Students are advised to complete 25% (32-33 semester hours) of the requirements in academic courses for the degree each academic year. To meet acceptable academic standards, they must meet the required cumulative grade-point average per year, and are encouraged to complete a minimum number of semester hours per year as well.

Academic Suspension

Academic suspension occurs at the end of an academic year (except in the case of a student dropping below a 1.0 in any given term) and involves the involuntary withdraw of student from Wittenberg University for at least one full semester. A student is suspended as a result of any one of the following:

• A student fails to make sufficient progress toward meeting graduation requirements after being on probation for two or more consecutive semesters.
• Grave academic difficulty during the first year may not be known until the end of the second semester. In such cases, the Board of Academic Standards (BAS) may decide to suspend a student when the extent of academic deficiency warrants this action.
• Earning less than a 1.0 term grade point average in any given term subjects a student to suspension. The BAS determines the status of the student after a review of the student’s grades and reports from the student’s instructors. A suspension for earning less than a 1.0 term grade point average may occur at the end of any semester.

Appeal of Suspension

The BAS does consider timely appeals in writing from the academically suspended student but reverses its decision only when presented with new evidence of significant mitigating circumstances. The letter of appeal is to be typewritten and no more than two pages in length; it may include additional supportive information or give a corrective devised by the student. Academic Services provides information regarding the appeal process to students. Should the appeal be granted, the BAS often stipulates a course of action specific to the student for successful completion of future academic work. Should it be denied, the student may appeal further, but only in writing to the Provost.

The communication to the Provost must contain evidence that demonstrates that there was a procedural irregularity with the BAS process that resulted in the student not receiving a fair and impartial hearing or that too harsh a penalty was imposed. The Provost will not consider new information at this level of appeal.

Academic Dismissal

If an academically suspended student is readmitted, continues to remain on academic probation and subsequently becomes liable for suspension a second time, academic dismissal results. Academic dismissal is permanent separation from the university.

FAQ’s About BAS and Academic Suspension
What is the Board of Academic Standards (BAS)?

The BAS is a group of 6 elected faculty members and three administrators that apply the university’s standards in cases of academic suspension and dismissal. This group also serves as the first level of appeal after academic suspension or dismissal by the Board.

What is the procedure used by the Board of Academic Standards (BAS) when they review a student’s academic record?

Students who have a semester grade point average below a 1.0 are reviewed by the BAS at the end of the fall and spring semester. Students with consecutive academic probationary semesters are reviewed at the end of the spring semester. The Board reviews the student’s academic history by reviewing the academic transcript and the faculty report of why the deficient grade was awarded. Faculty reports include information like attendance information, assignment submission, academic progress in the course, and class participation. The Board reviews the information and discusses the decision to suspend or dismiss. The faculty vote with a majority vote required for suspension or dismissal.

How does academic suspension occur?

Academic suspension can occur at any point in a student’s academic career when the semester grade point average drops below a 1.0 or when a student has two or more consecutive semesters on academic probation.

How long do I have to sit out if I am suspended?

Suspension requires that a student sit out for one semester plus the summer term. A student who is suspended at the end of fall term will sit out spring and summer term and can readmit for the following fall. A student who is suspended at the end of spring term will sit out the summer term and fall term and can readmit for the following spring.

What is the procedure used by the Board of Academic Standards (BAS) when they review a student’s appeal letter of their decision to suspend or dismiss?

Students who choose to appeal the Board’s decision to suspend or dismiss submit a letter of appeal that describes their circumstances. The BAS reviews the appeal letters and votes to uphold the suspension or dismissal or grant the appeal. When the Board acts in its appellate capacity, the Dean of Students and Assistant Provost for academic services also vote. A majority vote is required to uphold the suspension or dismissal or grant the appeal.

What do I include in my appeal letter to the board?

In writing your appeal, it will be important for you to answer the following questions:

• What factors/behaviors contributed to your suspension?
• Specifically, describe any special or extenuating circumstances that caused you to perform poorly. Typically, circumstances that are not acceptable as grounds for appeal would be factors such as inability to manage your time or participation in extracurricular activities.)
• Specifically, what has changed regarding your situation that will prevent this from happening again? Have the issues been addressed? How?
• What do you plan to do differently if you are readmitted, in order to ensure a successful academic semester/academic career? Make sure to include a specific plan outlining what you plan to do.

If my appeal is granted by the board, when will I be able to return to Witt?

If your appeal is granted by the board of academic standards then you will not need to sit out at all. You will return in the next semester as usual but will have probationary status with academic stipulations that vary from student to student.

If I’m suspended after spring semester and am already in summer courses, can I complete the summer courses?

Due to the length of the appeal process, if you are already enrolled in and attending Summer I session, you will be allowed to continue in those courses regardless of the outcome of your appeal. Grades that you receive in Summer I will have no impact on this decision. You will not be permitted to enroll in Summer II courses or the Summer Overlap term unless your appeal is granted. You must formally drop any courses for which you are registered for Summer II or the overlap term.

Should I bother to appeal my suspension if I plan to transfer to another institution and never return to Witt?

Yes! Definitely. Several students have chosen not to appeal their suspensions thinking they would just transfer to another institution. Some were disappointed to learn that many 4-year institutions will ask that you sit out a full year before applying for admission to their institution if they had been suspended from another college. It is always best to check with the institution to which you plan to transfer to review their admission policy as institutional rules vary from college to college.

What happens to my computer access while I am on suspension?

You will not have access to your Witt email account or computer drives while on suspension.

Can I take classes elsewhere while on suspension and transfer the credits back to Witt?

During the suspension period, students often take courses at other institutions. Whether you are eligible to enroll at those institutions is up to that institution’s admission requirements. Most students take classes at Community Colleges with open enrollment while on suspension as they have more lenient open enrollment policies. Wittenberg will only accept up to eight (8) semester hours of eligible transfer courses taken while on academic suspension. In order to receive credits for transfer, courses must be pre-approved and a grade of C or above must be achieved; C- grades or below are not acceptable for transfer.

What if I return to Wittenberg University and continue to have academic problems?

Like most students who have been suspended, taking time off from the university can provide you with the opportunity to reevaluate your goals and priorities and to work through whatever issues were keeping you from performing at your maximum potential. Please seriously consider your readiness for return, as reinstatement prematurely could result in academic problems again that could lead to permanent dismissal from the university.

What kind of monitoring happens when a student’s appeal is granted and they continue to attend the university under probationary status?

Students are required to meet with their academic advisor at least twice during the semester, once before advising week and once after advising week, to discuss academic progress. An advisor reporting form with the advisor’s signature is used for this purpose and must be submitted to Academic Services for inclusion in your academic file. Additionally, the Board reserves the right to administratively withdraw a student at any point in the semester who is showing disregard for their academic work. Periodically, a review of the student’s progress as reported by faculty will be assessed by the Board. Examples of disregard may include excessive absences, non-response to academic notice and/or failure to complete course work as assigned. Standard grading and refund policies for use with all withdraws will apply.

Can someone at Wittenberg talk to my parents about my grades and academic status?

No. Please share this information with your family and/or support system as privacy laws prohibit Wittenberg University staff from discussing grades with you or anyone else over the phone.