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The Effects of Taking Less Credit Hours on the Student’s Academic

Performance: a Case Study of UiTM Sarawak

Mariam Binti Rahmat, Susan Hydra Sikayu, Azura Binti Ahmad

Faculty of Accountancy, UiTM Sarawak

mariamr@sarawak.uitm.edu.my .susanhs@sarawak.uitm.edu.my

azura545@sarawak.uitm.edu.my

ABSTRACT

Poor academic performance has been one of the many critical issues faced by higher learning

institutions. Measures in the form of support systems have been found productive in improving the

academic performance and retaining an educationally at risk students. This study investigates the

performance of UiTM Sarawak students placed under first and second probation known as P1 and

P2 respectively after they had taken 12 maximum credit hours as stated in the Peraturan Akademik

UiTM (Pindaan 2008) (UiTM Academic Regulations). The sample for this study was taken from the

results of students under P1 and P2 status accumulated from March 2002 until October 2006 for

Diploma in Accountancy (DIA), Diploma in Business Studies (DBS) , Diploma in Banking (DIB),

Diploma in Public Administration (DPA) and Diploma in Office Management (DOM) students of

UiTM Sarawak. The results of each student were analyzed in terms of their GCPA and status that is

LULUS (Pass), GAGAL DAN DIBERHENTIKAN (Fail and Dismissed), TAMAT (Graduate) and

PERHATIAN (Probation). The process of recording and analyzing the results commence once the

students were placed under probation status (P1). Each probation student’s performance was

observed until he or she obtain the status TAMAT (Graduate) or GAGAL DAN DIBERHENTIKAN

(Fail and Dismissed). The study shows that overall performance of P1 students were not

encouraging as only less than 40% managed to achieve a minimum satisfactory CGPA of 2.00. In

their second attempt, their performance was still far from satisfactory. The P2 students recorded the

highest dismissal rate with more than 50% of them from all faculties being dismissed. The

graduating rate for P1 students has not been promising either as all programs recorded less than 10%

graduating rate. The analysis also shows that the probation students who had acquired a minimum

CGPA of 1.92 were found to improve their performance to a satisfactory level of CGPA 2.00, while

those with CGPA below 1.92 did not do so. Results from this study might be useful for both the

students and UiTM Sarawak in taking aggressive actions to improve the performance of these

students should their CGPA fall below 1.92.

Keywords : probation, academic performance, students

1. INTRODUCTION

Students’ drop-out and poor academic performances have left many universities in dilemma. Mann,

Hunt & Alford (2004) highlighted that many higher learning institutions have and are still looking for the

right measures to handle these critical issues. In addressing the issues of retaining students, measures have

been sought by many to improve their grades ranging from offering learning skill assistance through

academic support programs such as tutoring, study skill courses, learning centers, supplemental institution

to other remedial courses.

The Peraturan Akademik UiTM (Pindaan 2008) have also specified rules to be followed by the

probation students. Thus, it is the aim of this study to investigate the performance of UiTM Sarawak’s

probation students after adhering to the regulations.

1.1 Statement of Problem

In the UiTM system, students are placed on academic probation if they have earned a cumulative

grade point average (CGPA) of between 1.80 –1.99 on a 4.00 scale. One way in which UiTM helps the

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probation students is by limiting the credit hours to be registered by them. Para 2.10.5 of the Peraturan

Akademik UiTM (Pindaan 2008) states that, students under PERHATIAN (Probation) status are not

allowed to register courses exceeding 12 credit hours per semester. Students under ‘PERHATIAN’ status

are given two (2) opportunities to improve themselves under “First Probation”(P1) and “Second

Probation”(P2). Once students are placed under the P1 status, it is not an easy task especially for those

who are academically weak to pass the hurdle of 2.00 CGPA. Even if they do manage to obtain good

grades, the contribution towards CGPA will not be a substantial one.

This research attempts to shed light on how far these ‘P Status’ students have succeeded in pursuing

their studies, maintaining their results in UiTM and graduating with a diploma.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of taking 12 maximum credit

hours for P1 and P2 students in improving the performance of UiTM Sarawak’s probation students.

The specific objectives are:

a. to determine the achievement of P1 students who passed the hurdle of CGPA 2.00.

b. to determine the achievement of P1students who still obtained a CGPA of between 1.80 – 1.99 in

the second attempt.

c. to determine the percentage of P1 and P2 students who were dismissed in the following semesters.

d. to determine the achievement of students who graduated after undergoing P1 or P2 status.

e. to determine the minimum CGPA for probation students to pass the hurdle of 2.00 CGPA

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Factors Contributing to Probation.

There are many contributing factors that lead to students being placed under academic probation.

However, the most cited factors are the following; attendance (Durden & Ellis, 1995), financial problems

/ the need to work (Dunwoody & Frank, 1995; Olson, 1990), personal/ family problems (Dunwoody &

Frank, 1995) lack of social proficiency (Coleman & Freedman, 1996) and uncertain goals (Olson, 1990).

Kelly (1996) concluded that a student’s thoughts and feelings of failure led to an overall decrease in

performance and perhaps lack of interest in skill – building course.

In some cases, failure is directly related to the students’ inability to grasp the material being

presented or their lack of interest in particular courses. Mann, Hunt & Alford, (2004) believe that

students drop out because they lack the fundamental educational skills necessary for them to succeed

academically.

2.2 Intervention Strategies

An intervention strategy such as the role of academic advisors was significant in assisting the

students and guiding them towards achieving academic improvement. They also assist students in the

selection of courses and in situations when students have academic difficulties, academic advisors often

make useful suggestions or direct students to resources designed to help them.

Intervention strategies such as group intervention (Coleman & Freedman, 1996), study skills course

(Lipsky & Ender, 1990), money management and goal setting classes (Coleman & Freedman, 1996),

social competence skills building course (Coleman & Freedman, 1996) and interpersonal problem solving

training (Coleman & Freedman, 1996) have been found to be successful. Once a mandatory intervention

program had been implemented, retention rates, probation removal rates and persistence rates increased

while suspension rates were reduced (Garnett, 1990). Previous studies revealed that students who participated in an intervention course had a significant

higher GPA than those who did not participate (Lipsky & Ender, 1990). Lamar University introduced a

comprehensive early intervention academic retention program called `Monitored Probation Program

(MP)` which was intended to assist students who had been placed under academic probation. Students’

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academic progress was monitored, evaluated and tracked through personal contact and documentation of

students’ academic performance. MP students demonstrated a higher mean increase in GPA in

comparison with the control group (Mann, Hunt & Alford, 2004). In another study, students who attended

a ten- week probation intervention seminar were found to have a higher rate of removal of probation

status, staying enrolled at college, withdrawing less, and graduating than those who did not attend an

intervention seminar (Newton, 1990).

The findings from the above literature showed that probation students were able to succeed provided

that aggressive and proper support systems were implemented. In short, success was not impossible for

probation students if adequate preparation was taken by them.

3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The sample for this study was taken from the examination results of DIA, DBS, DIB, DPA and

DOM students in UiTM Sarawak. The result of students under P1 and P2 status from March 2002 until

October 2006 were analysed. Information relating to P1 & P2 students was collected from the Head of

Programme and Department of Academic Affairs. Each probation student’s performance was analyzed

until he or she successfully graduated or until dismissal takes place. The scope of this research was

limited to DIA, DBS, DIB, DPA and DOM students who achieved a CGPA of between 1.80 – 1.99 in

UiTM Sarawak. These programs were chosen as the of student intake was among the highest in UiTM

Sarawak

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 Demographic Information

Information on students who were placed under the academic probation for ten consecutive

semesters starting from March 2002 until October 2006 was tabulated in Table 1. DBS appeared to have

contributed the highest percentage of both P1 and P2 students, that is 5.5% while DOM contributed the

lowest percentage with only 2.5%. Overall, the percentage of students under academic probation for all

programs was considered low as it only contributed an average of 4.6%.

Table 1 : Total Number of Students Who Sat for the Exam and the Number of Students Who Were

Placed Under Academic Probation

Program DIA DIB DBS DPA DOM Total

Total number of

students who sat

for the exam

5,728 3,007 5,304 6,190 2,494 22,723

Total Number (%)

of P1 and P2

students

285

(4.9%)

163

(5.4%)

292

(5.5%)

243

(3.9%)

67

(2.5%)

1,047

(4.6%)

Table 2 exhibited an interesting finding whereby, academic probation seemed most prevalent at

semester one level (part 1). It was discovered that part 1 students contributed the highest percentage with

17.9 %, followed by part 6 students with 16.2%. Interestingly, part 7 students had the lowest percentage

of 9.3%. As a majority of P1/P2 students were formed by the new arrivals, this could imply the impact of

culture shock as these students lack preparedness in navigating the academic jungle.

Table 2 : Analysis According to Part for All Probation Students

Part Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7

Percentages 17.9% 15.7% 14.2% 12.8% 13.9% 16.2% 9.3%

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4.2 Results

The exam results for each program were recorded and analyzed from March 2002 until October

2006. Recording and analysis of the exam results were carefully conducted for at least two consecutive

semesters. Each probation student’s performance was observed until he or she obtain the status ‘TAMAT’

(graduated) or ‘GAGAL DAN DIBERHENTIKAN’ (fail and dismissed).

Table 3: The Cut-Off of CGPA Point for Probation Students to Pass the Hurdle of 2.00 CGPA.

Average

Program DIA DBS DIB DOM DPA

Minimum CGPA Per

Program

1.93

1.92

1.93

1.90

1.94

Minimum CGPA for all

Programs

1.92

The above data (Table 3) was derived from information pertaining to students who managed to pass

the hurdle of 2.00 CGPA, either from P1 to LU/TM or from P2 to LU/TM. It can be concluded that to

achieve a CGPA of 2.00 in the following semester, an average CGPA of 1.92 and above is needed.

Therefore, the cut-off point of CGPA serves as a benchmark and is useful for all lecturers, academic

advisors and the ‘Jawatankuasa Pemantapan Akademik’ in advising the students on their chances of

securing a 2.00 CGPA. With this supporting figure, realistic judgment can be exercised in determining

whether it is desirable or not desirable to retain a particular student.

DIA,

20.70%

DBS, 36.60%

DIB, 39.50%

DOM, 27.40%DPA, 27.80%

0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

35.00%

40.00%

PERCENTAGE

DIA DBS DIB DOM DPA

ANALYSIS OF P1 STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT WHO PASSED

THE HURDLE OF CGPA 2.00

PROGRAMME

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Figure 1 : Analysis of P1 Students Who Passed the Hurdle of CGPA 2.00

Figure 1 depicts the percentage of P1 students who were able to pass the hurdle of CGPA 2.00 or

above. The outcome was far from satisfactory as less than 40% of P1 students were able to achieve the

target. DIB students performed better (39.50%) compared to students from the other programs while DIA

students appeared to be the weakest group (20.7%).

After giving a second chance to P1 student, performance was far from satisfactory as not many of

them were able to achieve higher CGPAs (2.00 and above) . Students in DIA program showed the highest

percentage (46.2%) as compared to those in other programs who still failed to secure a minimum of 2.00

CGPA after making the second attempt (Figure 2). Apparently, even with an advantage of a maximum 12

credit hours, the finding from this study revealed that a majority of these students were still unable to

secure good result.

Figure 2 : The Achievement of P1 Students Who Still Obtained a CGPA

of Between 1.80 – 1.99 in the Second Attempt.

Contrary to popular belief that taking less credit hour would mean ample of time to study and therefore academic performance should improve, the following findings proved otherwise. Results in

Figure 3 indicated that taking less credit hour for that particular semester did not guarantee their academic

survival in the university. DBS students (P1) contributed the highest dismissal rate of 40% as opposed to

DIB students with only 9.6%.

P2 students appeared to have the highest dismissal rate. Evidence shown in Figure 4 revealed that

dismissal rate for P2 students under each program were above 50%. DOM contributed the highest

dismissal rate of 76.9%.

ANALYSIS OF P1 STUDENTS WHO STILL OBTAINED A CGPA OF

BETWEEN 1.80-1.99 IN THE SECOND ATTEMPT

46.20%44.30%

36.80%

25.50%

34.80%

0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

35.00%

40.00%

45.00%

50.00%

DIA DBS DIB DOM DPA

PERCENTAGE

P1 OBTAINED 1.80-1.99 IN SECOND ATEMPT

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ANALYSIS OF P1 STUDENTS WHO WERE DISMISSED IN THE

FOLLOWING SEMESTER

DIA, 21.30%

DBS, 40.00%DIB, 9.60%

DOM, 23.50%

DPA, 20.40%DIA

DBS

DIB

DOM

DPA

Figure 3 : The Percentage of P1 Students Who Were Dismissed in the Following Semester

Figure 4 : The Percentage of P2 Students Who Were Dismissed in the Following Semester.

Another finding from this study was that the percentage of students who have graduated after

undergoing P1 / P2 status was very minimal. Figure 5 revealed an alarming discovery whereby, the

graduating rate for each program did not even exceed 8%. DOM has the lowest graduating rate for ‘P

status’ students with only 2%, followed by DBS (2.4%) and DPA (2.8%). DIB program contributed the

highest graduating rate with only 7.9%. However, the above data did not include students who have

DIA, 51.50%DBS, 55.20%

DIB, 63.30%

DOM, 76.90%

DPA, 53.70%

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

80.00%

PERCENTAGE

DIA DBS DIB DOM DPA

PROGRAMME

ANALYSIS OF P2 STUDENTS WHO WERE DISMISSED IN THE

FOLLOWING SEMESTER

P2 STUDENTS DISMISSED IN THE FOLLOWING SEMESTER

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graduated after sitting for supplementary examinations. Therefore, it can be concluded that once students are placed under probationary status, there is a strong likelihood that these students will not

graduate.

ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS WHO GRADUATED AFTER

UNDERGOING P1/P2 STATUS

6.40%

2.40%

7.90%

2.00%

2.80%

0.00%

1.00%

2.00%

3.00%

4.00%

5.00%

6.00%

7.00%

8.00%

9.00%

DIA DBS DIB DOM DPA

PROGRAMME

PERCENTAGE

STUDENTS GRADUATED AFTER

P1/P2

Figure 5: Analysis of Students Who Graduated After Undergoing P1/P2 Status

5. CONCLUSION

From the above findings, we have concluded that taking less credit hours did not really improve the

performance of students placed under academic probation. These findings implied that even though

students took a maximum of 12 or less than 12 credit hours for that particular semester, it did not

guarantee their academic survival in the university. It is hoped that the results from this study may prove useful in facilitating and executing the role of

academic advisors as well as assisting UiTM and the respective faculties in planning their future

activities. It is also hoped that the cut-off of CGPA point serves as benchmark in determining the

desirability to retain a particular student.

REFERENCES

Coleman, H.L., & Freedman, A.M. (1996). Effects of a structured group intervention on the achievement

of academically at-risk undergraduates. Journal of College Student Development, 37(6), 631-636.

Dunwoody, P.T., & Frank, M.L. (1995). Why students withdraw from classes. The Journal of Psychology

,553.

Durden, G. C., & Ellis, L. V. (1995). The effects of attendance on student learning in principles of

economics. The American Economic Review, 85(2), 343 – 346.

Garnett, T.T (1990, Spring). Retention strategies for high risk students at a foreign university. National

Academic Housing Association Journal, 10, 22 – 25.

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Kelly, K.N. (1996). Causes, reactions, and consequences of academic probation: A theoretical model.

NACADA Journal, 16(1), 28-34.

Lipsky, S.A., & Ender, S.C. (1990), Impact of a study skills course on probation students’ academic

performance, Journal of Freshman Year Experience, 2(1), 7-15.

Mann, J.R., & Hunt, M.D., & Alford, J.G. (2004), Monitored Probation: A program that works, Journal

of College Student Retention 2003/2004, 5(3) 245

Newton, F.B. (1990). Academic support seminars: A program to assist students experiencing academic

difficulty. Journal of College Student Development, 31, 183 – 186.

Peraturan Akademik (Pindaan 2008), Bahagian Hal Akademik , Universiti Teknologi Mara

Olson, M.A (1990). Characterictics of students on academic probation, Community/ Junior

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