Academic Standing & Status
Understanding Your Academic Standing
Academic standing at UC Santa Cruz is a way of tracking your progress toward a degree and making sure you have the support you need to succeed. This page explains what academic standing means, introduces the online academic standing tutorial, and—if needed—provides guidance on the bar appeal process. You’ll also find information about decisions, next steps, and campus resources to help you stay on track or return to good standing.
What does it mean to be in “good academic standing” or “subject to disqualification”?
When a student’s cumulative (overall) and current (most recent term) grade point averages are 2.0 or higher, the student is in good academic standing.
If either the cumulative or current GPA falls below 2.0, the student is placed on Academic Notice.
A student is subject to disqualification if their current (term) GPA falls below 1.5 in any term, or if their cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 after already being on Academic Notice. In these cases, the student’s academic record is reviewed by their college’s Academic Standing Committee. The committee decides whether the student will be permitted to continue enrollment at UC Santa Cruz. Students who are subject to disqualification again, but who earn a 2.3 term GPA, may be permitted to continue their enrollment. Students who are not permitted to continue are barred or disqualified.
If you’re worried about your classes, don’t wait—reach out to your college academic advisors as soon as possible. They can connect you with strategies and resources to help you succeed.
The links below provide more information about academic standing policies, procedures, and resources. If you have questions about your academic standing, contact your academic advisor.
A separate Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (FASAP) policy requires students to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and successfully complete an average of 12 credits per quarter in order to remain eligible for financial aid. FASAP is reviewed at the end of each spring term to determine aid eligibility for the next academic year, with an additional review at the end of summer for students enrolled in summer classes.
Please note: The information you share with your advisors will remain private and only be shared with campus officials as needed to support you in advising or to process your appeal. In limited situations—such as concerns about harm to yourself or others, sexual assault, or abuse—we are legally required to share information with appropriate campus offices, such as the Title IX Office or University of California Police Department. If you need support with any issues you disclose, please see the list of confidential and support resources available to you.
Academic Standing Tutorial
Welcome to UC Santa Cruz’s online academic standing tutorial. You may be here because your academic advisor recommended it, or because you want to better understand your academic progress. Many students face challenges during their undergraduate career, and this tutorial is designed to help you reflect on your strengths, identify what motivates you, learn about academic standing policy, and create a plan for success. As you move through the reflection questions and quizzes, jot down notes or questions to bring to your next advising appointment.
Academic Standing at a Glance
