Academic Probation & Dismissal

Academic Probation

A student will be placed on academic probation if any of the following conditions occurs:

• If either the student’s term or cumulative GPA is below 3.0. Students with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 must remain on probation until the GPA has increased to a 3.0 or higher. An even longer probation period may be placed if deemed necessary.

• If two (2) or more unsatisfactory grades, as determined by the DNP Grading Standards, are earned in  DNP Project practicum courses (NURS 7110, NURS 7111, and NURS 7112). Students placed on probation for unsatisfactory grades in the DNP Project practicum courses may not earn additional unsatisfactory grades in any required course or they will be dismissed from the program.

• If one (1) unsatisfactory grade, as determined by the DNP Grading Standards, is earned in a required course. Students placed on probation for unsatisfactory grades in a required  DNP course may not earn additional unsatisfactory grades in any  DNP Project practicum courses or required course or they will be dismissed from the program. 

• If two (2) or more incomplete grades exist in required program coursework. 

• If a student withdraws from or fails to register for a course that results in interruption to the specialty course sequence. 

A student on academic probation will have a hold placed on the student record and must obtain approval from the Assistant Director of OSCAS/Graduate Programs in order to register for classes or make changes to the existing registration.

An action plan will be developed in collaboration with the Specialty Coordinator, DNP Program Director, and Assistant Director of OSCAS/Graduate Programs specifying the probationary term and requirements that student must meet in order to be removed from academic probation.  If you meet the criteria for academic probation, the Assistant Director of OSCAS/Graduate Programs will notify you via email and arrange the planning meeting.  The action plan must be in place before the student takes any classes while on academic probation. 

Dismissal

A student is subject to dismissal from the program if any of the following conditions exists:

• If the student earns two (2) or more unsatisfactory or ‘W’ grades in required courses in the student’s approved plan of study, as determined by the DNP Grading Standards. Unsatisfactory grades in DNP project practicum courses (NURS 7110, NURS 7111, NURS 7112,) alone are excluded in the determination of dismissal but students who have been placed on probation for unsatisfactory grades in the DNP Project practicum courses will be dismissed if additional unsatisfactory or ‘W’ grades are earned in the DNP Project practicum courses. 

• If the student fails to fulfill the conditions of the probation contract. The dismissal is effective immediately upon violation of the contract. This includes students placed on probation for DNP Project practicum courses alone. 

• If the student’s term or cumulative GPAs fall below 3.0 a second time at any time during the career of the student. Cumulative GPA may remain below 3.0 during a probationary term but the cumulative GPA must increase each semester or the student will be dismissed. 

• If at any time during the probation term (defined within the probation contract) the student earns an unsatisfactory grade, as determined by the DNP Grading Standards, in the approved registration or deviates from the approved registration (ex: fails to register for course or withdraws from a course).

• If a student has not maintained continuous enrollment and their student status has been deactivated for one calendar year.

Appeal

Students may appeal dismissal decisions in writing to the School of Nursing Graduate Admission & Progression Committee within 10 working days of receipt of the dismissal letter.