Academic Probation and Suspension

Registration Information

Academic Standing

Your academic standing shows how you’re doing in terms of GPA compared with university requirements. Maintaining good standing is important because it affects your progress, registration, and future enrollment.

Good Standing

You are in good academic standing when your cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher. Your cumulative GPA includes all courses taken at the institution, not just the most recent semester.

Academic Probation

Students are placed on academic probation after the first regular semester where cumulative GPA falls below 2.0.

What probation means

  • You can still register for classes even while on probation.
  • If your semester GPA is 2.0 or above, you can stay on probation and continue at SFA while you raise your cumulative GPA to 2.0 or higher.
  • Probation continues until either your cumulative GPA reaches 2.0 (good standing) or cumulative and term GPA fall below 2.0 (suspension).

Academic Suspension

Academic Suspension occurs when a student on probation fails to earn a semester GPA of 2.0 or above (while already on probation).

What suspension means

  • You cannot register for classes during the suspension period.
  • Your status on your transcript will reflect academic suspension.

Returning After Suspension

If you are suspended, you may be eligible to return to SFA by one of the following options (as outlined in the official policy):

  • Option 1: Submit a Suspension Appeal Request to your college.
    • Your dean may set specific requirements you must complete in order to return.
  • Option 2: Summer School Opportunity
    • After your first suspension, attending summer school at SFA is one way back.
    • You must either:
      • Raise your cumulative GPA to at least 2.0, or
      • complete at least 9 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher in courses your dean specifies.
  • Option 3: Sit Out and Return
    • After one regular semester away from SFA (summer doesn’t count as a suspension term), you may be readmitted automatically on probation.
    • For second or subsequent suspensions, the sit-out period increases to two regular semesters.
    • If you take classes elsewhere during your absence, you must earn a 2.0 GPA in those courses to qualify for automatic readmission.

Helpful Tips and Next Steps

  • Meet with your academic advisor early in the semester to make a plan.
  • Make use of campus resources like tutoring, study groups, or academic skills workshops.
  • If you’re on probation, monitor your semester GPA and course load to avoid suspension.
  • If suspended, connect with your dean’s office and advisor about your return options.