Academic Dismissal

Students can be dismissed if they have not achieved good academic standing after their time on academic probation, violating University codes of conduct or not meeting the minimum cumulative GPA required during their first semester at Centenary University. Dismissals from the University for academic reasons are noted on a student's transcript: “Academic Dismissal.”

If a full time student on academic probation has not achieved a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of the semester in which they were on academic probation, the student will be academically dismissed from Centenary University.  If a part time student on academic probation has not achieved a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of the two terms in which they were on academic probation, the student will be academically dismissed from Centenary University. Students who are dismissed at this time can appeal to the Academic Review Board (ARB).  If a student is reinstated after appealing their dismissal, that student has one additional chance on academic probation to earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0.  If the student does not achieve this, the student is issued a final dismissal and cannot appeal. 

Students who earn a .75 or below in their first semester at Centenary University will be academically dismissed after that semester.  These students will be eligible to appeal to the ARB.  While a student earning a cumulative GPA of .75 or below is eligible to appeal, the likelihood of earning the required cumulative GPA of a 2.0 will be very difficult so the decision to appeal should be considered carefully.  If the student appeals and is reinstated that student must achieve a cumulative GPA of a 2.0 by the end of the semester. If the student does not achieve this, the student is issued a final dismissal and cannot appeal. Students in this situation may want to consider reapplication under the University’s Academic Forgiveness Policy instead of appealing through the ARB.

Students who violate the Academic Code of Conduct may be academically dismissed from the University by the Academic Review Board after a second offense. Students who violate the University rules and regulations regarding social conduct may be suspended or dismissed by the Judicial Committee in accordance with procedures set forth in the University's Student Handbook.

Any student who is reinstated after successfully appealing academic dismissal must meet the agreed upon criteria of their reinstatement letter. Students not meeting the agreed upon criteria may be dismissed at any time during the semester or at the end of the semester if they have not made adequate academic progress while on Academic Probation. Adequate academic progress is a cumulative GPA of 2.0.  If the student does not achieve the required 2.0 GPA, the student is issued a final dismissal with no further appeal.

All decisions regarding academic probation are based on a student's cumulative grade point average (not that of the current or past semester). All decisions regarding reduced course loads, continuance on probationary semester, dismissals, and any exceptions in general to the academic policy of the University are the province of the ARB. A student who is on a probationary semester and who fails to raise their cumulative grade point average to the level required for good academic standing after one semester of probation will be considered for dismissal. Students who are on a probationary semester can continue to use their financial assistance if they qualify as determined through the Office of Financial Aid.