Academic Standards

• Probation Policies and Procedures
• Dismissal Policies and Procedures
• Appeal of Dismissal

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students maintain satisfactory academic progress by meeting the following criteria:

• An average grade of a “B” or GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale
• Completion of the program within the specified time limits and progress towards graduation
• Not on probation or subject to dismissal

Students who do not maintain satisfactory academic progress may be subject to probation or dismissal from the program, based on recommendation from the program director.

Probation Policies and Procedures

Student grades will be reviewed at the end of each term, including summer, fall, and spring. Graduate programs may have program-specific probation policies.  These policies are included in the program handbook for each program. The list below is not meant to be all-inclusive but provide examples. More specific reasons for probation are found within the program specific policies.

Possible reasons for probation

• Failure of comprehensive exam with the first attempt
• Failure to make progress towards candidacy within 150% of time required per the program length in the graduate bulletin
• Violation of College’s student code of conduct first offense or program professional competence and ethical behavior
• Failure to adhere to contractual obligations for internship/practicum/clinical site
• Cumulative GPA below a 3.0
• Program specific clinical courses with a grade below a “B”

Programs may have more stringent reasons for probation. Students who are placed on probation will receive a letter from the program director within 2 weeks from the date that final grades for a term are posted or within 2 weeks from date of discovery by program director. The letter will identify any program specific requirements associated with probationary status (e.g. signed performance agreement, timeline to regain good standing).  Refer to individual program handbooks for probation policies and procedures. Students will be notified when they return to good academic standing by the program director. All letters of notification from the program director must be sent to the Registrar and Director of Graduate and Continuing Education Programs.

Dismissal Policies and Procedures

Students will be dismissed for any one of the reasons below:

• Cumulative GPA below a 3.0 every term upon completion of a third of the required credits for the program
• Failure of comprehensive exams upon second attempt
• Candidacy denied
• Failure to comply with or meet standards stated in probation agreement or program professional competence and ethical behavior
• Violation of College’s student code with a second offense

Program may have more stringent dismissal reasons. Refer to individual program handbooks for dismissal reasons.

Dismissal Procedure

1. The director of the program will initiate a dismissal process by writing a letter of dismissal from the program with rationale and supporting evidence and sending this letter to the student, the Provost, and the Registrar within 5 days.
2. The student has the right to appeal the dismissal. If the student does not appeal the dismissal, the dismissal will stand.
3. If the student chooses to appeal the dismissal, s/he must do so in writing, following the steps below for the appeal process. During the appeal process, the student is allowed to remain in the courses pending an appeal decision.

Appeal of Dismissal

1. A student who has been dismissed from a graduate program may appeal the decision to the Director of Graduate and Continuing Education Programs and a dismissal panel. Appeals must be made in writing and include supporting documentation within 5 business days from the date of his/her dismissal letter. The program director will provide information and supporting documentation regarding the student’s dismissal and a response to the student’s appeal information within 7 days from the date of the student’s dismissal letter.
2. The dismissal panel charged with reviewing the student will consist of at least 3 members of the faculty, with at least one faculty member from a different graduate program outside of the student’s discipline. The dismissal panel will exclude the program director. The dismissal panel will meet, review all relevant information from the student and program director, and deliver a statement outlining the decision, including reason for the decision within 10 business days. If the dismissal panel overturns the dismissal, the student may return to the graduate program on probation, which will be outlined in the decision letter from the dismissal panel. 
3. If the dismissal panel upholds the program director’s decision for dismissal, the student may make a final written appeal within 3 business days of the dismissal panel’s decision to the Provost. The final appeal must be based on one of the following:
   1. The student believes the dismissal panel decision was flawed procedurally.
   2. College policy was not applied correctly.
   3. Additional information not available for the dismissal panel hearing is available, which could alter the outcome of the case.
4. The Program Director and the Director of Graduate and Continuing Education Programs will provide the Provost with all documents pertinent to the student’s dismissal case. If the Provost overturns the dismissal the student may return to the graduate program either in good standing, or on probationary status depending on the decision of the Provost. The decision of the Provost is final.