Academic Standing Policy

Responsible office
Registrar
Responsible party
Registrar
Last revision
September 2017
Approved by
Faculty (via vote)
Approval date
July 2014
Effective date
July 2014
Last review
July 2019
Additional references
None

Scope

All financial and administrative policies involving community members across campus, including volunteers are within the scope of this policy. If there is a variance between departmental expectations and the common approach described through college policy, the college will look to the campus community, including volunteers to support the spirit and the objectives of college policy. Unless specifically mentioned in a college policy, the college’s Board of Trustees are governed by their Bylaws.

Policy

All students are expected to meet the college’s standards for academic performance. These are in place to keep students on track towards meeting the graduation requirements of the college (32 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.0). Students who do not meet Colorado College academic standards may be put on probation or suspended from the College.

In Blocks 4 and 8 each year, the Dean's Advisory Committee meets to review students’ academic records. The Dean’s Advisory Committee uses the following guidelines when reviewing academic progress:

First- and second-year students are encouraged to earn at least six units of credit during each of their first two years. Third- and fourth-year students are encouraged to earn at least seven units taken in any two consecutive semesters (spring and fall, fall and spring).

Normally, students complete a degree program within four years. However, the college recognizes that individual circumstances may warrant exceptions. The above guidelines will not apply to students who take less than normal academic loads for reasons such as illness, personal problems, or other pre-approved reasons. These students should obtain a written waiver from the Dean of the College.

Students failing to meet the requirements of satisfactory progress toward the degree may be liable for the following:

Academic Warning

Academic warning informs students that they are not progressing toward completion of their degree in a satisfactory manner.

Students who do not meet the minimum grade point average (GPA) for the semester or pass the minimum number of units (see satisfactory academic policy) in a semester may be placed on Academic Warning.

Students who earn one or more NC (No Credit/Failing) grades in a semester may be placed on Academic Warning as well.

Academic Probation

Students on Academic Warning who do not meet the minimum GPA or units earned for the following semester or who receive a No Credit in one or more courses may be placed on Academic Probation for the next semester.

While on Academic Probation, students must achieve a 2.0 GPA for the semester and pass four classes with a C– or better with no grade of Incomplete (I) in any of the four classes. The latter must be achieved for the student to be removed from academic probation.

Students on Academic Probation will be required to schedule an appointment and meet with their academic advisor each term to discuss degree progress and course scheduling.

Academic Suspension

Students on Academic Probation who do not meet the minimum GPA or units earned for the following semester or who receive a No Credit in one or more courses may be placed on Academic Suspension for the next academic year.

Academic Suspension is entered on a student’s transcript as a part of the academic record.

Suspended students meet with the Dean of the College to arrange for approval to take course work at another college/university during their suspension. The Dean of the College also will define the conditions for determining their readiness to return.

While on Suspension, students approved to take course work:

  • Must earn a 2.75 cumulative GPA in all transferable course work.
  • Should consult their academic advisor to discuss appropriate course work.
  • Should use the time off to directly address and resolve the factors that contributed to the academic performance difficulties.

After a one-year absence from the college, a suspended student may apply to the Dean of the College for reinstatement.

Students will not be considered for reinstatement unless they have demonstrated significant improvement in academic performance at the college/university level and/or considerable and positive change in personal circumstances.    

Academic Dismissal

A student is subject to Academic Dismissal from the college whenever his or her academic performance is so low as to make the completion of a Colorado College degree unlikely.

Procedures

None

Definitions

None

Report an issue - Last updated: 02/10/2023