Academic Probation
The academic probation policy exists to identify students whose academic performance places them in jeopardy of not achieving the minimum standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress as outlined in Satisfactory Academic Progress and assist to support those students who need to regain academic good standing.
The University may academically dismiss a student after 12 consecutive months on academic probation if they are not making satisfactory progress toward academic good standing and degree completion.
Statement of Procedure
A student who does not meet the satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards outlined in Satisfactory Academic Progress will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation will have a maximum of 12 months from the date they are placed on probation to show satisfactory academic progress or have a plan in place toward this goal. The student will be notified in writing by the provost when being placed on academic probation as well as when they reach six and nine months on academic probation.
Academic Probation Actions
The following actions will be taken when a student is on academic probation:
- The student's academic record will be annotated, a block on course registration will be in effect, and the 12-month probation time limit will be set. During this period an academic progress GPA and completion ratio will be calculated as credits are added to a student's record.
- A letter from the provost will be sent to the student to inform them of the probationary status and its consequences when they are placed on academic probation as well as if they reach six and nine months on academic probation.
- The student will be encouraged to take advantage of academic advising services. A student information system work item will be generated to prompt a phone call from an academic advisor during the first two weeks after being placed on academic probation.
- The student will be limited to registering for one course per term. Academic advisors will limit course approvals to one course per term throughout the duration of academic probation or until the academic advisor determines the student is successfully working toward academic good standing. The registration restriction is removed when a student regains academic good standing.
- If the student has not shown academic progress in nine months from the date of probation, an academic advisor will contact the student to discuss strategies for returning to good academic standing.
- If a student is still on academic probation twelve months from the start date of probation, an academic advisor will review the student’s academic progress. If there has been no improvement (defined as making and following through with a plan to successfully pass an Excelsior course with a C or better for undergraduate, B or better for graduate) the student may be academically dismissed from the University. If there has been improvement and the student is still on academic probation, meaning they have not yet returned to satisfactory academic progress, the academic advisor may extend the student’s probation period, provided the student is continuing to make academic progress. If the probation period is extended, the student is expected to successfully complete Excelsior courses per the plan outlined with the student’s academic advisor until they return to satisfactory academic progress.
- Students can graduate on academic probation if they have achieved the minimum GPA required by the program.
Removal of Academic Probation Status
Students will be removed from academic probation once they have achieved satisfactory academic progress as defined in Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Bridge or Dual Degree Programs
Students in the undergraduate portion of any bridge or dual degree program are governed by the standards set forth for undergraduate students in this policy. Students in the graduate portion of a bridge or dual degree program are governed by the standards set forth for graduate students in this policy.
Transferring to a Different Degree Program
A student may request a transfer to another degree program while on academic probation. Students should refer to the Program Transfer and Degree Change records procedure. Note, degree program transfer does not remove a student from academic probation.
Transfer options may be limited for students. Not all programs may be appropriate for students who have not been successful in other programs. Program transfer may not be feasible for all certificate students, as there may not be an appropriate certificate program for the student to pursue.
Note: Prior to July 1, 2013, when an associate degree nursing student transferred to another school within Excelsior, the initial evaluation for the new degree included only associate degree nursing examinations posted on the student’s evaluation. Associate degree nursing examination failures were not posted unless it was the final attempt. Final attempt was defined as the point after which the student is not eligible to repeat the examination. After July 1, 2013, all associate degree nursing exam attempts appear on the student’s evaluation.
Academic Dismissal and Appeals
If the academic advisor determines a student should be academically dismissed after being on academic probation for 12 or more months, the student will be sent a dismissal letter from the Registrar’s Office. The student will be dismissed from the program and administratively withdrawn from the University because of failure to achieve satisfactory academic progress and University services will cease. Reference policy Administrative Withdrawal and Academic Dismissal to determine if the student can appeal their dismissal and options to returning to the University.
