Academic Probation, Suspension, and Dismissal

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A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation should anticipate taking longer than two years to complete an associate degree and more than four years to complete a bachelor’s degree. While on probation, students are required to participate in the academic improvement program administered by the Center for Student Success (CSS). Failure to participate in this program may result in dismissal from the university, except in cases where catastrophic, documented extenuating circumstances prevented the student’s involvement. 

Academic Suspension Policy

A student who fails to make satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the university’s policies and procedures, will be placed on academic suspension.

  • First Suspension: A first academic suspension results in ineligibility for readmission or reacceptance for one full semester from the date of suspension.

  • Second Suspension: A second suspension renders the student ineligible for readmission or reacceptance for one calendar year. During this time, the student must attend another accredited institution for at least one semester, enrolling in a minimum of 12 semester hours and earning no grade lower than a C.

In both cases, the student must apply for readmission through the Registrar’s Office at Oakwood University.

Additionally, any student who, after four academic semesters or 61 semester hours, has not achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.00 will be recommended for suspension. During this suspension period, the student is required to attend another accredited institution, complete a minimum of 12 semester hours, and earn no grade lower than a C. The student’s course schedule must include classes previously taken at Oakwood in which grades of D or lower were earned.

Readmission applications must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office for review and consideration.

Academic Suspension Notification and Appeal Process

A student recommended for suspension will receive an official notification of their academic suspension or dismissal, which will include an Academic Suspension Appeal Form. Notifications are issued by December 22 for the Fall semester and by May 31 for the Spring semester. Students may submit an appeal if they can document catastrophic extenuating circumstances that adversely affected their academic progress. Once notified, the following guidelines apply:

  1. The appeal form must be completed and submitted to the Academic Risk Management (ARM) Office of the Center for Student Success (CSS) within one week of receiving the notification.

  2. A decision will be communicated within two weeks of receipt of the appeal. A copy of the signed Appeal Approval Form or Appeal Denial Form will be forwarded to the student by the ARM Office.

Important Note: Approval for academic readmission does not guarantee eligibility for financial aid. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards must be met separately. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance.

Additionally, any student with a cumulative GPA below 2.00 is prohibited from:

  • Representing the university in any official capacity.

  • Holding office in any student organization.

  • Being employed in any academic or administrative area involving records or confidential information.

  • Requesting certain types of social leave, which may be subject to further restrictions.

Requirements for Students on Academic Probation

Students on academic probation must comply with the following:

  1. Limit course registration to a maximum of 13 credit hours per semester. 

  2. Receive advising and schedule approval from CSS academic advisors during registration.

  3. Include in their course load any class in which a grade of F was received. In some cases— especially for major or transfer courses—students may be required to retake courses in which a D was earned.

  4. Enroll in remedial courses when the following conditions exist:
     

    Condition Student must take:
    ACT English is less than 16 or
    SAT English (ERW) is less than 470    		 EN111 with Lab Support
    ACT Math is less than 16 or SAT Math is less than 480 MA 095
    ACT composite is less than 17 or SAT total is less than 920
    GPA is less than 2.00    		 OU 097
  5. Pass remedial courses with at least a C before registering for classes in mathematics.

  6. Attend weekly tutorial sessions at the CSS.

  7. Attend weekly sessions with a CSS advisor.

Students on academic probation should expect to take more than two years to complete the requirements for an associate degree and more than four years to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.