Academic Standing
A student’s academic standing is an indication of that student’s eligibility to remain in school. Academic standing may also affect the student’s eligibility for scholarships, special insurance rates, loans, and work-study programs as well as eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics and many other student activities.
Academic Probation
Lander University assigns academic probationary status to notify students that their academic performance is falling below the standard required to earn a degree. This designation serves as an early warning that the student is at risk of academic suspension in a future semester.
The university takes this step with the understanding that many students can improve their academic standing and successfully complete their degrees with the right support and planning.
Criteria for Academic Probation
Academic probationary status is assessed at the end of each fall, spring, and summer term based on the following criteria:
• A student is placed on academic probation if their cumulative Lander University GPA falls below 2.0.
• A student will remain on academic probation if their semester GPA is 2.0 or higher, but their cumulative GPA remains below 2.0.
• A student will be removed from academic probation once their cumulative Lander University GPA reaches 2.0 or higher.
While on Probation:
• These students are encouraged to meet regularly with their academic advisor to develop a plan for academic improvement, and
• They may not register for more than 15 credit hours per semester, and
• They should work closely with the Student Success and Retention Coordinator in the Student Success Center to create an Academic Recovery Plan tailored to their needs, and
• They are strongly encouraged to limit employment and extracurricular commitments during their probationary period to allow adequate time for academic success.
Academic Suspension
Criteria for Academic Suspension:
Students who are currently on academic probation, or have previously been on probation, will be placed on academic suspension if their cumulative GPA falls below the threshold outlined in the table below:
| Overall Cumulative Hours Earned |
Minimum Institutional GPA Required |
| 0-29 |
1.400 |
| 30-59 |
1.600 |
| 60-89 |
1.800 |
| 90 or more |
2.000 |
*Includes transfer credits, advanced standing, and similar credits.
Additionally, any student found guilty of violating the Academic Honor Code may also be placed on academic suspension.
Duration of Suspension:
• First suspension: Lasts for one fall or spring semester.
• Second suspension: Lasts for two fall or spring semesters.
• Summer sessions do not count toward the suspension period.
Registration and Refund Policy
If a student registers for courses before receiving official notification of suspension, the university reserves the right to cancel the student’s registration and provide a full refund.
Summer School Option
Students on suspension may attend summer school at Lander in an effort to improve their cumulative Institutional GPA. These students should consult with the Student Success and Retention Coordinator to develop an Academic Recovery Plan, which may include summer coursework.
Appeals Process
First Suspension
Students on their first academic suspension who wish to return immediately (without serving the required semester break) must complete the Appeal for Required Semester Break due to Academic Suspension form through the Registrar’s Office. This appeal must be approved by the Dean of the student’s academic college to re-enroll immediately. This request must be accompanied by a detailed account of the circumstances that justify reconsideration of the suspension.
Second Suspension
Students on a second or subsequent suspension who wish to appeal the suspension decision must complete the Appeal for Readmission form through the Admissions Office.
• The form is available on the Admissions webpage under “Returning Students.”
Appeals must be submitted by the deadline indicated on the form, include with it a detailed account of the circumstances that justify reconsideration of the suspension, and an Academic Progress Plan developed in consultation with and signed by a Student Academic Success Program (SASP) advisor.
If the appeal is approved and the student is permitted to return without serving the suspension, the suspension will still be recorded on the student's transcript.
Third Suspension
• A third academic suspension is final and not subject to appeal.
• The student must remain separated from Lander University for at least one full calendar year.
• Readmission following a third suspension is unlikely.
Expulsion
A student found guilty of an infraction of the Academic Honor Code may be expelled from the university and not be allowed to reapply for admission.