Academic Standing, Probation, Suspension, and Dismissal Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to uphold the academic integrity of the institution, ensure student success, and provide clear and consistent expectations regarding satisfactory academic progress. As a graduate-level theological institution, the College is committed to maintaining rigorous academic standards that reflect the intellectual, professional, and ministerial preparation required of its students.

This policy is designed not only to establish minimum academic expectations but also to provide structured opportunities for students to recover from academic difficulty. At the same time, the College recognizes its responsibility to ensure that students who continue in their programs demonstrate the capacity for graduate-level study and the ability to meet program outcomes.

2. Academic Standards

All students are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout their enrollment. Satisfactory progress is defined by the following minimum standards:

• Maintenance of a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
• Successful completion of all required and core courses with passing grades
• Ongoing demonstration of the academic discipline, engagement, and competency expected at the graduate level

Failure to meet these standards indicates that a student may not be adequately prepared for continued graduate study and will result in a formal change in academic standing as outlined below.

3. Academic Warning

3.1 Criteria

A student will be placed on Academic Warning when early indicators of academic difficulty are present. This includes:

• A cumulative GPA falling below 3.0 after any term of enrollment, or
• Receipt of a failing grade in a course

3.2 Status and Purpose

Academic Warning serves as an early intervention measure intended to alert the student and provide an opportunity for corrective action before more serious academic consequences occur.

While on Academic Warning:

• The student remains in good standing for enrollment purposes
• No formal restrictions are placed on registration
• The student is strongly encouraged to seek academic support and advising

The College will provide written notification outlining the concern and recommended steps for improvement.

4. Academic Probation

4.1 Criteria

A student will be placed on Academic Probation when academic performance does not improve following a warning or when more serious deficiencies occur. This includes:

• A cumulative GPA remaining below 3.0 after Academic Warning
• Receipt of multiple failing grades within a single term
• Failure of a required or core course essential to the program

4.2 Conditions and Oversight

Academic Probation is a formal status indicating that the student’s continuation in the program is at risk. During this period, the College may impose conditions designed to support academic recovery, including:

• A reduced or controlled course load to ensure manageable academic demands
• Mandatory meetings with an academic advisor or program director
• Development and approval of a structured academic improvement plan
• Participation in tutoring, writing support, or other academic services

The probationary period is typically limited to one academic term, reflecting the expectation that meaningful improvement should occur within a defined timeframe.

4.3 Expectations for Improvement

To be removed from Academic Probation, the student must:

• Achieve a minimum term GPA of 3.0, and
• Demonstrate clear and measurable academic improvement consistent with graduate-level expectations

Failure to meet these conditions will result in escalation to further academic action, including suspension.

5. Final Academic Probation

5.1 Criteria

In limited cases, a student may be placed on Final Academic Probation when:

• Some improvement is demonstrated, but the cumulative GPA remains below 3.0, or
• The College determines that the student has made partial progress but has not yet met required standards

5.2 Status and Significance

Final Academic Probation represents the last opportunity for the student to demonstrate academic readiness for continued enrollment.

During this period:

• All prior conditions remain in effect or may be intensified
• Expectations for improvement are clearly defined and strictly enforced

Failure to meet the stated conditions during this term will result in Academic Suspension without further warning. This status may be skipped without reason. 

6. Academic Suspension

6.1 Criteria

A student will be placed on Academic Suspension when academic deficiencies persist despite prior interventions. This includes:

• Failure to meet the conditions of Academic Probation or Final Academic Probation
• Failure of courses in two consecutive semesters
• A cumulative GPA that remains below 3.0 after multiple terms of enrollment

6.2 Consequences

Academic Suspension indicates that the student is not currently able to meet the academic demands of the program.

As a result:

• The student is prohibited from enrolling for a minimum of one academic term
• Registration privileges are revoked
• Institutional services, including advising and course participation, are discontinued during the suspension period
• Financial and transcript holds may remain in effect

Written notification will be issued outlining the terms of suspension.

6.3 Reinstatement Process

Reinstatement after suspension is not automatic and is granted only upon demonstrated readiness to succeed.

To be considered for reinstatement, the student must:

1. Submit a formal written appeal
2. Provide a clear explanation of the factors contributing to prior academic performance
3. Demonstrate changed circumstances or new capacity for academic success
4. Submit a realistic and detailed academic improvement plan
5. Resolve or make approved arrangements for any outstanding financial obligations

Reinstatement decisions are made by the appropriate academic authority and are final.

7. Academic Dismissal

7.1 Criteria

A student may be academically dismissed when continued enrollment is no longer in the best interest of the student or the institution. This includes:

• Failure to meet conditions for reinstatement following suspension
• A sustained pattern of academic failure across multiple terms
• Demonstrated inability to meet the intellectual and academic demands of graduate-level study

7.2 Status

Academic dismissal is typically permanent from the program. As such:

• The student is no longer eligible to enroll
• Reapplication may be restricted or prohibited for a defined period or indefinitely
• The dismissal is recorded as part of the student’s academic record

8. Financial Standing and Academic Progress

Academic progress and financial responsibility are both essential components of continued enrollment.

Students must remain in good financial standing with the College. Failure to do so may result in administrative actions independent of academic standing.

Students with outstanding financial obligations may be subject to:

• Registration holds preventing enrollment in future terms
• Withholding of official transcripts
• Ineligibility for reinstatement following suspension

The College reserves the right to enforce financial policies in conjunction with academic standing decisions.

9. Appeals

Students have the right to appeal decisions related to academic probation, suspension, or dismissal.

Appeals must:

• Be submitted in writing within the timeframe specified in the official notification
• Clearly articulate the circumstances contributing to the academic outcome
• Include supporting documentation where applicable
• Present a feasible and well-defined plan for future academic success

Appeals are reviewed by the appropriate academic authority or committee. When a committee hearing is paneled on behalf of a students standing, the student is not allowed to attend deliberations. They are only permitted to submit their appeals in writing. All decisions are considered final.

10. Institutional Discretion

The College reserves the right to exercise professional and academic judgment in the application of this policy. This includes the authority to:

• Enforce academic standards consistently and without exception
• Determine a student’s readiness for continued enrollment or reinstatement
• Impose additional conditions where necessary to support academic success
• Deny reinstatement when sufficient evidence of improvement is not demonstrated
• Advance academic standing to whichever level is most appropriate, regardless of students prior standing history. 

All decisions are made with the dual commitment to academic integrity and student responsibility.