Academic Probation, Suspension and Dismissal
The University of Arkansas has adopted a new policy for fall 2014 that changes significantly how academic status is determined for undergraduate students. It is important that students, advisors, faculty, administrators, and other interested parties become familiar with the new policy as students will be assessed under these requirements beginning with grades from the fall 2014 term. Here are highlights of the major changes:
- All undergraduate students will be required to have a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average (GPA) to be in good standing. Any undergraduate student who falls below a 2.0 cumulative GPA will be placed on academic probation.
- Limited enrollment will no longer be an option for suspended students.
- The suspension period has been shortened from one full academic year to one regular term and any contiguous summer term or intersession.
- Students on probation will no longer be limited to 12 hours.
Please see below for the complete Academic Probation, Suspension and Dismissal policy.
Academic Probation, Suspension and Dismissal
A student's academic status at the University is determined at the end of each term of enrollment (fall, spring, or summer) on the basis of the student's cumulative and/or term grade-point average (GPA) and number of hours attempted. The student's academic status governs his or her re-enrollment status and determines any conditions associated with re-enrollment or denial of enrollment for a subsequent term. Normally, students are notified of their status individually by the University shortly after the end of each term. However, this policy statement is the formal notification to all students of the conditions that determine academic status and the consequences for each term, regardless of individual notification.
Good Status
Upon initial admission and during a student's first term of enrollment, except for students conditionally admitted on academic probation, the student is in good status. A student remains in, or returns to, good academic status at the end of any term when the cumulative GPA is at or above the required minimum of 2.0.
Academic Probation
When a student’s cumulative grade-point average at the end of any fall, spring, or summer term is less than a 2.00 with more than three cumulative hours attempted, the student will be placed on academic probation.
Removal from Academic Probation
When a student's cumulative GPA at the end of any fall, spring, or summer term is a 2.00 or above, he or she will be removed from academic probation.
First-Year Freshmen
First-year freshmen who have less than a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average at the end of their first semester of enrollment are considered at risk. During the first six weeks of their second semester, these at risk students must, at a minimum, consult with an academic advisor to develop a plan to get off of probation before being eligible to register for their third semester courses.
Continuing on Academic Probation
The semester grade point average a student on probation must earn to continue on probation and avoid suspension depends on the cumulative grade hours attempted as outlined in the probation chart below.
Probation Chart
| Cumulative hours attempted (excludes grades of W): |
Placed on Probation if Cumulative GPA is: | Continued on Probation if Semester GPA is: | Removed from Probation if Cumulative GPA is: |
|---|---|---|---|
|
4 – 30 hours attempted |
Less than 2.0 |
Greater than or equal to 1.8 |
Greater than or equal to 2.0 |
|
Greater than 30 hours attempted |
Less than 2.0 |
Greater than or equal to 2.0 |
Greater than or equal to 2.0 |
Academic Suspension
A student on academic probation who does not earn the minimum required term GPA will be academically suspended. No student may be suspended who has not spent the prior term of enrollment on academic probation. A student on academic suspension will be on academic leave from the university for one major semester (Spring or Fall) and all contiguous summer and intersessions from the close of the term which resulted in the suspension. Thus, a student suspended at the end of the spring semester would not be eligible to enroll until the next spring semester; a student suspended at the end of the summer semester would not be eligible to enroll until the following spring term; and a student suspended at the end of a fall semester would not be eligible to enroll until the next fall semester. The first enrollment when returning from suspension may not be in an intersession.
Students who sit out for one major semester after the term of the suspension may apply for readmission to the university. A student who does not earn credit from another institution may be readmitted on academic probation following suspension. A student who earns credit from another institution(s) during or subsequent to the suspension must apply to the university for admission as a transfer student and, if readmitted, will be on academic probation following suspension. A student readmitted on probation after suspension must make a semester grade-point average of at least 2.00 for each semester, (fall, spring, or summer) until he or she is removed from probation. Failure to do so will result in academic dismissal.
Academic Dismissal
A student who returns to the University after an academic suspension is continued on probation and must make a semester grade-point average of at least 2.00 for each fall, spring, or summer term until he or she is removed from probation. Failure to do so will result in academic dismissal.
Returning after Dismissal
The duration of dismissal is indefinite, and the student may reenter the University only by favorable action of the Academic Standards Committee. A favorable decision by the committee is unlikely within two years of the dismissal. Courses taken at another regionally accredited institution by a student who has been academically dismissed may be submitted as evidence of academic competence on a petition to the Academic Standards Committee for readmission. It is strongly recommended that students meet with an academic advisor to develop a plan for returning from dismissal.
A student who reenters the University by favorable action of the Academic Standards Committee after an academic dismissal is continued on probation and must make a semester grade-point average of at least 2.00 for each semester until the cumulative GPA reaches 2.00 and he or she is removed from probation. Failure to do so will result in academic dismissal.
Individual colleges or programs have the discretion to set academic admission and continuation standards for specific programs that are higher than university standards.