Academic Probation Policy

Academic Probation Policy

This is a professional program with high expectations of its students. The academic performance of all students is closely monitored.  At the time of matriculation, students are in good academic standing.

Academic Requirements for Good Academic Standing

Students are required to maintain the academic standards throughout the duration of the program, which includes the following:

  • Academic performance
    • Final course grade of ≥ B
    • Maintaining a cumulative GPA ≥ 3.0
    • Performing at or above the minimum passing requirements on PA Program assessments

If a student’s academic performance does not meet the standards and/or requirements of the UMES PA Program, his/her performance is reviewed by the Progress and Promotion Committee.

Academic Probation

Over the course of program progression, an academic status may be changed when student performance is below the minimum standards. A student’s status will change from good standing to academic probation if his/her cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale at any time during the course of the PA Program.

Change in Academic Status to Academic Probation

The Didactic or Clinical Education Director (DED/CED) and the student’s faculty advisor routinely monitor student performance. Should a student not meet or maintain the minimum academic standards, the following will occur:

  • The faculty advisor refers the student to the Progress and Promotions Committee (PPC) for review.
  • The PPC provides recommendations regarding the student’s academic standing status, including:
    • A change to academic probation status,
    • Minimum requirements to continue program progression, and
    • How to return to a status of good standing, academic improvement plan.
  • The Program Director reviews the PPC’s recommendations and issues a formal letter of notification to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies outlining:
    • PPC’s decision
    • Requirements for probation
    • Timeline for student to meet the assigned requirements to avoid dismissal.
  • The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies reviews the Program Director or Assistant Program Director’s recommendation and issues a formal letter to the student.
  • Attestation and acknowledgement of receipt of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies’ letter obtained from the student within twenty-four (24) hours.
  • Attestation and acknowledgement of deficiencies by the student within one (1) week in an academic improvement plan (AIP).  The student will work with his/her faculty advisor to identify areas of deficiencies and create a detailed comprehensive plan to return to good academic standing.  An AIP should also include self-reflection, must be signed by the student, approved by the PPC, and placed in the student file.

Referrals, reviews, and outcomes are addressed in a timely manner, documented, and secured in the student file. PA students and other unauthorized persons will not have access to the student’s file.

Academic probation may result in forfeiture of certain student opportunities or privileges

Academic Probation Status: Conditions for Program Progression

Students on probationary status are required to meet or maintain the requirements designated by the PPC to continue program progression. These requirements (or conditions) are as follows:

  • Complete and submit the attestation and acknowledgement issued by the Dean of School of Graduate Studies regarding the change in academic standing status.
  • Meet the specified conditions or actions outlined by the PPC.
  • Maintain the minimum performance requirements designated by the PPC.
  • Complete, sign, and adhere to his/her created Academic Improvement Plan.

Students on academic probation status are reviewed by the PPC, at minimum, one (1) time per semester and must frequently meet with their advisors. Advisement frequency determined by the advisor based upon student need.  Students who do not meet or maintain these conditional requirements, or who have an additional occurrence of performance below the minimum academic standard requirements within the two (2) immediate semesters following the change in status to academic probation, not including the winter semesters, may continue academic probation or may be dismissed from the Program. Students who are unable to meet the academic standards may be ineligible for financial aid and may need to submit an appeal for financial aid to the Office of Student Financial Aid.  Refer to the Office of Student Financial Aid, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) | Financial Aid (umes.edu), for more details. Performance measures, recommendations, and outcomes are addressed in a timely manner, documented, and secured in the student file. PA students and other unauthorized persons will not have access to the student’s file.

Return to Good Academic Status

Students may return to good academic standing status for the following:

  • Adherence to all the probationary status conditions.
  • Meets the minimum academic standards as outlined above.

The student’s advisor will document in writing the student’s return to a good academic standing status and place it in the student’s file. PA students and other unauthorized persons will not have access to the student’s file.

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