Academic Standing
Each student admitted to Judson University is assumed to have the preparation, the desire and the ability to make satisfactory progress towards a degree. In practice, however, some students do not make the progress expected of them. Such students are notified, offered special assistance, provided academic counsel, and allowed time to improve their performance.
Government regulations require higher education institutions to establish academic policies to prevent students from continuing school without achieving the minimum standard grades to graduate within a reasonable time. In addition, all students must maintain a minimum cumulative completion rate of 70% of all hours attempted within a maximum time frame (varies by program level) to remain in good standing. When a student does not meet the standard, they are no longer in good standing per government regulations and financial aid is no longer available.
These standings are provided as a standard; however, in individual cases, the University administration reserves the right to change a student’s standing based on the student’s academic performance and any extenuating circumstances. Academic standings will be run for all students at the end of each term.
Undergraduate Students
Academic standings are based on the semester and cumulative grade point average (GPA). In accordance with government regulations, Judson University established the following policy: Freshmen (students with 0-27.99 hours) must maintain a minimum semester and cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 1.80, and sophomores, juniors or seniors must maintain a minimum semester and cum GPA of 2.00 (unless the declared major requires a higher GPA) to remain in good standing. For simplicity, the word “limit” will be used below for the required GPA. In addition, all students must maintain a minimum cumulative completion rate of 70% of all hours attempted within a maximum time frame (189 total attempted hours) to remain in good standing.
Good Standing
Academic standing is based on semester and cumulative coursework. The minimum semester and cumulative grade point average (GPA) required for good standing is 1.80 for freshmen (students with 0-27.99 hours) and 2.00 for all other students.
Academic Warning
A student will be placed on Academic Warning at the end of any term in which his or her semester grade point average falls below the limit. Students are required to meet with their Academic Advisor to discuss course load and course selection for the following term. If the student’s following session and cumulative GPA are at or above 2.00 (1.80 for freshmen), the student will return to good standing.
Academic Probation
A student will be placed on Academic Probation at the end of any term in which his or her cumulative grade point average falls below the limit. Students are required to meet with their Academic Advisor to discuss course load and course selection for the following term. If the student’s following session and cumulative GPA fall below 2.00 (1.80 for freshmen), the student will be suspended. If the student’s following session and cumulative GPA are at or above 2.00, the student will return to good standing.
Note: A student is not placed on warning or probation nor are they removed from warning or probation based on grades received during any Summer term. These grades will be included in the cumulative record reviewed at the end of the subsequent term.
Academic Suspension
Until a cumulative grade point average reaches the limit, a student on probation must achieve a semester GPA of 2.00 (1.80 for freshmen) or above in all subsequent semesters; failure to do so will result in suspension. Students who are notified of suspension may appeal to the Vice President for Student Success/University Registrar.
Graduate and Doctoral Students
Good Standing
All Judson University graduate and doctoral students must meet the specific requirements of their individual programs to maintain good standing. See the Graduation Requirements pages in the catalog for minimum GPA requirements.
Academic Warning
A student will be placed on Academic Warning at the end of any term in which his or her overall cumulative grade point average falls below the minimum program requirement. Students will work with their Program Chair to develop a plan for raising the GPA (e.g., improvement within the next two courses or term, retaking a course, etc.) to the respective requirements. If the student is unable to increase the GPA within the documented plan requirements, the student is automatically withdrawn from the University.
Academic Dismissal
Any graduate or doctoral student who is unable to increase their GPA to the minimum requirement of their program within one term of being put on Academic Warning will be dismissed from the University.
Graduate and doctoral students must be in a position in which they are making continual progress toward earning a degree. If situations arise in which the student is unable to process toward graduate degree completion, the student's academic standing will be reviewed and determined by the Graduate Academic Policies Committee.