Academic Standings for graduate students

Academic Standing reflects a student's academic success and adherence to program standards in graduate courses. It is assessed at the end of each semester, taking into account both cumulative and semester-specific grade point averages.

Cumulative Grade Point Average Standards

Students must adhere to the following GPA standards to maintain their standing within their graduate programs:

Cumulative GPA Academic Standing Requirements Consequences
3.00 or higher Good Standing for GPA Maintain a minimum of 3.00 GPA in courses 600-700 Eligible to continue enrollment without restrictions.
2.00 - 2.99 Probation for GPA Improve GPA to at least 3.00 in the next semester Must establish an academic plan with Graduate Faculty Advisor.
Below 2.00 Academic Separation for GPA Must appeal for reinstatement Not eligible to enroll unless reinstated on appeal.

 

Notification of Academic Standing

Students receive an email at the end of each Fall, Spring, and Summer semester detailing their academic standing. This email provides necessary steps for those on Probation to establish an academic recovery plan and for those facing Academic Separation on how to appeal.

Adjustment based on department standards

In addition to the minimum GPA requirements, students must meet departmental standards, which vary by program. Departments may petition the Graduate Academic Standards Committee to change a student’s academic standing to Probation or Academic Separation if they are judged to be not making satisfactory academic progress.

How to submit an Academic Standing Appeal

Complete the Academic Standing Appeal Form in the Student Resource Center. Be sure to review the deadlines and hearing dates. Your appeal form must include:

  • Personal statement explaining your circumstances
  • Supporting documentation that backs up your statement
  • Detailed plan of action for improvement
    • Note: Graduate students do not need to submit a GPA repair worksheet
  • Important: Incomplete forms will not be considered

The Graduate Academic Standards Committee will review your appeal form and education record on the scheduled hearing date. For questions about the process, contact academicstanding@fortlewis.edu.

Academic Standing Appeal Deadlines

Deadline Date of Hearing Date of Notification of Decision
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 by 5 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2024 Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2024  Monday, August 19, 2024
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 by 5 p.m. Thursday, October 17, 2024 Monday, October 21, 2024
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2025 Friday, January 10, 2025
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2025 Monday, March 17, 2025
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025  Monday, May 19, 2025


Review of Academic Standing Appeals

The Graduate Academic Standards Committee hears appeals five times yearly. The Graduate Academic Standards Committee will consider appeals case-by-case. The Committee will review the appeals package, including the student's disciplinary record. Additionally, the Committee may seek input from faculty and professional staff in other relevant campus offices.

Outcome of appeals

Successful appeals will lead to "Reinstated from Academic Separation," and in consultation with faculty in the student’s department, the Committee will establish specific requirements the student must meet and the consequences of not meeting those requirements for continued enrollment. Decisions are communicated via email, and students must ensure their contact information is current.

Further actions

Decisions by the Graduate Academic Standards Committee may be appealed to the Provost or their designee.

Contact

For assistance with academic standing issues or the appeal process, please email the Graduate Advisor.