The University Senate's Academic Policies Council unanimously decided Thursday to raise the maximum course load in the regular school year for students on academic probation to 18 credit hours.
The Council, however, left the maximum summer course allowed for such students at nine hours per summer semester.
Members said they were concerned if students could handle a higher average with the speed of summer course work, as opposed to a spring or fall semester.
"Summer courses go three times as fast," said Frank Meeker, a professor of psychological science. "Students tend to overload in the summer and perform poorly as a result."
Meeker suggested two or three courses were more appropriate instead of five or six.
Students can register for more than 18 hours, but they must meet certain criteria.
They must earn a previous residence at Ball State, acquire a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and complete all scheduled courses in the prior semester.
During the meeting, APC members also discussed university GPA requirements.
The current regulation states that students who fail to earn a GPA of at least 1.0 during the first semester of their freshman years will be dismissed from the university.
The suggested amendment requires students attempt nine or more credits during that semester.
Academic and social records will be reviewed by a team of University College and Student Affairs staff members. The results of the review determine if students can continue to study at Ball State.
Registrar Tom Bilger said the student must have documented reasoning for a dismissal. Marini said the student can report a personal issue such as a death in the family or of a friend by bringing an obituary or other written resource.
"The students must take responsibility," Marini said. "If they are uncomfortable to initiate the appeal at the time, they can explain the circumstances later."
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