When you send your student off to college you hope and assume that he will be successful. Most students are successful and do well. However, some students struggle – either socially or academically. No parent wants to receive the news that his or her student has been academically dismissed from college because of poor performance. It is distressing and disheartening news. But it does happen, and parents need to help students deal with the situation. Although you may be disappointed, and possibly angry, your response may be a large factor in helping your student move forward.
Here are some things to consider if your college student is academically dismissed from college.
What does academic dismissal mean?
A student may be academically dismissed from a school for failure to make “satisfactory academic progress”. This may mean various things and may be defined differently by different schools. Generally, it means either that the student’s GPA or Grade Point Average is too low (she received poor grades) or that she has not made satisfactory progress by completing enough credits (she dropped or withdrew from too many courses each semester). A student who does not make satisfactory progress may then be dismissed or told that she can no longer be enrolled in the college.
Should your student appeal the decision?
In some cases, a college may allow a student to appeal the decision to dismiss. The purpose of the appeal is usually to allow the student to explain extenuating circumstances or to provide additional information that may not have been available at the time that the decision was made. He may be able to demonstrate that some circumstance has changed – perhaps a health situation, work situation, family situation, or even a change of focus or field of study. It is important that you and your student remember, however, that an appeal is meant as an exception and to demonstrate extraordinary circumstances. It is not meant as an avenue simply because the student is unhappy with the decision of the college. An appeal may not be in the best interest of the student.
Should your student apply immediately to another college?
If your student is dismissed, his first thought, and yours, may be to apply immediately to another school. This may be appropriate. However, before doing that, you and your student may need to consider what factors caused the problems that warranted his dismissal. Jumping immediately back in may not be the best solution.
Has your student taken time to reassess?
A student who is academically dismissed from college is not doomed to failure. You may need to help your student view this as a time to reassess his abilities, behaviors, and priorities. He was originally admitted to the college because of his abilities and potential, but something has prevented him from living up to that potential. Now is a time to step back and reevaluate. Before you and your student decide to immediately appeal the dismissal or to apply to a different school, consider carefully whether taking a break may be the best course of action for your student.
Would some time out be beneficial?
An academic dismissal from college happens for a reason. Something has prevented your student from succeeding. She may need your support more than ever now to think about how to proceed and how to use her time off. For many dismissed students, taking a break from their current routine and setting may be the best path to success, even if it involves an unexpected detour. Your student may decide to spend a year working to gain experience and perspective. Your student may decide to take a course or two at a local community college to achieve some success and/or explore a new area of study. Your student may need to move back home for a semester or a year to achieve some balance and focus. How you respond to this situation will help your student know how to respond. Helping your student see this as an important, if unplanned, step in her path will help her to use the time constructively.
Should your student apply for readmission or reinstatement?
In most cases of academic dismissal, the student may be eligible to apply for readmission or reinstatement after a certain period of time. This is different from appealing the decision at the time of dismissal. One thing that your student will have had time to consider during his time off is whether or not he wants to return to the same institution or to transfer to another college. If he wants to return, he should check the policy of his college. Most schools require that a student “sit out” for a semester or a year. When students apply for readmission, the college may be looking for certain factors. They will be looking for indications from the student that things will be different if he returns. He may be asked to submit a personal statement giving a compelling argument that he has addressed whatever challenges he had prior to dismissal. They may be looking for successful completion of some credits at a community college or some other institution. They may ask whether social, family, or personal issues have been addressed.
Is your student prepared for a fresh start?
If your student has used time off from his college productively, he may be ready to return to school with a renewed focus and a new outlook. Many students who have been dismissed return to their previous college – or another college – and are completely successful. Helping your student see this time as an opportunity rather than a set-back will mean that he can use the time off to his advantage. This may not be the path that either of you originally had in mind, but it may be a path that, in the long run, will be most beneficial to your student. Having your support as a parent will help him to discover and accomplish his goals.
Related Posts:
What FERPA Means for You and Your College Student
How Parents Can Help College Students Value Their Mistakes
Helping Your College Student Avoid “How Do I Tell My Parents?” Fears
What to Say to Your College Student Who is In Trouble, Dismissed, or On Probation
Academically Dismissed from College? Time for a Reset
Academically Dismissed from College? Ten Steps to Move On
Shawna –
I understand what a difficult time this must be for you. You certainly need someone to discuss this with. First of all, I suggest that you be honest and straightforward with your family. Of course, they will be disappointed, but getting the situation out in the open is important and will take some burden off of you. They may even be able to offer some suggestions to help. Then you need to talk to some people in the offices at school. Start with asking for a meeting with someone at the local school so you can explain your situation – especially having successfully completed credits there in the past. Ask for suggestions from them. Then you might also meet with someone from the school that dismissed you to ask them to help you create a plan. Look, too, to see if there are any other schools locally that you might attend. Or consider some online classes. You might even consider going back and talking to your high school guidance counselor if that is an option. As you do this, look for a job if you can so that you can also use this time away to earn some extra money so that when you return you can focus totally on your schoolwork.
This is a detour that you certainly didn’t expect, but you will emerge a stronger person – and a better student. Finding a support system is important and just don’t give up – keep talking to people until you can find someone who will be able to help.
I also forgot to mention that in high school I took courses from the same “community college” and I did very well. I received 19 credits which transferred to my other college. All together I have 22 now but I guess that means nothing due to my gpa. In order to be considered a sophomore you need 30 I could do that and get my gpa up if given the chance but I do not know what to do. I am left at home with no job or school because I quit for school.
p.s – My other post is right above. Thank you!
Hello, I was just recently dismissed from my college due to my low gpa. I understand that it was my fault but they gave me no warning of what gpa would dismiss me and everyone would always tell me they had a grade probation for if you get below a 1.5. Apparently that was a lie because over my christmas break I recieved a letter stating I “am dismissed”. I did the appeal and even wrote extra explaining that I had messed up my semester due to keeping a job back home, which I would drive back and forth and hour and a half away for four times a week. This included weekends. On weekends I just stayed home and worked doubles so I was left with no time to study working around 30 hours a week and getting back to campus late all the time. I regret it all and I am the first in my family to go to college so It was all a learning experience for me. I did the appeal and started everything I did wrong and what I would due to fix it because I even quit my job in order to do well next semester. I just found out my appeal got denied and they just told me to apply to a college of my choice and reapply next semester. They want to see academic progress and thats why they want me to apply to another college. I just recently called to see what I had to do to apply to a college near me it is somewhat a community college or a branch of a main college and they said I would need at least a 2.0. I dont have that and I do not know what to do because I need to get my gpa up in order to go back. I regret everything but theres nothing I can do if noone will give me a chance. I was one of those kids to do well in everything and be conidered smart my whole life. I havent even been able to tell my dad the truth on why I had to come home because he is a very stressed out person and that is the best way to go about it. Not attending college is not an option for me. The community college said I could wait a year and then apply and the gpa I had before wouldnt matter, but I cant wait that long. I thought due to the fact I got kicked out I could just apply to another college and they wouldnt need my college transcripts bc im not transfering just applying. I dont have anyone to talk to about this. I dont know what to do and im about to have a breakdown. Please help me!
Thank you!
Hi. I was dismissed from a University four years ago. I was studying engineering and science at that time and somehow things just didn’t go well as I had planned. I lost one of my parents, job, house etc. almost everything. I took a couple years off and moved to another state because of financial reasons as well. Wanted to start fresh so I joined a local community college full time, but this time I was interested in Business so wanted to study that instead. However, instead of just completing a semester and increase my G.P.A from what it was before (1.77) I decided on completing the entire associate’s degree here and then move to a local University to finish my Bachelor’s. My question is that even though I have a past record that is bad (failing out of a University), will I able to get in to the local Universities I am thinking about applying to for this Fall. This Spring I will have completed my Associate’s in Arts (Business) roughly 65 credits and my current cumulative G.P.A stands at around 3.9. I am hoping the new University will see that I have been able to show considerable improvement and give me a chance but I am “Really Nervous” and keep delaying my application. Any suggestions on how to deal with this or any chances the new University will accept me? Also since my major is completely different now, and my new grades and courses are also new, will my old G.P.A still matter. I will be sending transcripts from my previous college while applying because I want to be frank and honest but just feel a University might still reject me. Please suggest. Thanks.
-Andy
Hi, this is in view of my friend who was dismissed from his college due to low grades. He was earlier on probation but still could not cope up with his studies. He was going through an emotional situation and was unable to keep hold on himself. Being away from home he sometimes wasnt able to cope up. After hearing this news fro his college he is devastated. He doesnt know what the right thing to do would be, since this matter is very new to us being students and having no prior knowledge. On speaking with an advisor he was given options by which he would need to earn more credits, and if they see progress they may take him back. On the other hand we are very confused as to what would be the best option to earn these credits, and whether it would be possible to get an internship or is it viable tog o away from his country to another community college or take online classes or if he has any other options. Could someone please suggest a path we could move on because we are not very aware of the credit system. Thankyou
My daughter was dismissed after her first semester at UCMerced. She won her appeal and is on academic probation for this coming semester. She has made a commitment to bring her GPA up to 2.0 this term in order to be in good standing, but she does not want to continue at this University beyond this semester since they do not have the major she seeks. She wants to go to a community college and then transfer to another UC. Is this a viable plan? I thought that dropping out of a UC meant that getting back in was nearly impossible. I spoke with the school and they said that if she maintains a good standing she can apply directly for a transfer to another UC campus. Between these two options, which seems more effective?
BMG –
Good for you son for figuring out a direction in which he wants to go. I am sure that will make a big difference for him.
It is important that he check with the college to which he would like to apply to ask about his previous transcript. Most colleges require students to submit all previous transcripts. However, when he begins at a new college, he will begin a new GPA. Although his previous credits may or may not carry over, his GPA will not. If he can transfer even a few credits from his previous college, that will give him a head start.
If the college clearly says all previous transcripts are required and he does not submit them, the college could potentially deny admission or dismiss him if they learn of them later. It simply is not worth the chance. Checking with the school is always he best approach.
Best of luck to your son – and to you!
My son was dismissed for 1 year from a community college. He just didn’t know what he wanted to study (no major). He finally admitted to me that he wants to go to into military but still wants to go to college. He finally figured out that he wants to study criminal justice (wants to be a military cop). Now my question is can he start clean in another college. He doesn’t want to transfer any credits. Can that be done? His GPA in high school was a 3.25.
Jerrell –
You can use this year to do some important things. 1)Think hard about what happened that caused you to be dismissed. What have you learned about yourself? What will you change when you go back? 2)Look for a job – if possible somehow (even remotely) related to the field you’d like to end up in. You’ll learn about the field, gain experience for your resume, and earn some money so you’ll have a bit less debt after college. 3) Consider taking a couple of courses at a local college so you’ll have a few more credits done. This is a detour you hadn’t expected, but you can make it a productive time. Good luck.
Hello, i was recently put on academic dismissal for one year, and am not sure if i should try to apply to other local colleges to finish my general ed classes. I am nearly 70% percent done with my degree. I am ashamed and not sure what to do. Do you have any advice??
Meera –
Work with someone at your school – an advisor or counselor – to get help strategizing about your options. They will be able to help you decide what to do next.
i studied bca in thiruvalluvar university i completed 5 semesters during last semester some problem i cant complete my last semester now there is any chance to complete my course
There are so many comments here that seem to ask a variation of the same questions. Things aren’t going well, what do I do now? Will I be readmitted to my program? Should I go somewhere else? What are my options.
The fact that all of you are anxious about what is next is a good thing. It means that you want to get that degree. Determination helps.
It is impossible to give specific advice because every situation is different and everyone has a different story. 1)I’d suggest that you begin by thinking very specifically about what went wrong in the first place. What caused the problems and difficulties? There is a big difference between the subject material being too difficult and a family emergency that takes your attention and energy away from your studying. 2) Talk to as many people at your school about your options. They may be able to give you advice. They can tell you whether there is a chance of being readmitted or whether you should appeal a decision. 3) Think very carefully about whether this is a good time to continue. If there have been issues that caused problems, it might be a good idea to take some time (a semester or a year) off to get things taken care of or to recover so that you can focus when you return to school. 4) Investigate as many other options as you can. Are there other majors or programs that might be better for you? Are there other schools that might accept you in transfer? (Actually visit and talk to them to find out the real answers.)
Don’t try to do this alone. Find support at school. Ask your family for their support. Let your friends know that you need their help.
Take your time and be sure that you are ready. Good luck.
Hi,
I am doing my MS in mechanical engineering in california. I was on probation for 2 semesters and At the end of 2nd semester I was having 2.93 gpa. My graduate coordinator helped me and I filled reinstatement form for my 3rd semester. I repeated one subject and took 2 new ones. I am done with my 3rd semester and during the semester my mom had a serious surgery and she was in coma for 3 months. Because of that I was so stressed and couldnt study well in my 3rd semester and I got F in repeated subject and B and C in other 2 subjects. I am on 2.75 gpa now and my coordinator told me that I will be dismissed from the course.
Now what are my options? I thought about community college but I am worried about readmission at my college again. and how many units can i repeat after readmisssion?
help me please
Hi, I was recently informed about being dismissed from my community college(Mt. San Antonio College). Now, I am not going to be one of those people who explain the reasons for being dismissed except for the fact that I failed all of my classes and only passed 3…………I have been there for about a year and a half now and would like to know if it is possible to start off fresh in another close by community college instead??? What are my choices/opportunities???