Academic Advising

Academic Appeals and Probation

Working Through Academic Probation and Appeals

Students who earn low grades may be placed on academic warning, probation, or suspension, which can impact financial aid eligibility and progress toward personal and professional goals. While St. Cloud State University faculty and staff are committed to helping students stay on track, we recognize that challenges can arise.

This page provides resources and support for students navigating these academic standings, helping them re-gain momentum and move forward with confidence.

Academic Scenarios

Academic Warning

Students on academic warning may continue attending SCSU.

Students will receive an email outlining their next steps. Read and follow the instructions in that email carefully and make the necessary adjustments to your schedule with the advice of your advisor.

Students can remain in good academic standing by:

Identifying their academic barriers
Reaching out for help early
Considering a change of major
Taking a more manageable course load
Meeting with their advisor(s)

Contact your advisor with Navigate

Academic Suspension

Academic suspension is placed on a student for one or two semesters. Students who are suspended may not be enrolled in courses during that time.

If extenuating circumstances led to the suspension, students may appeal to return. Please refer to the email sent by this office explaining your options and outlining instructions. A student whose appeal is approved will be moved down to academic probation.

Academic Probation

Students returning from a one-semester or one-year suspension are considered on academic probation. Before returning, students must meet with an academic advisor to create an Academic Success Plan.

Students remain on academic probation until they are in good standing, which in many cases takes more than one semester. If a minimum of a 2.3 grade point average for the term and a term credit completion rate of 100 percent (grades of A, B, C, D, not F, W, or I) is achieved, students may remain on probation.

Note: If good standing or continued probation is not achieved, students face being suspended again.

Additional Information

Change in Academic Status During a Semester

There may be times when your academic record may change after academic holds are placed. This might be due to a late grade or a grade change, for example. If this change is reflected in eServices, students may contact our office and request a review their academic record.

Returning After a Completed Suspension

Students who choose to sit out their suspension may return when it is complete. During that time, follow the instructions in the email regarding returning or contact our office by email, phone, or in person.

Timeline: Connect with the Appeals and Probation office mid-way through your final semester of suspension — March or October.

Financial Aid After Academic Suspension

Although students returning from academic suspension are eligible to enroll in classes again, under federal regulations, their financial aid hold remains. Those who wish to regain financial aid eligibility may:

Attend St. Cloud State University, paying for their courses on their own until they regain full compliance with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. An advisor can help calculate how long it will take.
OR successfully appeal their financial aid suspension. Students can appeal based on: the death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or other extenuating circumstances.
- Submit written appeals to the Financial Aid Office for review. Appeals must include:
  - An explanation of the circumstances that affected your progress, and
  - Appropriate supporting documentation, and
  - What has changed in your situation that will allow you to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation.

Contact the Financial Aid Office with questions.