About Probationary Status

This area seeks to explain the probationary process in plain terms. The complete text of the policy is found in the University Bulletin. Questions related to your particular situation should be referred to an academic advisor. The details below are valid in Fall 2006.

Probation

To maintain satisfactory academic progress, students are required to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all Binghamton University courses taken for credit. Students who fail to meet this requirement are placed on probation and are expected to raise their average to a 2.0 level or better within a reasonable period of time.

In many senses, academic probation serves as a warning to you. If you find yourself on probation, you have fallen below the minimum standard for academic progress, a 2.0 GPA.

Most students struggle at some point in their college careers. Academic probation serves as a serious warning and simultaneously serves an opportunity to take corrective action... and get back on track.

While on academic probation, you are expected to take appropriate steps to ensure your future success. This should include consultation with a faculty and/or Harpur advisor. The corrective action you take may range from changing academic directions, to making lifestyle and study habit changes. You are encouraged to use the entire range of campus resources available to you to help you formulate your plan.

Dismissal / Suspension

Students are suspended from the University for one academic year if they fail to achieve a cumulative GPA above the Academic Dismissal Index, or a semester GPA of 2.0, after having been on probation in a prior semester. Suspensions cannot be lifted unless your grades are adjusted to raise you cumulative GPA above the ADI, or your semester GPA above a 2.0, due to a grading error.

If you are suspended, a letter will be provided to you by the Dean's Office. This letter contains the complete policy and any relevant academic deadlines related to grading and GPA adjustments. All changes to your GPA must be processed through the Registrar by the University add deadline. Grade changes that may lead to reinstatement must be brought to the attention of the Harpur College Assistant Dean (LN 2430), by the student, before the deadline provided to you in the letter.

You can be placed on suspension even if the semester immediately preceding, is not a probationary semester. If you were on probation previously, and you drop below the ADI, you may be suspended.

Students who have been suspended by the college may apply for readmission through the Admissions Office. Again, students are not eligible for readmission until at least two full semesters (one academic year) have passed since their notification of dismissal. If readmitted, students are permitted to continue on probation until their overall GPA is a 2.0 or better. Readmitted students who fail to achieve their target GPAs after readmission are dismissed permanently from the University.

Academic Dismissal Index

The Academic Dismissal Index is used to determine your standing, and gauge academic progress. If you do not meet the target GPA for the corresponding credit hours, you are eligible for suspension or dismissal.

Hours Attempted
Min Cumulative GPA
1-34
1.440
35-51
1.625
52-68
1.715
69-85
1.800
86-102
1.875
103-119
1.950
120+
2.00

Hours attempted includes all external credit (transfer credit, external examination credit, advanced placement credit) evaluated and accepted by Harpur College toward the student’s degree program and all Binghamton University course credits carried to the end of a semester, whether passed or not.