Academic Probation and Academic Warning:
Because a 2.0 cumulative average is required for all Catholic University degrees, a student who falls below 2.0 is not making satisfactory progress.
With the single exception noted in the next paragraph, a student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) is less than 2.0 is automatically on academic probation. The Dean's office will notify the student by letter that they are on probation, but it is the GPA, not the letter, that places a student on probation.
Second-semester freshmen whose GPA is below 2.0 are designated on "academic warning" rather than probation. "Academic warning" status is for one semester only. Academic warning is equivalent to academic probation and carries the same restrictions, EXCEPT for athletic eligibility. A student on "academic warning" may participate in intercollegiate athletics.
While on academic probation, a student may register for no more than four courses (of three or more credits each) and may not participate in extra-curricular activities such as student government or intercollegiate athletics.
As soon as the cumulative GPA rises above 2.0, the student is no longer on academic probation. Student should note that transfer courses do not figure into Catholic University cumulative GPA.
Academic Good Standing / Athletic Eligibility:
A student on academic probation is not in academic good standing for purposes of athletic eligibility. A student on academic warning remains in good standing during that one semester. For full information concerning good standing and academic warning, see here.
Dismissal:
Any of the following is grounds for academic dismissal:
1. Failure to gain a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average after two semesters on academic probation and/or academic warning.
2. Failure in three credit-bearing courses in any given semester.
3. At the end of any academic year, a cumulative grade point average (for all semesters) below 1.5.
4. Failure to gain acceptance into a major program after the fourth semester of full-time college work (or after the semester in which the student completes his/her seventeenth course).
5. The University reserves the right to review the record of a student at any time for the purpose of determining whether a student meets the standards necessary for graduation. If, in the opinion of the University, this review reveals serious shortcomings, the student may be dismissed.
Requests for modification of probation restrictions:
To request modification of enrollment limits imposed by academic probation, a student writes to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs (as-ugprogramsoffice@cua.edu), including a rationale for the request and any appropriate supporting materials. Requests must be written; a student may, however, request an interview with the Associate Dean to discuss the academic situation. Requests must be received far enough in advance to allow for due consideration.
Requests for readmission following academic dismissal or lapse of continuous enrollment:
Students requesting reinstatement following academic dismissal must submit the Readmission Application, available on the Catholic University Admission website. The student must write an essay and give a rationale for seeking to return. The application must be accompanied by official transcripts of all college-level coursework undertaken since leaving Catholic University. Appropriate supporting materials may be included as well. Completed applications for re-admission must be received by:
- August 1st for Fall enrollment
- December 1st for Spring enrollment
The same procedure applies to students who have "dropped out" by not maintaining continuous enrollment at Catholic University. See also Leave of Absence in this handbook.
Reviewed July 12, 2023