PS-03.B.07 - Graduate Academic Probation, Suspension, And Dismissal
Effective Date: May 1, 2023
Issue #: 2
President: Loren J. Blanchard
1. Purpose
This policy statement establishes the University of Houston-Downtown's (UHD) probation and suspension policy for graduate students.
2. Definitions
2.1 Term: For purposes of this policy, "term" will reference the academic coursework taken during fall, spring, or summer terms. This excludes mini sessions.
2.2 Consecutive term: Any term of enrollment after a student has been placed on academic probation.
2.3 UHD graduate cumulative GPA: The GPA calculated for all UHD graduate program coursework as defined in the UHD Grading System policy (PS 03.B.04).
2.4 Good Academic Standing: while enrolled in any UHD graduate program, students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 to remain in good academic standing.
2.5 Academic probation: a warning to the student that their cumulative graduate program GPA is unsatisfactory: the student is not making satisfactory progress towards meeting graduation requirements and may be placed on suspension if their academic record does not improve.
2.6 Academic suspension: is a status that prevents a student from reenrolling until a successful appeal for readmission.
2.7 Academic dismissal is the complete termination of student enrollment in a graduate program.
3. Policy/Procedures
3.1 Academic Probation of Graduate Students Enrolled in a Degree Granting Program.
3.1.1 Graduate students will be placed on initial academic probation at the end of any term in which their cumulative graduate program GPA for graduate coursework falls below 3.0.
3.1.2 All graduate students placed on academic probation must consult with an advisor before term registration to discuss their plans, academic progress, and GPA repair.
3.1.3 The graduate program director will notify the student of probationary status in writing.
3.1.4 The graduate student and graduate program director will approve the agreed upon plan for resolving the probation.
3.1.5 The cumulative GPA for graduate academic probation, including repeated courses, is computed according to PS 03.B.04 and individual program guidelines.
3.1.6 Graduate students remain on probation until their cumulative graduate program GPA is raised to 3.0 or higher. Probationary students may remain in the program if they make satisfactory academic progress as defined by the applicable individual program handbook.
3.1.7 A graduate student who receives grades of I (Incomplete) while on probation will remain on probation until all grades of I are resolved.
3.1.8 A graduate student on academic probation who does enroll in a period specified in the applicable individual program handbook must apply for readmission and, if admitted, the graduate student will retain his/her original academic probation status. Only courses taken at UHD may be counted in removing a student from academic probation.
3.2 Suspension of Graduate Students Enrolled in a Degree Granting Program.
3.2.1 A graduate student who is on academic probation and is not making significant academic progress, as defined by the applicable individual program handbook may be placed on suspension.
3.2.2 A graduate student who is suspended may apply for reinstatement after one year of non-enrollment. Reinstatement is not automatic, but rather is governed by the applicable individual program handbook. If a student is reinstated in the program, he/she will return with the same academic probation status that resulted in the original suspension and be subject to the same rules for maintaining a GPA.
3.3 Dismissal of Graduate Students who are enrolled in a Degree Granting Program.
3.3.1 A graduate student who receives a period of probation in more than one graduate program is subject to dismissal. Specific programs may have more stringent requirements.
3.3.2 A graduate student who receives grades of "C" in 9 or more graduate semester credit hours is subject to dismissal. Specific programs may have more stringent requirements. Refer to applicable individual program handbooks for these requirements. In addition, a grade of "D" or "F" in a graduate course is grounds for dismissal from the program (PS 03.B.04). Notification of student dismissal is the responsibility of the graduate program director.
3.3.3 Graduate students who are dismissed may not take graduate courses at UHD. Any appeals regarding graduate probation, suspension, or dismissal are made to the appropriate program director. Final appeals of the program director's decision are reviewed by the Academic Dean or Dean's designated representative. Students who appeal must provide clear, compelling case demonstrating their potential for academic success.
3.4 Academic Probation and Dismissal of Graduate Students Enrolled in a Certificate Program.
3.4.1 The rules governing probation and dismissal of graduate students who are enrolled in a certificate program are developed by the respective certificate programs. These standards must be published in the relevant certificate program's handbook.
4. Procedures
See Section 3 for Procedures.
5. Review Process
Responsible Party (Reviewer): Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost
Review: Every five years, or as necessary
Signed original on file in Human Resources
6. Policy History
Issue #1: 4/11/17
7. Reverences