Academic Clemency 

These guidelines are intended for students who performed poorly early in their academic careers and who intend to return to university after 5 years or more. The student’s academic dean or chair is the responsible person for reviewing and approving the request for academic clemency by the student.

Students seeking clemency must submit a written request along with the completed form below. The request should briefly explain the circumstances resulting in past poor performance and planned actions to avoid such outcomes in the future. Students may petition up to 18 credit hours of D and F grades removed from the grade point averages. The grades of D and F will remain on the transcript with a clemency notation. When clemency is granted for the D and F grades, the previously earned credits will be removed. Clemency should cover all credits earned during the terms for which it is granted. Institutional policy may allow returning students to petition for clemency upon application for readmission, upon enrollment, or following a validation period during which time students must demonstrate their resolve to succeed academically. The grade point averages of students who have received clemency will be recalculated to reflect that clemency. Students who receive clemency are eligible to graduate with honors. Please note academic clemency does not impact your financial aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) status. Please refer and adhere to the University’s Satisfactory Academic Policy (SAP) for Financial Aid.

GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS 

A. A student must submit a written petition for clemency during the first semester following the student’s re-admittance to UMES. 

B. Students may petition for the removal of up to 18 credits along with the corresponding grades from courses previously taken at UMES. 

C. If clemency is granted, the grades will not be calculated into the student’s GPA nor will the courses and the credits associated thereto be used toward graduation. 

D. The student must present a Petition for Academic Clemency Form signed by the student, the student’s Department Chair and the Dean of the student’s major department. 

E. The signed form will be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar. This office reviews and processes the changes on the student’s academic records. 

How to apply for Academic Clemency

1.  Make an appointment with an advisor

2.  Consider courses for clemency 

3.  Complete electronic academic clemency form with advisor and acquire appropriate  signatures

4.  Develop academic degree progressions/Improvement plan with an advisor

Eligibility Criteria for Academic Clemency 

  • Five full academic years must have elapsed since the term in question and graduation has not occurred.
  • Students must have completed at least 24 credits at UMES.
  • Students may petition up to 18 credit hours for academic clemency  

The Provost, via the Registrar, the Department Chairs and the College Dean(s), shall ensure that the granting of academic clemency is in compliance with this policy
Note: Students who are approved for readmissions MUST check with the Office of Financial Aid to verify if they are eligible for Financial Aid and meets the Satisfactory Academic Policy (SAP) policy.

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