Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress is achieved by maintaining an appropriate academic average and a minimum number of successfully completed hours. The purpose of the Satisfactory Academic Progress standard is to make students aware of the minimal rate at which they must progress toward graduation if a degree is to be awarded within a 10 semester period. The standard provides clear feedback to students about their academic standing at the university and assists the university in identifying students who are in need of academic intervention so that the university can provide these students with support and opportunities for improvement if they fall below the stated standards.

Satisfactory Academic Progress occurs when a student earns a quality point average of 2.0 (C) with an average of 12 credit hours completed each full time semester.

Probation

occurs when a student fails to achieve a quality point average of 2.0 (C) with an average of 12 credit hours completed each full time semester. A student placed on probation for two consecutive semesters is liable for dismissal.

Warning

is a status limited to first-year students who fail to achieve a quality point average of 2.0 (C) and/or 12 credit hours at the end of their first semester. First-year students on academic warning will be required to participate in the university's Academic Success Program during their second semester at the university.

When a student's achievement level is no longer acceptable to the university, the student is subject to dismissal from the university. Students who are subject to dismissal will receive a letter of dismissal status from the appropriate dean. A student may appeal the dismissal if the student has reason to believe there are circumstances which should be considered. To appeal, the student must:

1. complete the satisfactory academic progress appeal form and submit it to the chair of the committee within the time frame stated in the notice sent by the academic dean.
2. describe a plan of action that the student will take to improve his/her academic performance and to regain satisfactory academic progress. The appeal should include any applicable documentation.

If the appeal is granted by the committee, the student will be placed on academic probation. If the student appeal is not accepted, the student will be dismissed. Dismissal requires total separation from the university.

Appeal of Decision

A student may appeal the decision of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Committee to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs (AVPAA) for Programs and Policies. The decision of the AVPAA will be final.

Students who are on academic probation will be required to:

This chart is user for general academic, federal, and institutional financial aid purposes:

*Equivalent full-time semester: 15 transfer credits equal the equivalent of one full-time semester and a total of 15 credits accumulated by part-time enrollment equals the equivalent of one full-time semester.

**First year students who fall into this range at the end of their first semester will be placed on academic warning and will be required to participate in the Academic Success Program in the subsequent semester.

***A student who is subject to academic dismissal between the fall and spring semesters will normally be given the opportunity to regain academic standing during the spring semester. A student who had been on academic probation for two consecutive semesters and is subject to dismissal between the fall and spring semesters will normally be required to submit an appeal of dismissal in order to return for the spring semester.

Certain majors may have a higher grade point average requirement for retention in the major, e.g., education, social work and nursing. Retention in the major is determined by the appropriate department and college.

Readmits

Any student who was on academic dismissal status when s/he left the university and applies for re-admission must be reviewed by the satisfactory academic progress committee before admission can be granted. In order to ensure that all appeals can be processed in a timely manner, we recommend that all paperwork be submitted at least one month before the start of the semester for which the student seeks re-admission. All re-admission decisions must be completed at least one week prior to the start of the semester.

Part-Time Students

Part-time students will be included on the progress chart but they will have their completed hours divided by 15 hours for placement in the appropriate semester. The requirement for the quality point average will be the same as indicated on the chart.

Transfer Students

Transfer students will be entered on the progress chart after the number of accepted hours is determined by the dean. The hours will be divided by 15 to determine the semester on the chart. The requirement for quality point average begins at that point. Only NU quality point credits will be counted. Grade point averages from previous college work will not be considered.

Tap Waiver

If a student is unable to complete a semester of study and is receiving New York Tuition Assistance Plan aid, he/she may apply for a TAP Waiver. To receive such a waiver, the student should be able to prove one of the following:

1. Illness or death in the student's family
2. Serious illness of the student
3. Academic hardship

Applications for TAP waivers are available from the chair of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Committee in Seton Hall, 1st floor.  The waiver must be approved by the chair and documentation will be required.