VII. Academic Standing

Academic Standing is calculated by the Office of Registration and Records at the end of each Fall and Spring semester.

• Academic standing is only calculated for students who are matriculated in a degree or certificate program and have attempted at least 12 credit hours.
• Academic standing considers all coursework, including courses attempted as part of prior degree or certificate programs or prior to matriculation.
• Academic standings are defined below and include “good,” “academic probation,” “extended probation,” “academic dismissal,” “Provost’s List,” and “President’s List.”

A. Good Academic Standing & Academic Probation

A student is in good academic standing if they achieve the minimum cumulative GPA shown in the chart below based on their total number of attempted credits. If the student’s cumulative GPA is below the minimum, they will be placed on academic probation.

It is strongly recommended that students on academic probation meet with their Navigator or faculty advisor to develop an academic success plan and do not register for more than 13 credits in their next semester.

B. Extended Probation

Students who are on academic probation and still do not meet the minimum cumulative GPA the next time their academic standing is calculated may qualify for extended probation if their term GPA is 2.0 or higher.

• Students can remain on extended probation for multiple semesters, as long as they continue to achieve a term GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• Once the student’s cumulative GPA is high enough to meet the minimum cumulative GPA in the chart above, they will be placed in good academic standing.
• For more information on term GPA and cumulative GPA, see rule V.C. Grade Point Average.

C. Academic Dismissal

Students who are on academic probation, do not meet the minimum cumulative GPA, and do not have a term GPA of 2.0 or higher the next time their academic standing is calculated will be academically dismissed.

• The first time a student is dismissed, they will not be allowed to register for any courses at the college for the next upcoming semester or corresponding intersession (Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer).
• If a student returns to the college at any point and is later dismissed again, they will not be allowed to register for any courses at the college for a full academic year.
• Students who are academically dismissed will lose matriculation in their degree or certificate program.

Intersessions (Winter and Summer)

Academically dismissed students will be allowed to take classes during the intersession (Winter or Summer) immediately following their dismissal as “non-matriculated” students.

• Non-matriculated students are not eligible for financial aid. The student must pay for the course(s) out of pocket.
• Academic standing is not re-calculated after a Winter or Summer intersession and the student will still be required to remain out of the college for the duration of their dismissal; however, grades earned during a Winter or Summer intersession will be factored into future academic standing calculations.
• This rule applies only to the intersession immediately following a student’s academic dismissal. Students are not allowed to take classes as non-matriculated students during any other intersession or semester for the duration of their dismissal.

Appeals

Students who are academically dismissed will have an opportunity to appeal their dismissal.

• Students will be notified of their academic dismissal as soon as their academic standing is calculated. The notification will include a link to the appeal form and the deadline for appeals. The deadline for appeals will be approximately 3 weeks after the end of the semester.
• It is imperative that students who want to appeal pay attention to their notifications and OCC email accounts.
• Late appeals are not accepted.
• Appeals should include documentation of extenuating circumstances.
• Appeal decisions are made by the Academic Dean overseeing the degree or certificate program that the student was dismissed from. All decisions are final.

If a student’s appeal is approved:

• The student’s academic standing will be updated to extended probation.
• The student will remain matriculated in their program and may continue taking classes.

If a student’s appeal is denied:

• The academic dismissal will stand, and the student must remain out of the college for the duration of their dismissal.

Returning After Dismissal (Reinstatement)

Students who are academically dismissed may request to return to the college after they have remained out for the appropriate time period.

• To apply for reinstatement, students must complete a “Returning Student” Form.
• Upon reinstatement, the student’s academic standing will be extended probation. If the student fails to meet the minimum cumulative GPA for good standing or the 2.0 term GPA to stay on extended probation, they will be dismissed again the next time their standing is calculated.
• Students will be required to follow the program requirements as outlined in the College Catalog in effect for the semester of their return, even if they are returning to the same degree or certificate program they were in prior to dismissal.
• Reinstatement does not automatically restore a student’s financial aid eligibility. In addition to academic requirements, students must also meet separate Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements for financial aid.

D. President’s and Provost’s Lists

Matriculated students will be acknowledged for academic excellence based on their term GPA as follows:

Academic standings of the Provost’s or President’s List will overrule other possible standings, such as “good” or “extended probation.” Examples:

• A student who was previously on academic probation and earns a term GPA of 3.5 the next time their standing is calculated will be on the Provost’s List, not extended probation.
• A student with a term GPA of 4.0 and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 will have a standing of President’s List.