Printed on: 04/24/2024. Please go to policy.umn.edu for the most current version of the document.
University of Minnesota  Administrative Policy

Academic Probation and Suspension for Undergraduate Students: Twin Cities, Morris, Rochester

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Policy Statement

All colleges and programs will use the following rules for determining probation and suspension.

Every college and campus must have a Student Scholastic Standing Committee.

A. Probation

  1. A student is placed on probation (and remains on probation) if either the term or the cumulative GPA is below 2.000. A student on probation has a hold placed on the student's record and must see their advisor in order to register. If the term GPA is above 2.000, but the cumulative remains below 2.000, or vice versa, the student remains on probation.
  2. Academic contract. Colleges may develop contracts specifying additional requirements that students enrolled in that college must meet to be removed from probation or to register for classes while on probation. The academic contract may include GPA expectations more rigorous than the 2.000 term and cumulative GPA minimum standard, where programmatically warranted and where clearly communicated to the student. If the student meets the conditions of the contract, and the term and cumulative GPA are at least 2.000, the student is removed from probation. Even if the contract conditions are met, the student must still meet the minimum GPA requirements of this policy. If the conditions of the contract are not met, the student will be suspended.
  3. Registering while on probation. Students will be given an override for the probation hold to enable them to register when they have met with an adviser and, if a contract is required, when the student’s academic adviser and college office are satisfied that the conditions of the contract have been met.

B. Suspension

  1. A student is suspended if
    1. at the end of the probation term (semester), both the term and the cumulative GPA are below 2.000, or
    2. the conditions of an academic contract are not fulfilled. The suspension is effective immediately.
  2. Consequences of suspension. When suspended, a student is no longer enrolled in the program and cannot register for any University courses for at least one full academic year. If a student is enrolled in classes for a future term, the classes are dropped and financial aid for the term is removed. All colleges and campuses at the University must recognize the probationary holds and will not allow students, including non-degree seeking students, with these holds to register without the approval of the college placing the hold.
  3. Appealing suspension decisions. Students may appeal suspension decisions or petition for re-admission in writing to the college's Student Scholastic Standing Committee (SSSC) according to a defined collegiate petition process.
  4. Re-admission after suspension. Re-admission after a period of suspension is not automatic. To be re-admitted, a student must show evidence of changes in circumstances that demonstrate that they will succeed in an academic program.
  5. Returning to the college or a different college after suspension. Upon return to the college after petitioning to reenter, students will be placed on probation, and all colleges will use a probation hold and contract for the purpose of monitoring the student's performance. If the student does not successfully complete the contract, the student will be suspended again.

Exclusions

This policy is not applicable to the Crookston or Duluth campuses.

Reason for Policy

Units have a responsibility to identify students who are unlikely to earn degrees and terminate their enrollment. This practice preserves the resources of the unit and the student. Standardizing the eligibility criteria for academic probation and suspension allows for greater understanding and consistent application of probation and suspension across units. Students need to have clearly articulated processes for being placed on and removed from probation or suspension. This policy implements criteria and requirements for accreditation established by the Higher Learning Commission.

Procedures

There are no procedures associated with this policy.

Forms/Instructions

There are no forms associated with this policy.

Appendices

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can a student who is suspended enroll in courses at the University of Minnesota during the suspension period?

    No, students who are suspended may not enroll in courses at the University of Minnesota until their suspension is complete. At the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities the suspension period also includes not being eligible to enroll in courses offered through the College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS). The suspension period applies to all academic terms within the suspension period, including May term and Summer Session.

  2. Is a contract required for probation?

    No, use of a contract for probation is determined by the college or campus. Students should contact their college office to determine if a contract is required.

  3. What is the difference between an optional probation contract and a mandatory returning after suspension contract?

    The optional contract for probation is just that, optional; some colleges or campuses employ these while others do not. After a student has been suspended, however, there must be a written contract provided by the college or campus outlining what performance will be necessary to return to full, unrestricted student status.

  4. Is probation or suspension status noted on the University transcript?

    No. Students may have a hold on their record that prevents registration, but the hold does not appear on the University transcript.

Contacts

SubjectContactPhoneEmail
Primary Contact(s)Jessica Kuecker Grotjohn (undergraduate)612-624-1328[email protected]
Twin Cities CampusJessica Kuecker Grotjohn. Students should refer to the Student Services Contact Information appendix below.612-624-1328[email protected]
Crookston ContactJason Tangquist218-281-8424[email protected]
Duluth CampusTracey Bolen218-726-7520[email protected]
Morris CampusMarcus Muller320-589-6011[email protected]
Rochester CampusParry Telander, Registrar507-258-8008[email protected]

See also Student Services Contact Information in appendices section.

Responsible Individuals
Responsible Officer Policy Owner Primary Contact
  • Executive Vice President and Provost
  • Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education
  • Jessica Kuecker Grotjohn

Definitions

Academic Standing

Academic standing is based on term and cumulative GPA. Students must have term and cumulative GPAs above 2.000 to remain in good academic standing.

Contract

A formal, written document that specifies both the corrective action and associated timeline, and expectations of student performance.

Evidence of changes in circumstances

A student is able to demonstrate that they are academically ready to resume work at the University of Minnesota.

Probation

A student is performing poorly academically and is “on notice” that further performance decline (or lack of improvement) will result in more severe consequences (suspension).

Suspension

A period of time (one year) where a student is not allowed to take any course work at the University of Minnesota.

Responsibilities

College

  • Review student records after each semester to determine probation and suspension status.
  • Communicate with students placed on probation or suspension about necessary steps.

Student

  • Maintain regular communication with an academic advisor and college.
  • Follow college procedures for probation and suspension.

Related Information

History

Amended:

January 2023 - Comprehensive review. Updates include:

  1. Edits for clarity and grammar
  2. Added FAQ about whether academic probation or suspension is on the transcript
  3. Added definition of academic standing
  4. Update to student services information in the Appendix

Amended:

October 2014 - Clarifications related to Higher Learning Commission accreditation requirements.

Amended:

January 2011 - Title updated to reflect that Policy applies to Undergraduate Students and remove Crookston from the policy title and scope.

Amended:

December 2009 - Policy now applies to Crookston campus.

Effective:

April 2009