Policy Rationale
Vermont State University (VTSU) is committed to maintaining academic excellence while providing students appropriate support to achieve success. This policy establishes clear academic standing requirements and explains the outcomes for students who do not meet these standards. It ensures compliance with federal regulations and secures student eligibility for federal financial aid.
Policy
VTSU records academic standing for matriculated students at the end of each fall and spring semester. Failure to maintain good academic standing may impact scholarship eligibility, have financial aid implications, and may affect enrollment status with the university.
Students are placed on academic notice if their cumulative GPA falls below the threshold for good academic standing. Students on Academic Notice may be restricted from participation in university-sponsored activities, including athletics.
Students who do not raise their cumulative GPA to the threshold for good academic standing after two consecutive semesters on Academic Notice will face academic dismissal .
Students with no previously earned credits with the Vermont State Colleges System - with VTSU and/or the Community College of Vermont (CCV) - who fail to achieve a GPA of at least a 0.70 GPA in the first semester will face Academic Dismissal instead of being placed on Academic Notice.
Certain VTSU academic programs have standards that exceed the minimum cumulative GPA required for good academic standing by the university. Students whose performance does not meet these program GPA standards will be removed from these degree program(s) and, depending on the department/program policy, may have no opportunity for appeal. In such cases, students who meet the university’s threshold for good academic standing may change their academic degree program(s) to continue their enrollment at the university.
Students who have been academically dismissed may appeal the decision to the Academic Standing Committee . Students who have been academically dismissed may reapply to VTSU after at least one semester away. Students are not guaranteed readmission.
Students who are academically dismissed from VTSU and seek to improve their cumulative GPA may take courses with CCV. VTSU and CCV share an academic transcript and therefore coursework taken at CCV will be calculated into the student’s cumulative GPA.
Procedures
- At the conclusion of each semester, the Registrar’s Office notifies students if they have been placed on Academic Notice or have been academically dismissed from the university.
- Students who have been academically dismissed receive guidance about the process to appeal their academic dismissal using the Academic Dismissal Appeal Form, which will be reviewed by the Academic Standing Committee.
- The Academic Standing Committee notifies students via their university email of the approval or denial of the appeal including relevant guidance for next steps.
Responsibilities
University:
- The Registrar’s Office is responsible for notifying students when they are no longer in good academic standing or do not meet the minimum program GPA threshold.
- The Academic Standing Committee is responsible for reviewing and deciding outcomes of academic dismissal appeals.
- Advisors provide guidance about academic support resources including advising, tutoring, and other academic success programs.
Students:
- Maintain strong academic performance to remain in good academic standing, including meeting the requirements for pace .
- Know the GPA requirements for any academic program(s) in which they are matriculated.
- Raise their cumulative and/or program GPA to good academic standing, as needed.
Related Documents and Forms
Academic Dismissal Appeal Form (only available during the appeal window)
Related Policies
Academic Forgiveness: Amelioration & Fresh Start
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy - Vermont State University
Semester & Cumulative Grade Point Averages
Vermont State Colleges Policy 111 - Academic Data Management
Date of Last Approved Revision: March 2025
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