2018-2019 Catalog

Probation, Suspension, Dismissal, and Good Standing

A student will be placed on academic probation if his/her cumulative GPA of course work taken at Cumberland University is below the criteria listed as “Good Standing.” Good Standing is used as an indication of a student’s academic standing with the University. Only course work taken at Cumberland University is used to calculate good standing. Students must maintain the following minimum academic standards in order to remain in good standing:

0 - 29 semester hours attempted

1.50 GPA

30-59 semester hours attempted

1.80 GPA

60 + semester hours attempted

2.00 GPA

Academic probation is an emphatic warning that the quality of the student’s work during the probationary semester must improve in order for the student to continue at the University. Unless admitted on probation, a student is given one semester in which to bring the cumulative GPA to the required level for good standing. Failure to meet the required minimum level of good standing will result in academic suspension for a minimum of the next semester.

A student who is academically suspended for the first time must remain out of school for one full semester, excluding summer, before being eligible to apply for re-admission on academic probation.

Suspended students who elect not to enroll for at least one semester and who elect to return to the University at a subsequent time may return under academic probation. The student has one semester to earn academic good standing or academic suspension will be imposed. Any work taken at another college or university during the period of non-enrollment (one academic year) due to academic suspension will not be accepted for transfer credit toward fulfilling degree requirements at Cumberland University.

If, after a previous suspension, a student fails to achieve academic good standing at any point, the case will be reviewed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs to determine an appropriate course of action. Options include another suspension period, dismissal from the University, or an extension of academic probation with stipulations.

0.0 Grade Point Average

Any student earning a 0.0 GPA for an academic semester will be place on Academic Suspension. This is automatic and without consideration for any previous semester’s work or the student’s cumulative GPA. Suspension may be appealed in writing through normal suspension appeal channels.

Re-Admission Appeal

Students who have been academically suspended may be given special consideration for re-admission if the student can present adequate evidence of extenuating circumstances contributing to failure to achieve a sufficient GPA. The student must make an appeal for re-admission in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, by the date designated by the Academic Affairs Office. Re-admission to the University is not automatic. If the student is re-admitted, the Vice President for Academic Affairs reserves the right to specify conditions and terms for re-admission. Multiple appeals for re-admission may not be granted.