Academic Probation/Academic Suspension Policy

Academic Probation

The range of acceptable grades for graduate work is any grade at the level of C (2.0) or above. However, should a student's cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) fall below a 3.0 that student will automatically and immediately be placed on academic probation. Probation provides the student an opportunity to bring the GPA up to 3.0 or above. During the probationary period, students will not be eligible for early enrollment for the next term. Grades received during probation must be a 3.0 or higher for the student to be allowed to enroll for the following term (B- is not acceptable). All grades must be recorded and meet the above standards before a student may register for additional terms. Only by express direction of the department may these probationary terms be altered. If placed on probation, the student will become ineligible for scholarships or assistantships administered by the Office of Graduate Studies and Academic Outreach.

Note that grades of B-, C+, and C are acceptable as long as they do not lower the GPA below 3.0 and are not received during a probationary period. However, academic departments and programs have the discretion to set higher standards and not accept these grades toward specific courses or on the degree program. Under all circumstances, grades of C-, D+, D, D-, and F are unacceptable. Receiving one such grade will result in the student being placed on academic probation, regardless of cumulative GPA. Probation will be removed when the course is retaken and an acceptable grade is achieved. Students should retake the failed course during the next available offering of the course. In some cases a department may petition the Dean of Graduate Studies and Academic Outreach to allow a substitution (for example, when the course will not be offered again); however, in such cases both the course with the unacceptable grade and the substitute course grade will be entered on the transcript and factor into the GPA.

Academic Suspension

Failure to suitably raise the GPA or to satisfactorily pass a course or courses with acceptable grades (B (3.0) or better) while on probation will automatically result in academic suspension. Students on academic suspension will be withdrawn from their degree program and are allowed to reapply for admission after a one year suspension period should they wish to re-enter a graduate program.