Academic Probation and Dismissal of Graduate Students

Kutztown University Policy ACA-085

  1. Purpose

    The purpose of this policy is to define the standards for good academic standing, academic probation and dismissal of graduate students at Kutztown University. 

  2. Scope

    This policy applies to all graduate students. 

  3. Keywords and phrases 

    CGPA: Cumulative grade point average. 

  4. Policy & Procedure(s)

    Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) to remain in good academic standing. A graduate student whose CGPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. 

    Graduate students on academic probation must raise their CGPA to 3.0 by the end of the following semester/session in which they register. All grades recorded as a graduate student are used to determine academic standing, even if a student changes programs. The student will return to good academic standing when a CGPA of 3.0 or higher is attained. 

    If a student fails to meet the conditions of academic probation, they will be dismissed. An additional semester/session of academic probation may be requested through a petition to the Academic Exceptions Committee. 

    A graduate student earning more than two (2) grades below B- will be dismissed from graduate study at Kutztown University regardless of CGPA.  Students may appeal their dismissal to the Academic Exceptions Committee, who will make a decision regarding the appeal in consultation with the graduate dean, academic dean, department chair, or their designees. If appeal is successful, the student will work with the dean of graduate studies regarding requirements for continuation in the program. 

    Students dismissed from the university may apply for re-admission to their initial program or a different graduate program. Application to the initial program would require readmission to the graduate program by the academic department and review by the Academic Exceptions Committee. 

    Graduate students should consult with their programs’ departments regarding additional program-specific course grade requirements. 

  5. Effective Date:

    Fall 2016 
    Fall 2022 
    Fall 2026 

  6. Approved By:

    Endorsed by University Senate – March 3, 2016
    Approved by University President – March 23, 2016 
    Endorsed by Academic Standards and Policies Committee – May 5, 2022 
    Endorsed by University Senate – May 5, 2022 
    Approved by University President – May 11, 2022 
    Approved by Academic Standards and Policies Committee – February 9, 2026
    Approved by University Senate – March 5, 2026 
    Approved by University President – March 9, 2026 

  7. Last Review

    March, 2016 
    August, 2017
    August, 2018 
    August, 2019 
    August, 2020
    March, 2022 
    Revised May, 2025 
    March, 2026