Academic Standards

Students are expected to maintain a status of academic good standing. The Gallatin Faculty Committee on Advisement and Policies reviews student records throughout the academic year to identify those students who may be falling below the academic standards set by the Gallatin School. The committee may summon students with unsatisfactory records to discuss their problems and to determine whether, and under what circumstances, they may continue in the school.

Academic Good Standing

Undergraduate students are considered to be in academic good standing when their current and cumulative grade point averages are above 2.0 (C average) and if they have not accumulated 12 or more credits of incomplete grades. Students should also maintain satisfactory progress toward their degree by completing, with satisfactory grades, more than half of the courses and credits for which they register in any semester. Students newly admitted are presumed to be in academic good standing, unless they were admitted on a probationary status.

Official Warning

Students receive an official warning letter from the Gallatin Faculty Committee on Advisement and Policies under the following circumstances: when the current grade point average falls below 2.0, when the cumulative grade point average falls below 2.3, or when the student accumulates an excessive number of incompletes and withdrawals.

When a student is placed on official warning, a letter is sent to the student, the student’s adviser, and the Office of the University Registrar. This letter will specify the period of time the student is given to improve his or her academic standing. The designation “Official Warning” appears on the student’s transcript until the student has been taken off official warning.

Probation

Students with unsatisfactory academic records are placed on probation under the following circumstances: if the current grade point average falls below 1.5, if the cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0, if the student accumulates three or more withdrawals in an academic year, or if the student accumulates 12 or more credits of incomplete. Students whose academic progress merits concern may be placed on probation at the discretion of the associate dean for faculty and academic affairs.

Undergraduate students who are admitted on probation are expected to maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or above for the first two semesters, with no grade below a C.

When a student is placed on probation, the designation “Probation” is placed on the student’s transcript and a letter is sent to the student, the student’s adviser, and the Office of the University Registrar. This letter will specify the period of time the student has been given to improve his or her academic standing and the minimum grade point average the student must earn in the subsequent semester. In most cases, the probation letter will indicate that the student (1) achieve a grade point average of at least 2.0 during the semester he or she is on probation, (2) not receive any grade below a C or any grade of I, (3) not withdraw from any course without securing the permission of the associate dean for faculty and academic affairs prior to the withdrawal, and (4) finish all incompletes.

The letter will also inform the student if any special conditions and restrictions have been placed on the student’s academic program. For example, the student may be prohibited from taking a course on a pass/fail basis; taking a course outside of NYU; or registering for independent studies, tutorials, internships, or private lessons. The letter may also indicate the maximum number of credits for which the student can enroll.

Students on probation cannot participate in extracurricular activities, hold office in any University club or organization, or represent the University in any athletic or nonathletic event. Students on probation should be aware that they are usually ineligible for financial aid.

A Dean’s Hold is placed on all registration activity for students on probation. The Dean’s Hold may be removed only after a probation interview. The probation letter will inform the student of how to schedule this interview.

Academic Dismissal

If a student fails to meet the terms and conditions of probation, he or she may be dismissed from the University. Students who are dismissed from the school for poor academic performance will be informed in writing by registered mail. The Gallatin Faculty Committee on Advisement and Policies will also notify the Office of the University Registrar, the Department of Housing, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, and the student’s adviser. Students who have paid tuition for the next term at the time of their dismissal will receive a full refund of tuition and fees.

Appeal

A student may appeal the committee’s decision of academic dismissal if the student believes his or her dismissal was the result of an administrative error or if the student can offer compelling reasons for his or her academic standing. The student must request an appeal within 15 days from the date of the dismissal decision. This request must include a personal statement explaining the student’s poor academic performance and showing the committee compelling reasons why the student should not be dismissed. The student may be asked to meet in person with the committee. The decision reached by the committee will be binding.