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Academic Standing

What does it mean to be in “good academic standing”? What does it mean to be “subject to disqualification”?

When a student’s cumulative (overall) and current (most recent term) grade point averages are 2.0 or better, that student is in good academic standing. 

If either the cumulative or current G.P.A. falls below 2.0, the student is on Academic Notice (formerly, Academic Probation).

A student whose current (term) G.P.A. falls below 1.5 in any term, or a student whose cumulative G.P.A. is below 2.0 after having been on notice the quarter before, falls Subject to Disqualification. Being Subject to Disqualification means that because of a low G.P.A., a student’s academic record must be reviewed by their College’s Academic Standing Committee, which determines whether the student will be permitted to continue enrollment at UCSC. Students who are not permitted to continue their enrollment are barred or disqualified.

Because of the serious consequences that can follow from falling below good academic standing, it is very important to be proactive in contacting your college academic advisors if anything affects your ability to pass classes.* Your advisors can help you identify strategies that will help you succeed at the university.

The links below provide more extensive information about academic standing policies, procedures, and resources. If you have questions about your academic standing, please contact an academic advisor or academic preceptor at your college.

Academic Standing Policy:

Academic Standing Advising Resources:

A separate financial aid satisfactory academic progress policy (FASAP) requires that students maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, and pass an average of 12 credits per quarter, to remain eligible to receive financial aid. FASAP is reviewed at the end of each spring term to determine aid eligibility for the following academic year, with a second check at the end of summer for students who enroll in summer classes.

*Please note that the information you share with your advisors will be kept private and shared only with campus officials as required to serve you in an advising capacity and/or process your appeal. However, in limited circumstances, including those related to potential harm to yourself or others, sexual assault, and abuse, we may be required by law to report incidents you disclose to other need-to-know offices on campus such as the Title IX Office and/or University of California Police Department. If you are in need of support for any issues, please see the list of confidential and/or support resources.

 

Good Standing: When a student’s cumulative (overall) and current (most recent term) grade point averages are 2.0 or better, that student is in good academic standing. academic notice (formerly academic probation): If either the cumulative or current GPA falls below 2.0, the student is on academic notice. What happens on academic notice: You will need to work with your college and major advisors to identify changes to help you return to good academic standing. You will also discuss the long-term implications if you are outside of good standing for multiple quarters. Steps to take: 1) You will receive a message with a link to schedule an appointment with your college advisor. 2) Prior to the meeting with your advisor, you will be asked to review an Academic Standing Tutorial. This provides an opportunity to think more about who you are as a student and how to return to good standing. 3)The last part of the tutorial directs you to a Self-Reflection Questionnaire to help guide the conversation at your advising appointment. 4) When you meet with your advisor, you will reflect together on your strengths and any challenges that may have contributed to your academic difficulty. You will discuss success strategies, action items, and resources to connect with to help support you to return to good standing. Subject to Disqualification: A student whose current (term) GPA falls below 1.5 in any term, or a student whose cumulative GPA is below 2.0 after having been on academic notice the quarter before, falls subject to disqualification. What happens on Subject to Disqualification: You will be expected to work with your college and major advisors to identify changes to help you return to good academic standing. You will also discuss the long-term implications if you are outside of good standing for multiple quarters. Steps to take: 1) You will receive a link to schedule an appointment with your college advisor. 2) Prior to the meeting with your advisor, you will be asked to review an Academic Standing Tutorial. This provides an opportunity to think more about who you are as a student and how to return to good standing. 3) The last part of the tutorial directs you to a self-reflection questionnaire to help guide the conversation at your advising appointment. 4) When you meet with your advisor, you will reflect together on your strengths and any challenges that may have contributed to your academic difficulty. You will discuss success strategies, actions to take, and resources to connect with to help support you to return to good standing. NOTE: If you do not meet with your college advisor, a hold could be placed on your enrollment preventing you from enrolling in classes for the following quarter. Academic Standing Review: If you fall subject to disqualification after spring quarter, your record will be reviewed for academic performance and overall progress towards graduation by an Academic Standing Review Committee. You will be notified of the committee's decision via a message from your college advisor. Decisions of Academic Review: The committee will determine if you are allowed to continue for the following quarter and whether any conditions apply, OR You will be barred (required to take a break) from enrolling in subsequent (usually between 1-3) quarters. You can apply to return to complete your degree after meeting the conditions of your barment. Barment and Appeal: If you are barred, you will have an opportunity to appeal the decision and provide additional information that may be helpful in reconsideration of this decision.

College advisors are committed to supporting students who are experiencing academic difficulty. We’re here to help you get back on track and continue making progress towards graduation. Before you attend your required meeting with your College Advisor, be sure to go through this Online Academic Standing Tutorial. This tutorial will answer many of your questions and remind you that you are not alone in this process.