Below is a series of commonly asked questions about academic notice, academic probation and suspension and the related processes. Unless indicated by the designation “summer term” or “winter intersession,” the reference to term is a fall or spring term. A student placed on academic notice, academic probation or academic suspension is highly encouraged to consult with their academic adviser to discuss the options available to them.
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Suspension and Suspension Process
I have been placed on suspension at the university. What does it mean?
A student who has been suspended from the university is not permitted to take courses during the next regular term (fall or spring) at any WVU campus until the suspension has been served, they raise their overall GPA to a 2.00 or higher by taking summer term or winter intersession courses, or they are reinstated by successfully appealing the suspension.
What is the purpose of being suspended?
To take time to reflect, evaluate, and develop a plan to get back on track. The goal for every student is to come back refreshed and aware of what needs to be done in order to be academically successful.
Why am I suspended?
Any student who has an overall GPA below a 2.0 for three fall or spring terms (consecutive or nonconsecutive) is subject to suspension. A student previously suspended from WVU who has an overall GPA below 2.0 for two fall or spring terms (consecutive or nonconsecutive) is subject to suspension.
What should I do while serving my suspension?
A student is encouraged to reflect on their prior experience in college and pursue other meaningful and productive activities. For example, securing a position in an industry relative to their desired profession can help prepare them for their first job after college.
May I take classes at WVU after I’m suspended?
A student who has been suspended may take courses during the summer term (if suspended after the spring term) or winter intersession (if suspended after the fall term) to raise their overall GPA to 2.0 or higher. No student is permitted to take courses during the next regular term if they have an overall GPA below 2.0 or were unsuccessful in appealing the suspension.
I am suspended; do I have access to campus facilities, like the Rec Center, the Student Health Center, the Library, athletic events, etc.?
A student who has been suspended is not assessed tuition and fees; therefore, they are not permitted to attend events reserved for currently enrolled students or access the Rec Center, Library, etc.
What is the difference between academic notice, academic probation and academic suspension?
A student is placed on academic notice at the end of a regular term if their overall GPA is below a 2.0 for the first time. They are not subject to academic suspension. If a student’s overall GPA falls below a 2.0 for a second time or beyond, they are placed on academic probation at the end of a regular term. A student is placed on their first suspension if they have had an overall GPA below 2.0 for three prior terms (consecutive or nonconsecutive) or two prior terms if they were previously suspended.
Can I get off of suspension?
A student has three options for addressing suspension:
- They may appeal the suspension. If successful with the appeal, the student can continue their studies the next term.
- They may take courses during the summer term, if suspended following a spring semester, or winter intersession following a fall semester. Courses may only be taken at a WVU campus. If the student raises their overall GPA to a 2.0 or higher, they may continue their studies. However, the suspension will remain documented on the student’s record and will count in future probation and suspension calculations.
- They may choose to serve their suspension. Many students find it beneficial to take the time off, regroup and come back refreshed.
Do I have to take courses in the summer term or winter intersession?
A suspended student is not required to take courses in a summer term or winter intersession. If they take courses and improve their overall GPA to 2.0 or higher, they may continue with their studies for the next term.Can I take classes during the summer term or winter intersession?
Yes, a student on academic notice may take courses during the summer term or winter intersession at a WVU campus only. A student on suspension may take courses during the summer term only if suspended following a spring semester or winter intersession courses only if suspended following a fall semester. Any student on academic notice, academic probation or academic suspension is not permitted to take courses at a college or university other than WVU.
If I raise my overall GPA to 2.0 or higher after a summer term or winter intersession, do I have to serve my academic suspension?
No, a student who raises their overall GPA to 2.0 or higher doesn’t have to serve their suspension. However, the suspension will remain documented on the student’s record and will count in future probation and suspension calculations.
I'm a student at the Morgantown campus. Can I take summer courses at one of the branch campuses to raise my overall GPA?
Yes, any student who is suspended may take courses during the summer term (if suspended after the spring term) or winter intersession (if suspended after the fall term) at any WVU campus to raise their overall GPA to 2.0 or higher. Courses taken outside of the WVU system will not count toward the student’s overall GPA until they return to WVU and raise their overall GPA to 2.0 with courses completed at a WVU campus.
I was suspended previously, but I brought up my overall GPA by taking summer courses and I didn’t serve my suspension. Why am I being notified that I am suspended a second time? Shouldn’t this be my first suspension?
Even if a student raises their overall GPA to a 2.0 or higher during the summer term or winter intersession, the previous suspension remains on their student record. Therefore, any subsequent suspension will proceed to the next level of suspension.
I haven’t been on academic probation for consecutive terms; why am I suspended?
A student doesn’t need to be on academic probation for consecutive terms to be placed on suspension. Any first-time student who has accumulated at least one academic notice and one prior probation term is at risk for suspension. Any student who has been suspended previously is at risk of another suspension if they were placed on probation one term since the last suspension.
If I am suspended, how do I know how long my suspension is and when I can come back to WVU?
Please refer to the notification received from the Office of the University Registrar for details about the duration of the suspension.
Can I take classes outside of WVU while I’m suspended and transfer them back to WVU after I served my suspension?
A student must have a WVU overall GPA of a 2.0 or higher in order to take courses and transfer them back to WVU. Refer to the transient policy in the WVU Undergraduate Catalog.
Can I take classes outside of WVU and raise my overall GPA to 2.0 or higher so that I can return to WVU sooner?
No, a student should not take courses at another college or university while they are on suspension. Furthermore, the student is not permitted to return to WVU before their suspension has been served. A student may apply for readmission to WVU in the term the concludes the duration of the suspension. Refer to the undergraduate admissions website for more information on applying for readmission.
How do I avoid suspension in the future?
A student should work with their academic adviser to establish an academic success plan, which includes repeating courses under the WVU D/F Repeat Policy, calculating the term GPA the student needs to raise their overall GPA to 2.0 or higher in two terms, and, possibly, considering a different major.
What happens when I return from suspension?
A student returning from academic suspension will have two terms to raise their overall GPA to 2.0 or higher and avoid a subsequent suspension. The student should work with their adviser to understand the terms of the agreement they enter into after returning from suspension in order to avoid a subsequent probation or suspension.
I just came back from suspension; why am I not in my major? When can I re-enter my major?
Some programs/departments enforce minimum performance expectations that include maintaining a minimum overall GPA. A student returning from suspension may be subject to a program dismissal and the program will not permit the student to return until they meet certain conditions. If this happens, the student’s home campus will assist them in finding a new, temporary academic home.
Appealing Your Suspension
Do I have to appeal my suspension?
No, a student is not required to appeal a suspension. However, if a student does not appeal their suspension, the only alternative for continuing their studies in the next term is to raise their overall GPA to 2.0 or higher by taking courses in the summer term (if suspended following a spring semester) or winter intersession (if suspended following a fall semester).
I have not fulfilled the terms of my college’s probation program. May I still appeal my suspension?
Yes, a student has the right to appeal suspension. However, it is solely up to the student to demonstrate that they have made progress in the previous term(s) or demonstrate that a traumatic event caused them to perform poorly over the period in question.
I’ve received notice that I am suspended. I’m not sure whether I should appeal my suspension. What makes for a good candidate?
A successful suspension appeal is generally supported with a recent track record of improvement in academic performance or verification that a traumatic event transpired which can be authenticated with third-party documentation. A student is encouraged to speak with their academic adviser about the suspension appeal process.
I’ve decided to appeal my suspension. What is the appeal review process like?
A student completes and submits an online application appeal. The student will be asked to provide evidence that their academic performance has improved in the most recent term(s) or that a traumatic event (supported with third-party documentation) prevented them from achieving success. A student may not appeal in person or virtually.
I’ve decided to appeal my suspension. What is the deadline to submit my appeal?
Please refer to the notification received from the Office of the University Registrar for the appeal deadlines. No appeal will be considered after the deadline has passed.
I’ve submitted my appeal. What should I do while waiting for the outcome?
A student should be proactive during this time. They may need to appeal suspension of financial aid or they may choose to register for courses in the upcoming summer term or winter intersession. The student should reflect on what barriers prevented them from achieving success.
I’ve submitted my appeal. When can I expect to hear about the decision?
The suspension appeal and supporting documentation is reviewed by representatives of your program, college, school or campus. As decisions are made, a representative will communicate the decision through WVU e-mail. All decisions will be communicated no later than July 1 for a spring suspension appeal or January 15 for a fall suspension appeal.
My suspension appeal has been denied. Can I appeal the decision to a higher level?
No, the decision of the student’s program, college, school or campus is final.
Suspension and Financial Aid
If I appeal my academic suspension, do I need to appeal my financial aid suspension separately?
Yes, there is a separate process for appealing the suspension of financial aid. Refer to the Student Financial Services website for more information.
If I am suspended, do I lose my scholarship? Do I have to appeal my scholarship?
Refer to https://financialaid.wvu.edu/home/maintain for more information.
If I am suspended, do I need to pay my student loans?
Refer to the Student Financial Services website for more information.
My suspension appeal has been granted, so can I come back and take courses? Do I need to submit an appeal for financial aid?
If a student relies on financial aid to pay for college and they received notification that they are no longer eligible to receive financial aid, they will need to submit a financial aid appeal. Refer to the Student Financial Services website for more information.
My Financial Aid appeal was granted, but my academic suspension appeal was not. Can I still take classes?
No, a student must be reinstated by taking summer term or winter intersession courses
and raising their overall GPA to 2.0 or higher, or the student has to be reinstated
by successfully appealing the suspension.