Academic Standing

University Policy

College of Engineering Graduate Policy

The academic progress of every graduate student is reviewed at the end of each term. Failure to make satisfactory progress and remain in Good Standing can result in Academic Probation, Suspension for a stated time or until stated conditions are met, or Dismissal, as detailed below.

Grades of C– or lower are not acceptable for master’s degrees; Grades of C+ or lower for PhD students are interpreted as failures.

Good Standing

Students maintain good academic standing when they: (1) earn a term GPA of at least 3.00 (students enrolled only in Pass/Fail courses are exempt from the term GPA standard); and (2) maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00.

Academic Probation

A student is put on Academic Probation when they earn a term or cumulative GPA below 3.00. Students on Academic Probation may have their financial aid discontinued. In the event that the term or cumulative GPA is below a 2.00, a student may be dismissed from the program.

Students are reviewed after one term on Academic Probation. Those who earn a term and cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above will return to Good Standing. Those students who do not achieve Good Standing (as defined above) after the probationary term will be subject to Academic Suspension, Dismissal, or an additional term of Academic Probation as determined by the college on a case-by-case basis.

Academic Suspension or Dismissal

A student on Academic Probation faces Academic Suspension or Dismissal when they have not achieved Good Standing (as defined above) after the most recent term of Academic Probation. Specifics regarding Dismissal or the duration and terms of the Academic Suspension will be determined by the college on a case-by-case basis. Dismissal results in permanent separation from the University. Appeals of Dismissal or Suspension are directed to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs.

Reinstatement after Academic Suspension

Students who have fulfilled their period of Academic Suspension must meet with their academic advisor and must also reestablish their standing in the college by contacting the College of Engineering Graduate Programs office.