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  4. Semester Requirements & Class Standing

Semester Requirements & Class Standing

Semester Requirements

Fall and spring semesters are defined as regular semesters. Full-time students are expected to earn at least 12 credit hours each regular semester and a minimum grade point average of 1.500. Students who fall short of these levels will be placed on probation.

Students who earn fewer than 6 credit hours in a semester or who earn a semester grade point average lower than 1.000 have seriously compromised their academic standing and will be required to take a probationary leave of absence for a minimum of one regular semester.

Students who earn fewer than 9 credit hours and a grade point average lower than 1.500 in a given semester will be placed on probation. At the direction of the College of Arts and Science Administrative Committee, the student may choose 1) a probationary leave for the subsequent semester and must qualify for appropriate class standing within two semesters of return; or 2) probation with required academic support, such as committing to regular meetings with the Office of Academic Services and participating in academic coaching as directed by the Administrative Committee.

Students authorized to carry fewer than 12 credit hours will be placed or continued on academic probation if their semester grade point average falls below 1.500. 

Class Standing

The requirements below apply to all students considered full-time and taking 12 to 18 credit hours in a given regular semester. The College of Arts and Science Administrative Committee determines the number of semesters necessary for each part-time student to attain sophomore, junior, or senior standing.

Sophomore standing

A student qualifies for sophomore standing upon:

  • Completion of 24 credit hours of work with a grade point average of at least 1.800;
  • Completion of two regular semesters (fall or spring); and
  • Successful completion of English 1100 (if required).
Junior standing

A student qualifies for junior standing upon:

  • Completion of 54 credit hours of work with a grade point average of 1.900; and
  • Completion of four regular semesters (fall or spring).
Senior standing

A student qualifies for senior standing upon:

  • Completion of 84 credit hours of work with a grade point average of 2.000; and
  • Completion of six regular semesters (fall or spring).