Undergraduate Academic Standing Policy FAQ

The current undergraduate student Academic Standing policy has been in effect since the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester.  Please see below for information about the policy.  To read the policy as listed in the undergraduate catalog, please click here.

What is considered ‘good standing’?

At the undergraduate level, good academic standing means that the student has a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Academic Notice

What is Academic Notice?

You are placed on academic notice if your cumulative GPA is below 2.0

Will academic notice be on my transcript?

An academic warning notation will display in CampusNet on your unofficial transcript only.  Official transcripts will not display a standing of academic notice.

Academic Suspension

What is Academic Suspension?

A student is suspended at the end of the academic year (following spring semester) if they were on academic notice the previous semester and failed to earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or a term grade point average of 2.00.  

Once academically suspended, you are required to sit out for 2 consecutive semesters and must petition the College of your major to return.  

How will I know I’m suspended?

If you are suspended, you will receive both an email communication and a letter indicating that you are suspended.

Will academic suspension be on my transcript?

Yes, the suspension notation will display on your unofficial and official transcripts.

What happens when you are academically suspended?

When you are suspended, you are removed from all future enrollment and your record is made inactive.  You are required to sit out for 2 consecutive semesters before petitioning to return to the University.

How does the readmission process work?

In general, as a suspended student you are not eligible to enroll at CSU for a minimum of two semesters and must formally petition for readmission to return. Readmission is a lot like applying to college, though in this case information is sought to ensure that you can be academically successful upon return.

Students seeking readmission must meet with an advisor well ahead of their desired return to discuss the petition process, the application of any transfer credits taken while suspended, and to map out a strategy for a successful return.

If I’ve been placed on academic suspension, can I get into another school?

Yes, definitely. Taking classes successfully at another accredited institution is a good way to ‘get back on your feet’ academically, to continue making progress on your degree, and could be beneficial if you petition to return to CSU in the future. CSU has particularly strong relationships with local community colleges and well-established transfer rules therefore most credits from regionally accredited schools should transfer back to CSU. Check with your CSU academic advisor about classes to focus on for transfer back to CSU.

Of course, other schools have admission requirements that may differ from CSU’s admission and/or readmission requirements. Make sure you check with schools you are interested in attending. Most schools will require you to send a copy of your official academic transcript. CSU transcript ordering information can be found here.

Academic Separation

What is Academic Separation?

You are academically separated when you are academically suspended for the second time.  Academic separation is a permanent dismissal from the University.

How will I know I’m separated?

If you are separated, you will receive both an email communication and a letter indicating that you are separated.

Will academic separation be on my transcript?

Yes, the separation notation will display on your unofficial and official transcripts.

What happens when you are academically separated?

When you are separated, you are removed from all future enrollment and your record is made inactive.  This is a permanent action as you are restricted from returning to the University.

General Questions

Can I appeal my standing?

Generally, no. Academic standing is a point in time designation and depicts how you performed in a semester.  Most students will be ineligible to enroll at CSU for a minimum of two semesters following academic suspension; however, in exceptional cases, you may petition to return early. 

In certain situations, the Undergraduate Catalog allows for review of your academic standing status. These situations include where:

• Standing was calculated based on the inclusion of a grade, or grades, that was/were subsequently changed due to administrative or faculty error
• Standing was calculated based on the inclusion of an incomplete grade, or grades, that was/were subsequently changed after completion of incomplete course requirements
• Standing was calculated based on the inclusion of a grade, or grades, that was/were subsequently changed to W (Withdrawal) as a result of an approved college or university petition
• A student is completing their degree in the same semester that a Notice, Suspension or Separation status is assigned

Talk to your advisor about whether one of the above scenarios applies to you.

How does being placed on academic suspension or academic separation affect my financial aid and scholarships? Will I need to repay loans immediately?

Suspended students will, of course, stop receiving financial aid and they may need to contact organizations through which they have scholarships in order to stop receiving payments. Failure to do so might be considered fraud. There are various conditions for starting loan repayment. If you are suspended, you should discuss your financial situation with the Financial Aid Office. If you return to CSU through the readmission process, you may be able to resume your financial aid and scholarship, but this isn’t always guaranteed. Part of the readmission process involves reapplying for financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.