Undergraduate Probation and Dismissal

A student whose SPU total (or cumulative) GPA falls below a 2.0 (i.e., “C”) will be placed on academic probation.

SPU understands that academic difficulty can stem from any number of outside issues; the University desires to come alongside students who may need extra support and guidance. To that end, academic probation is structured to support student success and growth.

Once a student's cumulative GPA improves to a 2.0 or higher, the student will no longer be on academic probation.

PROBATION LEVEL 1

An undergraduate SPU student attempting five or more credits will be placed on first-quarter academic probation when his or her cumulative grade point average first falls below a 2.0 (i.e., “C”).

PROBATION LEVEL 2

If, after a second quarter, a student’s cumulative GPA remains below 2.0, and the quarterly GPA is below 2.0, the student will be placed on probation level two.  Students will be restricted to a limit of 13 credits for the following quarter.

RETURN TO GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING

At any level (1 or 2), if a student’s next quarterly GPA is a 2.0 or higher, the student will not progress to the next level. He or she will remain on either Level 1 or Level 2, depending on the current status.

A student will no longer be on academic probation if the SPU cumulative (total) GPA improves to a 2.0 or higher.

ACADEMIC DISMISSAL

After being placed on Probation Level 2, students have one more quarter to improve their academic standing. After this quarter, if a student‘s SPU GPA is still below a 2.0 and the quarterly GPA was not a 2.0 or higher, the student will be academically dismissed.

• The student will be notified by email by the Office of the Registrar.
  • Housing, Student Financial Services, and faculty advisors are included in this message
• The academic dismissal will be noted on the student’s academic record.
• The student will be dropped from the next quarter’s classes.
• An academically dismissed student can apply for reinstatement within two quarters and with completion of at least 15 credits of pre-approved courses through another institution with at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA.  Students who wish to seek reinstatement must first consult with the Office of Academic Counseling. 

Graduate Probation and Dismissal

Any graduate or doctoral student whose cumulative SPU GPA falls below 3.0 shall be placed on academic probation (with the exception of students in the Seattle Pacific Seminary, who will be placed on probation if their cumulative SPU GPA falls below 2.50).

• Students placed on academic probation must contact their program advisor to create a plan to raise the student’s GPA.
• Students on probation must review their program handbook regarding specific program policies related to academic probation, dismissal, and reinstatement.
• A graduate student cannot graduate with a cumulative SPU GPA below 3.0 (with the exception of students in the Seattle Pacific Seminary, who may graduate with a minimum cumulative SPU GPA of 2.50).
• Graduate programs have the right to dismiss students who remain on probation.