Academic Standing Policy
If a student begins a semester in good academic standing (i.e., cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater), and if that student’s cumulative GPA drops below a 2.0 after grades are entered at the end of a Fall or Spring semester, then the next Fall or Spring semester the student will enter Academic Watch.
Note, that although summer terms do impact your cumulative GPA, a summer term cannot count as an academic standing term, nor will it cause you to enter the academic standing process if the cumulative CSU GPA falls below a 2.0 as a result of summer courses.
Students on Academic Watch will complete a short Canvas course called Steps to Academic Success (details below). When grades are entered at the end of the Academic Watch semester, if a student’s cumulative GPA raises to 2.0 or higher, that student returns to good academic standing. If the GPA remains below a 2.0 the student will continue in the Academic Standing Process to Academic Warning.
Steps to Academic Success
Steps to Academic Success (StAS) is an academic intervention program hosted by Academic Advocacy and led by the Collegiate Success Coach. This program includes an online course located on Canvas that students are automatically enrolled in. The course does not count towards a student’s GPA or Graduation Requirements but does have valuable information on ways students can improve their GPA. Please check-in with your academic advisor for more information.
Resources for Students on Academic Watch
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the academic standing process?
Students with a cumulative GPA lower than a 2.000 will be in the academic standing process (Academic Watch or Academic Warning) for a period of one or two regular semesters (fall and spring). Grades earned in regular credit courses through the Division of Continuing Education or the CSU summer session will count toward the cumulative GPA regardless of when those classes are taken. At any time that the cumulative GPA is raised to a 2.000 or higher, the student will return to good academic standing.
Does being on Academic Watch affect my financial aid?
Students receiving financial aid (Pell grants, scholarships, sponsorships, student loans, etc.) should check with their financial aid counselor to determine eligibility. Each financial aid award could be impacted differently.
If my semester GPA is above 2.0 and I am on academic watch or academic warning, will I return to good status?
That depends on your cumulative GPA. If your cumulative GPA (cumulative GPA reflects all grades earned at CSU) is still below 2.0, you will remain in the academic standing process (or go into dismissal) even if you had a great semester. It is your cumulative GPA, not your semester GPA, that determines probation status.
If I am in the academic standing process, will I be able to register for the next semester?
If you are on Academic Watch, you are certainly able to register for the following semester. If you are on Academic Warning, you will be able to register, but if you are still below 2.0 at the end of the current semester, you will be dismissed and your registration for the following semester will be cancelled. However, if you file a dismissal appeal and the appeal is approved, your registration will be preserved.
If I am in the academic standing process, will I be allowed to graduate?
You need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in order to graduate. You would need to raise your GPA to meet CSU’s graduation requirements.
If I am in the academic standing process, will I be dismissed from the university?
If you are on Academic Watch and your cumulative GPA is still below a 2.0 at the end of your first semester in the academic standing process, you will enter your second semester in the process – Academic Warning- so you have an additional semester to raise your GPA. If at the end of your Academic Warning semester, your cumulative GPA is still below a 2.0, you will be dismissed from CSU.