Academic Probation
Although academic probation is a serious matter, it is not beyond resolution. Students on academic probation should work deliberately with their advisors to get back on track and ensure academic success.
APU students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA to graduate. Overall GPA as well as course grades vary for each major. Current students are placed on academic probation for:
- A cumulative GPA goes below a 2.0.
- Two consecutive semester GPAs under a 2.0.
Incoming students are placed on academic probation by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions when necessary. Check with your admissions counselor if you think your academic status is in error.
When placed on academic probation, a comment is inserted into the student’s official transcript for the appropriate semester. When probation is removed, an additional comment is inserted to update the student’s transcript.
Typically students on academic probation may only register for up to 14 units. For the first semester a student is on academic probation, he/she needs to maintain at GPA of at least 2.0 to avoid academic dismissal. For subsequent semesters on academic probation (or for a student in his/her first semester at APU), the student must maintain letter grades of at least a C or higher.
Frequently Asked Questions about Academic Probation
What happens at the end of the semester?
At the end of the semester, the Office of Academic Advising will check
your grades. If your semester and cumulative GPAs are above a 2.0, you are off
academic probation. If your semester GPA is above a 2.0 but your cumulative
GPA is still below a 2.0, then academic probation continues. If your semester
GPA is below a 2.0, or you have earned a D, F, or W
(for students in their first semester at APU), then you will be academically
dismissed from the university.
Can I petition my academic dismissal?
If you are academically dismissed for the first time, you have the right
of appeal and may write a petition letter. Information about the appeal process
will be sent to you with your dismissal letter. If you are dismissed for a second
time, you need to enroll in another institution for at least 2 semesters full-time,
and show academic success by maintaining letter grades of at least a C
or higher. You may then apply for re-enrollment to APU.
What happens when I return to APU after academic dismissal?
If you were given the opportunity for a petition, and your petition
was accepted, then you may continue at APU as a current student. You should
verify that your classes, financial aid package, and housing are still in place
for your return. Please note that as part of the petition approval, you will
have to fulfill specific academic requirements and other requirements as determined
by the university (i.e. mentoring, or regular appointments with particular
offices or centers).
If you wish to return to APU after spending some time at another institution, you will need to apply for re-admission through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. It is helpful to begin a conversation with an admissions counselor midway through the semester prior to your anticipated return.
