First-year students: Be aware of changes to second semester academic standing requirements

The threshold for good academic standing for first-year students changes from fall to spring semester. Being aware of the criteria is the first step to staying on top of your academics.

Meeting Minimum Standards

Academic standing comprises two elements: credit hours and grade point average (GPA). During their first semester, first-year students are required to earn 9 credit hours with a 2.000 GPA. Beginning their second semester, students must earn at least 12 credit hours with a 2.000 GPA to maintain good academic standing. No credit hours are counted for grades of ”F” or “NP,” therefore, even students enrolled in 12 credit hours at the end of the semester can fall below the threshold for good academic standing by not earning passing grades.

Probation and Separation

Students who do not meet the minimum requirements for good academic standing will be placed on academic probation at the end of the semester. Academic probation impacts students’ eligibility to receive scholarship funds, to represent the university in intercollegiate activities (e.g. athletics), to hold office in a student organization, and to earn degree credit for work completed at another college or university. First-year students who either earn less than 9 credit hours OR less than a 1.000 GPA for the spring semester will be eligible for separation.

Withdrawals and Pass/No Pass

The first-year withdrawal policy still applies in the second semester. This allows any course for which a grade of “W” is assigned, to be deleted from the transcript at the end of the semester. First-year students have until the last day of classes (Monday, April 27, for spring semester) to withdraw or elect the pass/no pass grading option. Students considering a course withdrawal are advised to do so as soon as they are sure of their decision so they may devote their efforts to their other courses. Consult your academic adviser with questions. Any questions about academic policies or need general guidance, should be directed to a student’s first-year coordinator or dean during walk-in hours, or by contacting the Office of Undergraduate Studies to make an appointment.