Academic standing is based on the cumulative grade point average (GPA) and the total number of credits earned. To continue at Mount St. Mary’s, students must achieve, at a minimum, the GPA and number of credits for the end of each semester as designated below:

After the sixth semester, students must be enrolled full time in order to complete the senior residency requirement and must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Determination of Rank

Freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior rank is determined at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Rank is based on credits achieved as follows:

Freshman:        0-23 credits

Sophomore:     24-53 credits

Junior:             54-83 credits

Senior:             84 or more credits

Determination of Rank

Freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior rank is determined at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Rank is based on credits achieved as follows:

Freshman:        0-23 credits

Sophomore:     24-53 credits

Junior:             54-83 credits

Senior:             84 or more credits

Academic Probation
Any student with a cumulative grade point average below 2.0 will be placed on “academic probation.” Academic probation alerts students, officially, that their academic performance must improve if they are to progress toward graduation.

If a student on academic probation has a cumulative GPA below that needed to avoid dismissal at the end of the upcoming term, he or she will also be placed on “dismissal alert.” Such a student must establish and keep an academic goals contract with the learning services office for the upcoming semester.

All students on academic probation must make satisfactory progress the following semester or risk being dismissed for academic reasons. Satisfactory progress is attained by maintaining full-time status and achieving no less than the minimum GPA and credit levels specified above, under the Academic Standing section.

Academic Dismissal
A student’s academic record is reviewed at the conclusion of each semester by the Academic Review Board, chaired by the dean for academic affairs. Students who do not meet the minimum grade point standards noted above are subject to dismissal. Students failing to maintain full-time status and make satisfactory progress in total credits earned are also subject to dismissal. Upon petition to the dean for academic affairs, they may in some cases be permitted to devise a modified plan for completing the required credits.

The university reserves the right to dismiss at any time any students who fail to meet minimal standards of academic responsibility or who are deemed to be a detriment to themselves or to others, as determined by the academic or student affairs vice presidents. Such grounds for dismissal could include but are not limited to ceasing to attend classes, disrupting the life and work of the university community, or completing any semester with a term grade point average below 1.0. This policy applies to all students, including first-semester freshmen. Any student who is on academic and disciplinary probation at the end of a given semester is subject to dismissal from the university. In such instances, the vice president for academic affairs will evaluate the academic status and disciplinary status to determine whether in combination they are serious enough to warrant dismissal.

Students dismissed for academic deficiencies are eligible for readmission after one semester of the regular academic year has elapsed (summer sessions are not included). To be eligible for readmission, students must demonstrate their ability and motivation to do acceptable academic work by completing at least three courses (9 credits) at another institution with a grade of C or better in each course. Students intending to seek readmission to the university should receive prior approval for the courses from the dean for academic affairs.

All students are eligible to reapply to the university following their first academic dismissal; however, a student’s second academic dismissal will normally be permanent. Students reapplying for readmission are cautioned that readmission is never automatic. The student’s overall undergraduate record (academic and disciplinary) is considered, as is his or her performance in all courses taken during academic suspension from the university.

Leave of Absence and Medical Leave
Students may elect to apply for a leave of absence, typically for a period of one or two semesters. Students with a serious medical problem that prevents their continuing study during a given semester or prior to a new semester may apply for a medical leave. In both cases, such application (together with appropriate documentation from a healthcare professional, if necessary) should be made to the dean for academic affairs. A medical leave may not extend longer than one complete semester (summer sessions excluded), plus any time remaining in the current semester if the leave is necessary in the middle of a term. Return to study after a leave is contingent on the student’s meeting the conditions established by the dean for academic affairs at the time the leave is granted. No extensions are granted for a leave. If a student does not return after the prescribed period for the leave has passed, the leave automatically becomes a withdrawal from the university.

The same refund policy that applies to students who withdraw during the semester will apply to students granted a leave. See Withdrawal from the University.