Academic Probation, Suspension, and Dismissal
Occidental College requires 128 units of coursework completed with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better for graduation with the A.B. degree. At the close of each semester, the Student Progress Committee reviews the records of all students whose semester or cumulative GPA is below 2.0 or who have received at least one grade of F for the semester.
Students whose semester or cumulative GPA is below 2.0 will normally be placed on academic probation for the following semester. (First-year students finishing their first semester—not transfers—will be placed on probation if the GPA is below 1.85.) In addition, some students with GPAs at or slightly above 2.0 may be placed on probation if they appear to be making unsatisfactory progress toward meeting graduation requirements (through withdrawals, Incompletes, dropped courses, etc.). The purpose of academic probation is not punitive; its intention is to alert students to developing problems that may jeopardize their eventual graduation from Occidental, and to urge them to take immediate action to address these problems. Students placed on academic probation will receive a letter announcing this status, with requirements that they consult with the Dean of Students Office and their academic advisers to devise a plan for academic success and a return to good academic standing.
Students who achieve a GPA below 2.0 for two consecutive semesters are subject to suspension. In making this determination the Student Progress Committee will consider not only the GPA but also progress toward the degree, patterns of academic improvement or deterioration, and special circumstances. Suspension is intended to provide students who have serious difficulties with time to rethink their academic strategies and relation to Occidental College, with the purpose of having them either return for a successful academic career at Occidental or develop a more successful educational plan elsewhere. It may be assigned for one semester or two immediately following the Committee’s decision. Suspended students are generally required to do coursework at another institution and complete it satisfactorily before readmission to Occidental, which must occur following the guidelines for readmission after a Withdrawal from the College or Leave of Absence (see “Withdrawal from the College, Leave of Absence, and Readmission to the College”). Specific requirements for suspended students are set forth in letters sent to them notifying them of the Committee’s decision.
Students who achieve a GPA of 0.75 or below in any semester will normally be automatically suspended for the following semester.
Students earning GPAs below 2.0 for three consecutive semesters will normally be automatically suspended for one year.
When the Student Progress Committee determines that a student’s chances of success at Occidental are minimal or none, it may impose Dismissal. Dismissed students are not given the option of applying for readmission.