Resources and support are available for students facing academic challenges. The college’s academic recovery specialist is available to assist you if you are not making positive academic progress or are navigating academic warning, suspension, or dismissal. Through partnering with the academic recovery specialist, you will set attainable goals and have an additional support system with which to work.
Academic Progress
In order to remain in good academic standing, Penn State students are required to maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average (GPA). When students fail to achieve a 2.0 grade-point average, they are placed in academic warning. If adequate progress is not made, a student can face academic suspension and dismissal. More information about this policy is available through the Faculty Senate.
Academic Warning
Academic warning is the official notice for a student who has failed to maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average. If you are in academic warning, you must earn a 2.0 semester grade-point average to continue your studies, and you must earn a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average to return to good academic standing. While an academic warning is neither a punishment nor the end of an academic career, it is a time to take an active approach to improving your academics. A Liberal Arts student in academic warning will have a hold placed on registration and be required to:
- complete the online self-reflection worksheet, and
- meet with the academic recovery specialist, who will discuss resources and help you build a plan to actively improve your academics.
Academic Suspension
If you earn less than a 2.0 semester grade-point average while on academic warning, you will be academically suspended from the University. Academic suspension prevents enrollment at Penn State for a minimum of two consecutive semesters, including summer session.
What to Do Next
Meet with your adviser to discuss their department’s policy for re-enrollment, as well as goals for the time you are suspended and the challenges that led to your suspension.
If you have been actively following an academic success action plan, you may submit a Faculty Senate Petition for either a stay of suspension or a shortened suspension. Liberal Arts students must contact the college’s academic recovery specialist at laadvising@psu.edu before the end of finals of the semester in question to discuss options for petitioning.
Returning After Academic Suspension
To be considered for return after suspension, you must complete the online self-reflection worksheet and apply for re-enrollment at the same time by the following deadlines:
- To return for spring semester: November 15
- To return for summer semester: April 1
- To return for fall semester: July 15
Academic Dismissal
If you are approved for re-enrollment after the suspension, you must earn a minimum 2.0 semester grade-point average to remain enrolled. If you do not earn a minimum 2.00 semester grade-point average, you are subject to academic dismissal and will no longer be permitted to take courses at the University.
Resources for Continued Academic Achievement
Beyond meeting with your academic adviser, there are plenty of resources on campus to help you achieve academic success.