Academic Appeals and Probation
Navigating Probation and Appeals
College students earning low grades may find themselves on academic warning, suspension or probation, finding themselves at risk of losing financial aid and/or not achieving personal or professional goals. The faculty and staff at SCSU will do everything they can to help students avoid falling into one of those three categories, however the resources on this page helps those students who do find themselves in one of those situations.
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)
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.
Change in Academic Status During a Semester or Term
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.
- Submit written appeals to the Financial Aid Office for review. Appeals must include:
