned includes transfer hours.) If the total credit hours earned is less than 15, GPA must be at least 1.0.

If the total credit hours earned is at least 15, but less than 27, GPA must be at least 1.5.

If the total credit hours earned is at least 27, but less than 39, GPA must be at least 1.75.

If the total credit hours earned is at least 39, GPA must be at least 2.0.

The placement of students on guidance and probation occurs at the end of the semester grading period. If additional information is received that changes or completes the record, any change in status is made at the discretion of the academic dean.