Minimum Acceptable Academic Progress

A students academic performance will be reviewed fall and springs semesters based on GPA. Normal academic progress, based on grade point average, will be determined after each semester based on cumulative hours attempted. As student must meet minimum acceptable academic progress by complying with the standard in order to achieve and/or maintain good academic standing. Any student with a .0 to .5 term GPA may be suspended.

Note: Compliance with standards of minimum acceptable academic progress does not imply that students meet program criteria applicable to particular major fields. In addition, student athletes must adhere to the standards of their individual sports program in order to maintain athletic eligibility.

Minimum acceptable academic progress, based on grade point average, will be determined after each semester based on cumulative hours attempted. Students failing to meet minimum acceptable academic progress, as outlined above, are subject to the following sanctions.

Warning Semester

Students below the minimum acceptable standards for academic progress for the semester will be placed on warning for the following semester. During the warning term, sanctions may include repeating of courses, limitation of credit hours, structured study times in the Academic Success Center, development of individual learning contracts, adjustment of housing assignments, or limitation of participation in non-class, College-sponsored activities. Student status will be reviewed at the end of the warning semester.

Probation Semester

At the end of the warning semester, students who continue to fall below the minimum acceptable standards for academic progress will be placed on probation. Probation sanctions may include those named in the warning sanctions, as well as financial sanctions. While probation is in effect, a student is subject to suspension from the College at any time when, in the opinion of instructors and the Vice President for Academic Affairs or Associate Dean, the students academic effort or social conduct fails to evidence a responsible approach to studies. Student status will be reviewed at the end of the probation semester.

Suspension Semester

At the end of the probation semester, students who continue to fall below the minimum acceptable standards for academic progress will be suspended from the College for a semester. When this happens, a student has the following options for gaining reinstatement:

1.  During the suspension term, during which the student cannot take classes, the suspended student may write a letter to the Admissions Committee requesting re-admittance to the College.  The letter should outline a plan for being successful upon return to the College.  Re-admittance should not be assumed.

2. A student who is suspended can be reinstated for the following term by enrolling in and successfully completing 3 credit hours with a grade of C or higher.  Students suspended for the fall term may enroll in 3 hours during the Winter Session and students suspended during the spring term may enroll in 3 hours during the summer.  If a student successfully passes the course with a C or better, the student will be permitted to enroll the next semester. In addition to the option of taking classses from LWC, the winter or summer class may be taken at a community college if preapproved by the registrar. 

3. If taking a class during the einter or summer session is not an option, a student may write a letter of appeal to be reinstated for the next semester.  Letters of appeal are less likely to result in reinstatement than committing to academic work as outlined in number 2.  Student appeals to the Academic Affairs Council will be reviewed individually according to the following considerations:  

a. past performance;
b. mitigating circumstances (e.g., health, family, personal considerations);
c. the performance trend as reflected in the GPA performance over earlier semesters;
d. achieving the minimum GPA for the students credit hour standard as defined above;
e. performance/compliance within the programs assigned as condition of probation; and
f. other individual circumstances and considerations.

Readmission after Academic Suspension

Students may be readmitted to the College after a semester through application to the Admissions Committee. The readmission decision will be based upon students compliance with conditions of suspension, evidence suggesting potential for improvement, and/or other individual factors. Readmission to the College is not guaranteed and should not be assumed.

Other Causes for Academic Suspension

Students who demonstrate a callous disregard for learning as stated in the Student Codes section of the current Student Handbook, may be subject to suspension by the Academic Affairs Office, together with either the Vice President for Student Services, or the Dean of Students. In addition, students who commit academic dishonesty may be subject to suspension or expulsion from the College (see Academic Integrity).