Academic standing is determined upon initial submission of final grades for Fall Semester, Spring Semester, and Summer Term. If students receive a change in grade (including incompletes) or have repeated a course, academic standing will be reassessed. Courses with the following grades are not included in the GPA calculation: AU, I, IN, P, S, U, W, WZ since there are no grade points associated with those grades.
The Bethel University Registrar determines and makes the final decision on all academic standing designations assigned to any student. The Office of the Registrar notifies students of all standings except that of Good Standing and No Calculation.
NOTE: Some Bethel University programs may have additional policies for continued enrollment than those expressed in the university academic standing policies. Such program-specific requirements are listed with program information in this catalog and/or the student handbook. Students must adhere to their specific program continuation or graduation requirements in addition to maintaining good academic standing to progress. Any such program alerts, probations, and dismissals are the decision of the deans, department chairs, and/or program directors for that program and are not under the purview of the Office of the Registrar.
Good Academic Standing
Graduate Programs (not including Seminary):
Good Academic Standing is defined as a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
NOTE: Some programs may require a higher GPA for graduation or continuance in the program. Please refer to the specific program GPA requirements in this catalog.
Graduate Seminary Programs:
Good Academic Standing is defined as a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above.
NOTE: Some programs may require a higher GPA for graduation or continuance in the program. Please refer to the specific program GPA requirements in this catalog.
Academic Probation
Students whose Academic Standing has been evaluated and does not meet the Cumulative GPA requirements for Good Academic Standing as determined by the school or college will be placed on Academic Probation. Students can be on Academic Probation for no more than two consecutive enrolled terms.
Non-Academic Probation (Seminary students only)
The Associate Dean of Formation and Professional Development and the seminary dean act upon recommendations from faculty and staff. Students who fail to make adequate progress in areas of development or formation may be placed on non-academic probation and are required to follow an individualized developmental plan to continue their degree program. Students will be notified if they are being placed on non-academic probation and/or if their continuance at Bethel Seminary is in question. Appropriate action will be taken to teach, influence, discipline, or even dismiss those students who disregard these community expectations.
Academic Dismissal
Students will be dismissed for low academic performance when:
- The Cumulative GPA is below Good Academic Standing; and
- They were on Academic Probation for the previous two consecutive enrolled terms.
Academic dismissal of any student is the decision of the Bethel University Registrar. Students have the right to appeal an academic dismissal.
NOTE: Students receive a notice of Academic Dismissal from the Registrar's Office if the requirements for provisional admittance are not fulfilled at the time of provisional evaluation (see the Provisional Admittance catalog policy).
Students who cease enrollment at Bethel with a status of Good Academic Standing or Academic Probation, will continue on the same status when they re-enroll. Students who are allowed to re-enroll after an Academic Dismissal will be placed on Academic Probation for the 2nd enrolled term.
Special Cases
Some students may have unique circumstances which can affect their academic standing. These special cases are detailed below.
No Calculation
An academic standing of No Calculation will appear on a student transcript in the following situation:
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A student who has not taken any A-F graded courses in the current term
Provisionally Admitted Students
Provisionally admitted students must adhere to the provisionally admitted student requirements as stated in the Provisionally Admitted Student section of this catalog. Requirements are program and level specific with some levels requiring students to enroll in specific programs or courses.