ACADEMIC PROBATION

“Academic probation” is a term used to designate a period of close academic supervision, generally including reduced allowable activities, imposed to improve unsatisfactory academic performance. Students on academic probation may not register for more than fifteen units, excluding physical activity courses, during the probation period. Such students shall not hold a student body office and must curtail extracurricular work and activities as recommended by their faculty advisor. In certain cases, eligibility for participation in intercollegiate sports may be forfeited.

A student’s official transcript may reflect academic probation following any full semester in which a student’s current or cumulative grade point average (GPA) drops below a “C” average (2.0). This academic standing will remain in place unless the student receives a change of grade bringing both their current and cumulative GPA above 2.0 prior to the end of the withdrawal period of the following semester. Academic probation will continue for the student until the current and cumulative GPAs are raised to 2.0 or higher.

ACADEMIC DISQUALIFICATION

Traditional Undergraduate Programs

A student is academically disqualified when there are two consecutive semesters of current or cumulative GPA below “C” (2.0). Students academically disqualified are precluded from further enrollment. In certain situations (explained in the letter informing the student of disqualification) students may appeal for re-entry. Appeals begin with the Dean of Academic Records/Registrar. 

Professional Studies Programs

A student is subject to academic disqualification based on the criteria below.

• If after acquiring Probationary status the previous semester, the student earns a current GPA below (2.0) in the subsequent semester OR
• If after being accepted provisionally, the student earns GPA below 2.0 in the semester of admission.

Professional Studies students with a current semester GPA of 2.0 or higher and with  cumulative GPA below 2.0, will be placed on or remain on academic probation status until both the current and cumulative GPA are above 2.0.

Re-admission Procedures for Disqualified Students from Undergraduate Programs 

A disqualified student must submit the following in order to be considered for re-admission into the university:

• An application for Re-Admission
• The Re-Admission Fee
• A petition explaining the previous academic performance and outlining the steps that have been taken to improve future academic performance.
• Official transcripts for any coursework completed since being disqualified from VU. Transcripts must provide evidence that a minimum of 6 units of coursework at another accredited institution have been completed since being disqualified from VU with grades above a “C” average (2.0).
• Any other required items

For students who have been disqualified due to reasons of health, family emergency or other similar life changing events, their applications will be reviewed and evaluated on a case by case basis.  For students in this category who were not accepted on a provisional basis but had a circumstance beyond their control, all of the above steps must be followed (minus the additional course work and transcripts).

After all re-admission items have been received, the Admissions Committee will, in consultation with the Chair of the student’s intended major, review the student’s file and render an admissions decision.  This decision will be communicated to the student via e-mail.  Decisions may be appealed to the Dean and then to the Office of the Provost.

Previously disqualified students will have their status reviewed at the end of the semester in which they return. Students who have achieved both a current and cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher or who have received a grade of “B” or better in each course taken during the probationary semester may enroll in the next term without petitioning. Students who have not met one of these criteria must submit a petition for further consideration of re-enrollment.

Note: Registration for subsequent terms sometimes occurs before completed grades for the previous term are submitted. Students are advised that, upon receipt of the prior semester’s grades, they may be placed on probation or be academically disqualified with immediate effect. Students in jeopardy of disqualification should register for the next term at their own risk and in careful consultation with their advisor. Should the student be academically disqualified, he or she will be dropped from all upcoming courses.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Students academically disqualified (see program sections for information on student standing) will be dismissed from the program and are precluded from further enrollment. In certain situations (explained in the letter informing the student of disqualification) students may appeal for re-entry. Appeals begin with the Director of the Program.