Academic Standards

Responsibility for progress in a graduate degree program is shared by the student, faculty adviser, and the people administering the program. Students are responsible for compliance with the school's rules and procedures and all other graduate program requirements. Students can increase their chance for academic success by actively seeking the advice of their faculty mentors, graduate program directors, and Graduate School staff members.

Complete information on the special requirements for degrees is found in the publications of the individual programs. The general requirements common to all graduate programs are as follows.

Minimum Grade Point Average
The Graduate School expects all graduate students to maintain a minimum, cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during their studies to remain enrolled. The Graduate School reviews students' academic performances each semester and session. Failure to maintain the minimum GPA requirement may result in academic dismissal.

Students admitted on a provisional basis receive full or regular status when they satisfy the provisions stated in the letter of admission. The Graduate School may dismiss students who do not meet these provisions.

Students lacking a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 may be placed on academic probation for critical review. Following this probationary period, usually one semester or session, students may receive regular status if they attain the required academic standard. If students do not satisfy the probationary terms, the Graduate School may dismiss them.

Academic Integrity
The Graduate School expects students to meet the highest standards of academic integrity; the success of the entire academic enterprise depends on their doing so. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, or abetting the academic dishonesty of another will result in sanction and may lead to academic dismissal.

Appeal of Academic Dismissal
The procedures for the resolution of controversy between the Graduate School and a student dismissed for poor academic performance are found in the "Appeal of Academic Dismissal" policy. Students dismissed for cheating or plagiarism may appeal under the guidelines provided by the "Student Academic Misconduct" policy. Both documents are on file with the offices of the vice president for Academic Affairs and dean, Graduate School and the associate dean, Graduate School and assistant vice president for Student Affairs, and are printed in the "policies" section of this catalog.

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