Probation, Academic
Academic Probation and Suspension Policies:
A student whose work is of unsatisfactory quality is placed on academic probation. If a student on probation doesn't improve his or her academic record after a reasonable time, probation is followed by suspension (i.e., dismissal). The regulations governing probation and suspension are as follows:
1. Probation follows any semester during which either the semester or cumulative grade point average is less than 2.0, or a student has three I (incomplete) grades at the end of a semester, or a student was enrolled in credit course and earns no degree credit at the end of a semester.
2. If a student has been on academic probation twice previously, dismissal may follow the next time the student is eligible for probation.
3. Dismissal may result if a student becomes eligible for probation in two sequential semesters.
4. Dismissal may result if any course is failed twice.
First Academic Probation
The first time a student qualifies for probation, he/she is placed on “First Academic Probation." Students placed on First Academic Probation status are sent a letter informing them of this action.
Second Academic Probation
The second time a student qualifies for probation, he/she is placed on “Second Academic Probation." Students placed on Second Academic Probation status are sent a letter informing them of this action.
Academic Suspension
The third time a student qualifies for probation, or becomes eligible for probation the second semester in a row, or fails the same course twice, he/she is dismissed from the University. Students placed on Academic Suspension status are sent a letter informing them of the suspension action. Students who wish to appeal are instructed to prepare a written statement that informs the Academic Standards Committee of the decision to appeal, and respond to two questions: explain why the unsatisfactory academic performance occurred; and, if allowed to return, what would be done differently by the student. The student must then attend an appeal hearing. The student's academic record, his/her written appeal, and any other factors the student may wish to discuss are considered by the Committee. When the discussion ends, the student leaves the hearing room and the Committee immediately makes a decision regarding the student’s appeal. The Engineering Registrar then informs the student of the Committee's decision. The Committee's decision is final (no other appeals are possible). If the appeal is successful, the student is placed on Special Academic Probation and the student is allowed to enroll in classes.
If a student is placed on academic suspension status and chooses not to appeal, or appeals and his/her appeal is denied, the student is not allowed to enroll in any classes in division at Washington University. If a suspended student would like to return to the University at a future time, the student must apply for reinstatement to the School of Engineering & Applied Science.
Special Academic Probation
Special Academic Probation means that a student was eligible for suspension but was not suspended.