Satisfactory Academic Progress
To continue at The College of St. Scholastica, a student must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Satisfactory academic progress means that a student maintains a cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the minimum standard or higher and completes the minimum number of course credits required to complete degree requirements in the maximum allowable time frame. Minimum academic standards expected at The College of St. Scholastica are:
First-year students: cumulative GPA of 1.75 at the end of the first semester and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 at the end of the second semester; completion ratio of 67 percent.
Sophomores, juniors and seniors: a cumulative GPA of 2.0 at the end of each semester; completion ratio of 67 percent.
Academic Probation and Dismissal
A student whose cumulative GPA and/or completion ratio falls below these minimum academic standards will be placed on academic probation at the end of the semester.
Students on academic probation remain on probation for the entire following semester and remain eligible for financial aid during the probationary semester. They are required to maintain no fewer than 12 credits during the probationary semester. They may not take courses with the grade option of "Pass-No Credit." The Vice President for Academic Affairs may set additional conditions that must be met during the probation semester.
A student whose cumulative GPA and/or completion ratio remains below the minimum standards at the end of the probationary semester may be dismissed. However, if satisfactory progress has been made toward the required GPA and/or completion ratio, the student may be able to repeat probation for a second semester and may be eligible for financial aid. Final decisions on repeat probations are made by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. In addition to dismissal for lack of satisfactory academic progress, students may be dismissed for conduct that is not in harmony with the policies of the College.
Students on probation must develop a plan for academic improvement with an academic advisor. This may include use of the tutor center, developmental courses and/or reduction in work hours and extracurricular activities. Probation precludes holding elective office, participating in athletics or theatre productions or any other time-consuming extracurricular activities. Eligibility for varsity sports will be determined each semester. For the purposes of financial aid, students working under a plan to improve will be considered making satisfactory progress during the probationary term.
Recognizing that there may be extenuating circumstances that account for the student's not making satisfactory academic progress, such as a death in the immediate family or serious illness, the student may appeal to have the status changed within the time frame specified in the dismissal letter. The appeal should state both the reason for lack of academic progress and steps planned to improve the academic situation.