In July 1967, the California State Board of Education set minimum probation standards for junior colleges, providing that (1) students having less than a 2.0 GPA (with 12 or more units attempted) will be put on academic probation, (2) all such students will receive special counseling, and (3) those failing to maintain a 1.75 GPA for three consecutive terms will be dismissed. Anticipating the effects of these standards on its own system, Shasta College decided to review all its penalty grading and probation practices. The probation statistics of first- and fill-time freshmen for the 1966-67 year and the projected and actual figures for the 1967-68 year were examined. Comparison of the figures showed that a 10% increase in probations could be expected, requiring a corresponding increase in counseling service. It became apparent that, after due consideration of non-academic influences on the student's possible success, the counselor had three possible recommendations--remedial courses, a limited unit load, or change of major. It was concluded that the counseling could be greatly improved by giving more attention to the initial choice of major, making sure it comes close to the student's apparent ability. It was also felt that an unlimited withdrawal policy would do much to protect the student's GPA, allowing him to drop a specific course at any time during the term without penalty. Instructors agreed with the lenient withdrawal policy, considering it a protection for their own grading standards. (HH)