Academic Standing
Questrom School of Business Policy
Undergraduate
Students should become familiar with the Boston University Policy on Academic Standing for Undergraduate Students in the Full-Time Programs.
The Questrom School of Business Undergraduate Academic Standards Committee reviews the progress of all Questrom students after each term. Those students currently in good academic standing who fall into one of the following categories are placed on academic probation for the following term:
- All students whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) is below a 2.0.
- All students whose term grade point index (GPI) is below a 2.0.
- All students who complete fewer than 12 academic units without prior approval of part-time status.
Students on probation are reviewed at the end of their first probationary term. If they do not meet one or more of the three conditions stated above, they are placed on probation for a second term. All students who do not meet one of these conditions must participate in and complete Questrom’s Academic Success Program.
Students are reviewed again at the end of their second probationary term. If they do not meet one or more of the three conditions stated above, they are considered for permanent dismissal from Boston University with immediate effect.
Please note that, for the purposes of satisfactory academic progress, a completed course is one in which a student receives a grade of D or higher. Students must successfully have earned a minimum grade of “C” in four of the following courses, and no less than “C–” in the fifth course, in order to apply these courses toward their BSBA major and advance into 300-level Questrom courses:
- MA 121 or MA 123 (4 units)
- SM 131 (4 units)
- SM 132 (2 units)
- EC 101 (4 units)
- WR 120 (or equivalent) First-Year Writing Seminar (4 units)
For all other Questrom courses—and specifically required non-Questrom courses such as CAS EC 102—applied toward the major, including courses toward any declared concentration, students must earn a grade of “C–” or higher. For the remainder of their coursework, students follow the University policy on D grades.
Although Boston University Summer Term is not considered a probationary term, coursework taken during the summer will be considered in determining probation and permanent dismissal. Coursework may be taken during the summer between a spring-to-fall probationary term sequence, or the summer immediately following a fall-to-spring probationary term sequence.
Graduate
This policy applies to all Questrom students enrolled in residential graduate programs.
To be in good academic standing, Questrom graduate students must meet the requirements described in their program’s handbook.
Graduate students’ academic progress is reviewed mid-way through the first term in the program based on (a) grades in 7-week courses and (b) mid-term grades in full-term courses. Students who are in danger of earning below their program’s minimum GPA requirement (as defined in the program’s handbook) for the term will receive a warning letter.
Students are reviewed at the end of each term by the program’s Program Development Committee (PDC) or appropriate subcommittee. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress and be in good academic standing (as defined by the program’s handbook) can result in academic probation, suspension (required leave of absence), or dismissal.
Academic Probation
Students who are not making good progress toward the program’s requirements (as stated in the handbook) at the end of a given term or module are normally put on academic probation. At the discretion of the program, a student may also be considered for suspension (required leave of absence) or dismissal. Students on probation may have their financial aid discontinued. Students who are placed on probation should receive guidance about how to improve their performance, including (but not limited to) modified or reduced course load, regular meetings with an advisor, and tutoring. Students are reviewed by the PDC (or relevant subcommittee) after one term on academic probation. Those who meet the program requirements (as described in the handbook) will return to good academic standing. Students who do not achieve good academic standing after the probationary term will be subject to required suspension (required leave of absence) or dismissal, or an additional term of academic probation as determined by the program PDC on a case-by-case basis. Normally, a student can be on academic probation for no more than two consecutive terms; however, the probation period is at the discretion of the program.
Academic Suspension and Dismissal
Students on academic probation face required suspension or dismissal when they have not achieved good academic standing after the most recent term of academic probation. Students who, in the determination of the program PDC and based on past academic performance, are not able to raise their GPA to the necessary level to graduate within the remaining courses of their program will be dismissed from the program based on a vote of the PDC or relevant subcommittee. Students cannot be automatically dismissed from a program—all dismissals must be reviewed by the PDC or relevant subcommittee and voted on accordingly. Dismissal results in permanent separation from the University.
The PDC (or relevant subcommittee) may decide that a student would benefit from some time away from the program, in which case the student would be suspended—that is, required to take a leave of absence for a specific period of time.
Appeals of suspension or dismissal are made, in writing, to the Senior Associate Dean of Programs, within a timeline outlined in the written notice. The student will be notified in writing of the decision. The decision of the Senior Associate Dean on cases of suspension or dismissal is final. The review will be based on procedural grounds only—that is, a determination of whether or not the appropriate procedures were followed.
Reinstatement after Suspension
Students who have fulfilled their period of suspension must meet with their Academic Advisor to reestablish their standing.
MBA, MSDT, and Dual Degree Students
MBA or dual degree students must maintain a cumulative Questrom grade point average of at least 2.70 (on a 4.0 scale) to be in good academic standing (i.e., to graduate). Coursework taken outside Boston University Questrom School of Business is not calculated into the student’s GPA for the purpose of this policy. The MBA PDC has final responsibility for decisions regarding MBA and dual degree students in poor academic standing.
All MBA and dual degree students who are not in good academic standing (i.e., with Questrom GPA below 2.70) after 6 units attempted will be referred to the PDC for review. Students will be informed of their academic position via their BU email address immediately following the posting of final grades for a term. All students in poor academic standing must meet with their MBA Center advisor (in person or by telephone) within 48 hours of receipt of this communication to discuss the situation. If a Student Statement (described below) is submitted, this is due within 72 hours of the performance notification. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the tight window between notice and action and plan accordingly.
Based on the student’s Questrom CGPA, there are two categories of poor academic performance:
- MBA and dual degree students with a Questrom GPA less than 2.70 but equal to or greater than 2.55 after 6 units attempted will be placed on academic probation. The PDC will take one of the following probationary actions: (1) written warning, (2) written warning with requirements, or (3) required suspension for one or two terms. The PDC determines the terms of the probation. The student will have the opportunity to provide a written statement concerning their academic performance to inform the PDC’s probation plan (see Student Statement, below). To remain in the program, students must make progress as outlined in the probation plan.
- MBA and dual degree students with a Questrom GPA less than 2.55 after 6 units attempted will be informed that they have been flagged for withdrawal from the program. All withdrawal cases come to the PDC for a final review. As input into the PDC decision regarding permanent academic withdrawal, the student has the opportunity to provide a written statement explaining their academic performance (see Student Statement, below). A PDC decision for permanent academic withdrawal is final and no appeals to the PDC beyond the Student Statement are allowed beyond the outlined appeal based on procedural grounds described above.
After all program units are completed, all MBA and dual degree students must achieve a 2.70 or higher Questrom GPA in each of their degrees in order to graduate. Students are not permitted to take additional units beyond the term in which they have completed their degree requirements in order to improve their Questrom GPA or restart enrollment, nor can they withdraw and re-enroll.
CGPA can also affect student eligibility for continuing financial aid, including scholarships and loans. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (at least 2.70 CGPA) in order to be eligible for continued Federal Stafford Loan and private educational loan funding.
Student Statement
The Student Statement is voluntary, though it is strongly encouraged as it offers the sole opportunity for student input into PDC decisions. The statement is self-reflective and provides the student’s explanation for their poor academic performance. The statement is due within 72 hours of notice of poor performance by the MBA Center. The statement is the student’s individual work product and must be prepared accordingly.
Academic Performance Review for MS in Mathematical Finance & Financial Technology Students
The Specialty Master’s & PhD Center monitors students’ academic performance at the end of the fall and spring terms, up until the time of graduation. A student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.70 (on a 4.0 scale) to be in good academic standing (i.e., to graduate). Coursework taken outside Boston University Questrom School of Business, which does not count toward the MS in Mathematical Finance & Financial Technology degree, will not be calculated into the student’s CGPA.
The Mathematical Finance Faculty Program Development Committee (PDC) has final responsibility for decisions regarding students with poor academic performance. The committee determines whether students will be permitted to stay in the program, and if so, what specific steps must be taken to regain good academic standing. A PDC decision for permanent academic withdrawal is final and no appeals to the PDC beyond the Student Statement are allowed.
Students with a CGPA below 2.70 after the fall and spring terms will be referred to the PDC for review. Students will be informed of their academic position via their BU email address prior to the start of the subsequent term. All students in poor academic standing must meet with their Specialty Master’s & PhD Center advisor (in person or by telephone) within 48 hours of receipt of this communication to discuss the situation. If a Student Statement (described below) is submitted, this is due within 72 hours of the performance notification. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the tight window between notice and action and plan accordingly.
After the first term, Mathematical Finance & Financial Technology students with a CGPA less than 2.30 will be withdrawn from the program. Students with a CGPA between 2.30 and 2.69, and/or one or more ‘F’ grades, may be academically withdrawn from the program or receive a written warning with recommendations for improvement.
After the second term, students with a CGPA less than 2.30 will be automatically withdrawn from the program. Students with a CGPA between 2.30 and 2.69, and/or one or more ‘F’ grades, may be academically withdrawn from the program or receive a written warning with recommendations for improvement. Mathematical Finance & Financial Technology students are not permitted to take additional units, beyond the term in which they have completed their degree requirements, to improve their CGPA.
After all program units are completed, all students must achieve a 2.70 or higher CGPA in order to graduate. Students are not permitted to take additional units beyond the term in which they have completed their degree requirements in order to improve their CGPA or restart enrollment, nor can they withdraw and re-enroll.
Please be aware that your CGPA can also affect your eligibility for continuing financial aid, including scholarships and loans. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (at least a 2.70 CGPA) in order to be eligible for continued Federal Stafford Loan funding and private educational loan funding.
Student Statement
The Student Statement is voluntary, though it is strongly encouraged as it offers the sole opportunity for student input into PDC decisions. The statement is self-reflective and provides the student’s explanation for their poor academic performance. The statement is due within 72 hours of notice of poor performance by the Specialty Master’s & PhD Center. The statement is the student’s individual work product and must be prepared accordingly.
Academic Performance Review for MiM Students
The Specialty Master’s & PhD Center monitors students’ academic performance at the end of each module, and at the conclusion of each fall and spring term. A student must be in good academic standing to graduate.
The MiM Faculty Program Development Committee (PDC) has final responsibility for decisions regarding students with poor academic performance. The committee determines whether students will be permitted to stay in the program, and if so, what specific steps must be taken to regain good academic standing. A PDC decision for permanent academic withdrawal is final and no appeals to the PDC beyond the Student Statement are allowed.
All MiM students who have not achieved satisfactory academic standing (i.e., have an “F” grade) after the completion of the module will be referred to the PDC for review. Students will be informed of their academic position via their BU email address prior to the start of the subsequent term or module. All students in poor academic standing must meet with the Assistant Director (in person or by telephone) within 48 hours of receipt of this communication to discuss the situation. If a Student Statement is submitted, this is due within 72 hours of the performance notification. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the tight window between notice and action and plan accordingly.
MiM students with an F grade may be academically withdrawn from the program or receive a written warning with recommendations for improvement.
Please be aware that your academic standing can also affect your eligibility for continuing financial aid, including scholarships and loans. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (no grades of “F”) to be eligible for continued Federal Stafford Loan funding and private educational loan funding.
Student Statement
The Student Statement is voluntary, though it is strongly encouraged as it offers the sole opportunity for student input into PDC decisions. The statement is self-reflective and provides the student’s explanation for their poor academic performance. The statement is due within 72 hours of notice of poor performance by the Specialty Master’s & PhD Center. The statement is the student’s individual work product and must be prepared accordingly.
MiM Grading and Course Units
- Pass: “P”. A grade of “P” indicates that a student has demonstrated understanding of the material as outlined on the syllabus and has consistently engaged with and contributed to the experiential learning elements, and has earned at least an average of C on graded course components.
- Failure: “F”. A grade of “F” indicates that a student has failed to demonstrate a mastery of the material, has not adequately engaged in and contributed to the experiential learning elements, and/or has not earned at least an average of C on graded course components. Students earning a final grade of “F” for any course may not continue in the program until they successfully complete the course. Faculty will work with students to resolve failing grades within two weeks of the end of each module. At the end of two weeks, the PDC will determine whether the student will be placed on probation or dismissed from the program.
Academic Performance Review for MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) Students
To be in good academic standing, MSBA students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.70 or greater and have no F grades at the end of every term.
Students with a CGPA of 2.30 or less at the end of any term will be withdrawn from the program. Students with a CGPA below 2.70 for two consecutive terms will be withdrawn from the program.
Students with a CGPA between 2.30 and 2.69 for the first time at the end of a term, as well as students with an F grade in a course, are referred to the MSBA Program Development Committee (PDC) for review. The PDC may confirm withdrawal or allow the student to remain under probation. The PDC has final responsibility for decisions regarding students with unsatisfactory academic performance.
Students are notified of their academic standing by the Specialty Master’s & PhD Center via BU email, prior to the start of the subsequent term. Students must then meet with an academic advisor within 48 hours of receipt of this notification to discuss their case. Students can write a Student Statement to the PDC to provide an explanation for poor academic performance. It is voluntary, although it is strongly encouraged as it is the sole opportunity for student input into PDC decisions. The Statement must be submitted within 72 hours of Specialty Master’s & PhD Center notification of poor academic standing.
The PDC then reviews the student’s case. It may confirm academic withdrawal or allow the student to continue in the program. Students allowed to continue receive a written notice from the PDC stipulating acceptable academic performance to remain in the program. Students who wish to remain in the program will indicate that they understand and accept these conditions.
After the final term, all students must achieve a 2.70 or higher CGPA. Students are not permitted to take additional units beyond the final term in which they have completed their degree requirements in order to improve their CGPA or restart enrollment, nor can they withdraw and re-enroll.
Please be aware that your CGPA can also affect your eligibility for continuing financial aid, including scholarships and loans. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (at least a 2.70 CGPA) in order to be eligible for continued Federal Stafford Loan funding and private educational loan funding.
PhD in Business Administration and PhD in Mathematical Finance
The Doctoral Program Development Committee will review the progress of each doctoral candidate. Students must maintain a 3.30 cumulative grade point average in all courses to remain in good academic standing. Students who are not in good academic standing will be allowed one term to correct their status. Prior to the start of the term, the student must submit a letter to the PhD department liaison (who will forward it to the PDC) explaining why they have fallen short of the CGPA requirement and how they plan to correct the situation. Failure to increase the CGPA to acceptable levels may result in probation or withdrawal from the program, at the discretion of the PhD Doctoral Program Development Committee.
