Academic Standing and Classification

Classification

• Freshman: fewer than 25 credits earned.
• Sophomore: 25-55 credits earned.
• Junior: 56-86 credits earned.
• Senior: 87 or more credits earned.

Academic Standing

Students are in good academic standing when both the semester and cumulative Grade Point Averages are at least 2.0. Hood makes every effort to assist students to maintain this academic standard. It is the student’s responsibility to take advantage of the College’s academic, health and psychological counseling services as a means of overcoming problems impeding progress.

At the end of each semester, the Committee on Academic Standards and Policies considers the records of those students who have earned a semester or cumulative average below 2.00, and examines the records of students previously placed on academic warning or probation. Academic action by the Committee is based not only on the academic record, but includes input from the offices of Residence Life, Disability Services, Student Affairs and the student’s instructors and adviser, regarding issues such as attendance and completion of assigned coursework, and issues from outside the classroom that may have affected a student’s academic success. Based on all the information, students will be placed on academic warning, academic probation, required leave of absence or be dismissed from the College.

Academic Warning

A student will be placed on academic warning if his or her semester Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) falls below 2.0.

Academic Probation

A student will be placed on academic probation if his or her cumulative Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) falls below 2.0. Academic probation means that a student is in danger of being dismissed from the College for academic reasons. Students on academic probation must make satisfactory progress the following semester or risk being dismissed.

Students on academic probation may not register for more than 14 credits or 4 courses without permission from the Committee on Academic Standards and Policies.

Students who are placed on Academic Probation will be required to sign a copy of the probation letter, indicating they have agreed to assume responsibility for their academic status by attending classes regularly, completing assignments on time, using course, mathematics and composition tutoring services and/or doing whatever is appropriate to resolve their specific academic problems.

Academic Dismissal

The College, upon recommendation of the Committee on Academic Standards and Policies, may at any time dismiss a student who is experiencing academic difficulty. This policy applies to all students. Although all cases are decided individually, the Committee on Academic Standards and Policies will use the following guidelines when reviewing academic records:

1. Students whose cumulative Grade Point Averages (G.P.A.) fall below the following levels will be dismissed:

*Credits attempted include all transfer credits accepted by Hood. However, grade point averages listed in this table are based on Hood work only.

2. Students with three consecutive semester averages below 2.0 will be dismissed.

3. The College reserves the right to dismiss at any time any students who fail to meet minimal standards of academic responsibility or who are deemed to be a detriment to themselves or to others, as determined by the vice presidents of academic affairs or student life. Such grounds for dismissal could include but are not limited to ceasing to attend classes, disrupting the life and work of the College community or completing any semester with a term grade point average below 1.0. This policy applies to all students, including first–semester first-year students.

4. Students who are dismissed from the College may not enroll in classes as a nondegree-seeking student.

Exceptions:

1. Students with more than two consecutive semesters on probation may be permitted to remain at the College only if the student has earned a G.P.A. above 2.0 in the most recent regular (fall or spring) semester and in the opinion of the Academic Standards and Policies Committee is making satisfactory progress toward the completion of degree requirements.

2. The Committee on Academic Standards and Policies Committee may make exceptions to the above-mentioned guidelines based on input about unique circumstances from the Offices of Residence Life, The Josephine Steiner Center for Academic Achievement and Retention, Student Affairs and/or the student’s instructors and adviser.

Appeals for exemption from dismissal may be granted by the provost and dean of the faculty in unusual circumstances and following consultation with the Committee on Academic Standards and Policies, the student’s instructors and adviser and other relevant offices. Appeals for reinstatement following fall semester dismissal must be received one week prior to the first day of the spring classes and appeals following spring semester must be no later than the last working day of June. Students whose appeals are granted will be readmitted to the College for one semester on a provisional basis. Failure to comply with the conditions specified in the letter allowing them to return to the College will result in their dismissal at the end of the provisional semester, if their minimum G.P.A. for retention is not attained.

Dismissal and Reinstatement

Students who are dismissed for academic reasons may petition for reinstatement after completing a minimum of one full-time semester at another accredited institution and receiving no grade below a C.

The following is the procedure for possible reinstatement:

• The student writes to the registrar to request permission to return to Hood.
• The student provides transcripts of work attempted elsewhere or other pertinent information.
• The Committee on Academic Standards and Policies reviews the request and makes a decision regarding reinstatement.

A student who is reinstated will be placed on academic probation. Reinstatement does not automatically reinstate financial aid. The student must notify the Office of Financial Aid.

If a student is dismissed for nonacademic reasons, the student must request in writing to the dean of students permission to return to Hood. The dean of students decides if the student may be reinstated.

Financial Aid Implications

Financial aid recipients are required to be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory academic progress toward degree requirements. Please refer to the financial aid section of the catalog for financial implications.