Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the factors contributing to academic underachievement among university students and the characteristics of students on academic probation, including changes in the learning environment after the COVID-19 pandemic, ...
Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the factors contributing to academic underachievement among university students and the characteristics of students on academic probation, including changes in the learning environment after the COVID-19 pandemic, and to propose directions for improving university learning support systems. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted on domestic and international studies published between 2015 and 2024. Sixty-nine studies related to academic underachievement and academic probation were analyzed, and 21 learning support program studies were examined in depth. Results: Academic underachievement was found to stem from complex interactions among cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and environmental factors, with new risks—such as digital literacy gaps, online learning fatigue, and reduced self-regulation—emerging after the COVID-19 pandemic. Existing learning support programs, including strategy-based, counseling-based, multi-component, and online formats, showed short-term benefits, but lacked personalized support and evidence of long-term effectiveness. Conclusion: Universities should strengthen grade-based academic probation policies by establishing multi-layered support systems that incorporate early warning systems (EWS), individualized academic and emotional support, and learning strategies optimized for online and blended learning environments.