Academic Warning, Probation and Dismissal

Entering on Academic Probation

Incoming students may be admitted on academic probation for several reasons:

  1. The student’s undergraduate grade point average (G.P.A.) was below the admission standard.
  2. The student’s baccalaureate degree was lacking or granted from a non-accredited institution.

In such cases, the probationary status may be removed after the completion of 12 credit hours above the degree (or intended) program minimum standards or as outlined in your admissions letter. Work with your advisor early on to select the best classes to help you be successful and find supports and resources needed for graduate level work. 

Degree Program Minimum Standards

To remain in good academic standing, students must earn and maintain a minimum term and cumulative G.P.A. above

  • 2.50 for MDiv, GSC, and GSD degrees
  • 3.00 or MA(BTS), MAML, MAC, ThM, DMin, EdD, and DIS degrees

Formal Academic Warning

Students who earn a low course grade(s) which results in a cumulative G.P.A. below their degree program requirement will be placed on Formal Academic Warning for the following term. This warning will appear on the student profile in S.I.S. Your Academic Advisor will connect with you to assess what occurred during the term and develop a plan to raise your G.P.A. Until this conversation takes place, an academic hold will remain on your S.I.S. account.

Academic Probation -1st Term

Students who retain a low cumulative G.P.A below their degree requirements for the second consecutive term will be placed on Academic Probation - 1st term. Probation is meant to be a reflective and rebuilding experience rather than punitive. This probationary status will appear on your student profile in S.I.S. Your Academic Advisor will connect with you to review success obstacles and provide support and inform you of available resources. A key goal in this conversation will be to discuss retaking classes, if needed, and to consider strategies to help you raise your cumulative G.P.A. to meet degree requirements. Until this conversation takes place, an academic hold will remain on your S.I.S account. 

Pro-tip:  If you've failed a class, consider revising your classes before the next term. Talk with your advisor about reducing your course load, taking classes that might help "lighten the load" so you can be more successful.

*ThM and doctoral students should consult their program handbooks for what grade triggers a probation.

Academic Probation - 2nd Term

Students who have been unsuccessful in raising their cumulative G.P.A after being on Academic Probation - 1st Term will be placed on Academic Probation - 2nd Term. This probationary status will appear on the student profile in S.I.S. Your Academic Advisor will connect with you to discuss the necessary adjustments to your registration for the upcoming term. Until this conversation takes place, an academic hold will remain on your S.I.S. account. 

Note: Students placed on Academic Probation - 2nd Term will be limited to taking a maximum of one course in the upcoming term and must earn at least a B in that course. Students who fail to meet this requirement may be subject to academic dismissal. 

Academic Dismissal

Students who have been unsuccessful in raising their cumulative G.P.A after being on Academic Probation - 2nd term will be subject to review and vote by the Academic Probations Review Committee for dismissal from their program and Western Seminary. 

Students who are subject to academic dimissmal will received a notification on the student profile in S.I.S, and an academic hold which will be placed on the student's record. The Academic Probations Review Committee will review the student's academic record to determine whether the student will be dismissed from their program and from the Seminary. The student will receive a written letter from the committee once a decision has been reached. 

Note: If a student desires to appeal a dismissal decision, her or she may submit a formal appeal to the Dean of Faculty. 

If a student submits an appeal, the student must demonstrate that there were exceptional circumstances involved and provide evidence indicating that he or she can remove the grade point deficiency within one semester. Appeals for reinstatement will be considered for the next semester. The committee will also let the student know if/when they may reapply to the Seminary. In most cases dismissal is final, especially in cases of academic probation because of plagiarism or cheating and will be noted on official transcript. 

**Students receiving benefits from the Veterans Administration should contact the Financial Aid Office to determine the impact of falling below minimum degree requirements.