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.