ACADEMIC STANDING (INCLUDING PROBATION, DISQUALIFICTION, AND REINSTATEMENT)

Good Standing
Undergraduate students whose cumulative grade point average (g.p.a.) is 2.0 or above are considered in good academic standing. Graduate students whose cumulative grade point average is 3.0 or above are considered in good academic standing.


Academic Probation
An undergraduate seeking a bachelor’s degree, a post-baccalaureate student seeking a second bachelor’s degree or unclassified post-baccalaureate student will be placed on Academic Probation if either his/her overall grade point average OR his/her Humboldt State University cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.00 (C grade average). If a student is on Academic Probation and the HSU cumulative grade point average is below the following levels, the student will be academically disqualified:

Freshmen will be academically disqualified if their HSU g.p.a. is below a 1.50.

Sophomores will be academically disqualified if their HSU g.p.a is below a 1.70.

Juniors will be academically disqualified if their HSU g.p.a. is below a 1.85.

Seniors and post-baccalaureate students seeking a second bachelor’s degree and unclassified post-baccalaureate students will be disqualified if their HSU g.p.a. is below a 1.95.

Master’s students who are classified or conditionally classified and credential seeking students will be placed on Academic Probation if their HSU cumulative grade point average falls below a 3.0 (B grade average). A graduate coordinator may also notify a student of Academic Probation or Disqualification for failure to maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better in all courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the degree. While on Academic Probation if a graduate student or a credential seeking student’s HSU cumulative grade point average is below a 3.0 for a second consecutive term the student will be Academically Disqualified.

Enhanced Advising for Students on Academic Probation

As soon as a student falls into academic probation, a hold is placed on his/her student records that prevents registration. Simultaneously, the Registrar’s Office sends probationary students an email asking them to report to the Learning Center (freshmen and sophomores) or the Advising Center (juniors and seniors). These actions are to insure that the student gets immediate, focused advice about what the probation status means, and information and support to help the student move out of probation and back into good standing.

When the student contacts the Learning or Advising Center an appointment is arranged during which an “Academic Success Plan” is drawn up. This plan contains a list of recommended courses to take during the semester, resources to explore, workshops recommended, etc. The plan requires major advisor review and signature. Here are some of the common strategies recommended by the Learning and Advising Center staff:

Limit of 12 academic units

Repeat of failed courses when appropriate

Balance of major, GE, and elective classes

Frequent check-ins with course instructors during faculty office hours

Regular check-ins with advisor

Use of an academic planner

Use Learning Center resources (tutors, study strategies workshops, etc.)

Use academic resources such as the Writing Center and math Lab

Participate in study groups when possible

Enroll in supplemental instruction courses whenever possible

Visit financial aid to clarify financial aid issues

Pay close attention to academic dates and deadlines

When students on probation present the academic success plan to his/her advisor, it is helpful to review the comments/suggestions made by the Learning or Advising Center staff, and agree, add to, or alter the suggestions as appropriate. You should then sign the form, take your copy, and give the original back to the student to return to the Advising or Learning Center.

Only after these steps have been taken is the academic probation hold lifted.

Master’s students and graduate students in credential programs are exceptions to the intervention described above. They are advised to consult their advisor or program coordinatory.

Disqualification

Students on probation who fall below the allowable levels described above will be disqualified. Disqualified students will not be allowed to register without formal readmission to the University which includes a petition for reinstatement, usually after a one-year suspension. A student may petition for immediate reinstatement (without the year’s suspension or formal readmission) if he or she feels there were clear mitigating circumstances, is able to document the circumstances, and is able to gain the support of his/her major advisor.

All disqualified students must submit a letter petitioning for reinstatement, evidence that he/she can achieve and maintain good academic standing, and support from a faculty member in his/her discipline. For detailed instructions about the Petition for Reinstatement process, refer freshmen and sophomores to the Learning Center, juniors, seniors, second baccalaureate students to the Advising Center.

Reinstatement

Students who are reinstated by going through the process described above must earn a term gpa of higher than 2.0 each semester until their HSU and cumulative gpa is again above 2.0 and good academic standing is restored. They receive enhanced advising by the Learning or Advising Center very similar to the advising offered to students on Academic Probation.