Academic Probation, Suspension, and Readmission

The student who, at the end of any semester of attendance, fails to meet the necessary cumulative grade point average (GPA) as indicated above will be placed on academic probation for the following semester and will be required to take a reduced course load. At the end of the probationary semester, the student who has achieved the required cumulative GPA will be returned to good standing. The student who has not achieved the required cumulative GPA but who has earned a minimum 2.00 GPA for the semester on a minimum of twelve hours attempted will be continued on academic probation for the next semester.

The probationary student who has not achieved the required cumulative GPA and has not earned a 2.00 average for the semester on a minimum of twelve hours attempted will be suspended from the University.

Following suspension, a student who wishes to be readmitted to the University must file, with the Office of Admissions, an application for readmission, and must submit a letter of appeal to the Provost, who will present it to the Admissions and Financial Aid Appeals Committee. The letter appealing suspension should explain why the student should be readmitted. The submission of a letter of appeal does not guarantee the student the right to return. If the application is approved, the student will be allowed to return to classes, but will have certain stipulations placed upon them by the committee and will be on academic probation for the next semester. The readmitted student will be required to meet with an academic coach regularly.

Students readmitted after their first academic suspension must achieve the required cumulative GPA or maintain a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher. Those who fail to live up to this minimal standard will be suspended a second time. Readmission to the University is possible, but requires the approval of the Admissions and Financial Aid Appeals Committee. If the student is readmitted, they will be required once again to achieve the required cumulative GPA or maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher in the first semester of work after his/her return to school. Failure to maintain this minimal standard may result in permanent suspension.

A student who is suspended may enroll in a community college. The University of Tennessee Southern encourages these students to take college transfer courses, with grades of A, B, or C, with no D’s or F’s, and then to reapply after a successful semester. Students are encouraged to complete a Transfer Credit Request form with the Registrar’s Office to ensure that these courses will transfer back to UT Southern and count toward the student’s degree if readmitted. Note: Students wishing to retake courses to raise their grade point averages at UT Southern must retake those courses at UT Southern. A course taken at another institution does NOT affect the grade of the course taken at UT Southern.

Students who register but withdraw from classes repeatedly are also considered to have failed to make Satisfactory Academic Progress and will be reviewed routinely by the Financial Aid Office. While these individuals may not be suspended, there are certain financial aid restrictions for any individual who exhibits a pattern of frequent withdrawals from classes.

The University of Tennessee Southern notifies all students who have been suspended for academic reasons in multiple ways: by placing a notice on the student’s transcript, by email, and by a letter that is mailed to the student’s permanent address (as indicated in official University records). The letter provides an explanation of the reason(s) for the suspension and informs the student of the date on which the student may appeal for readmission at the University of Tennessee Southern.

It is the responsibility of the student to supply UT Southern with an accurate permanent mailing address and telephone number. The University cannot be held responsible for failure to notify a student regarding suspension if the student has not supplied the University with an accurate and complete mailing address and telephone number.

The Director of Academic Advising and Student Success Coordinator also monitor freshman and sophomore students whose GPA falls below a 2.0 but are not considered on probation.