Graduate Academic Standing

A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for graduation from any John Carroll University graduate program. Therefore, all JCU graduate students must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) every term in order to maintain Good Academic Standing.

In 4000-level courses, grades below B do not earn graduate credit and in 5000-level courses, grades below C do not earn graduate credit toward degree completion.

Academic standing, overall, is GPA-based. Academic standing statuses are defined as follows:

• Good Academic Standing

  • When both the cumulative and term GPAs are at least 3.0

• Good Academic Standing with Graduate School Outreach

  • If a student’s cumulative GPA remains at least 3.0 but their term GPA falls below 3.0, they will be considered in “Good Academic Standing with Graduate School Outreach” and issued a warning letter;

  • Students may also be issued an outreach letter any time they earn a grade low enough that the credit cannot apply to their degree requirements, even if their term GPA remains above 3.0 (e.g. a B- in a 4000-level course)

• Academic Probation

  • If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, they will be placed on Academic Probation and issued a letter stipulating restrictions for the following term (e.g., being limited to taking one course);

  • After two consecutive semesters of Academic Probation, if a student does not achieve at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, they are subject to Academic Suspension

• Academic Suspension

  • Failure to return to Good Academic Standing after two consecutive semesters of Probation will result in Academic Suspension

Students academically suspended will not be permitted to apply for reinstatement until at least one full semester has elapsed. Students wishing to be considered for reinstatement after a suspension must apply for Readmission to the appropriate department or program. Departments or programs make a recommendation regarding the request to the appropriate dean.

• Academic Dismissal

  • Failure to earn at least a 3.0 term GPA in the first semester after returning from Academic Suspension will result in Academic Dismissal;

  • If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 at any time, they will be subject to immediate Academic Dismissal;

  • Departments may specify additional grounds for Academic Dismissal, which are outlined in their Bulletin program requirements;

  • Violations of the Community Standards may also be grounds for dismissal

Students academically dismissed from a graduate program at JCU will be issued an official letter of dismissal and are not eligible to apply for readmission to the Graduate School for three years from the date of dismissal.