Probation and Dismissal

The College monitors the academic performance of every student in order to offer support and services to those students who are not making satisfactory academic progress. Students are expected to earn their degree within a four-year period. The academic record of every student is reviewed at the end of each semester by the Academic Standing Committee of the faculty. Academic status is calculated at the end of a term only. Probationary status is never a part of a student's public record unless the student gives authorization to release this information.
Academic probation is intended as an indication to a student that he or she is not making the expected progress toward the completion of a Macalester Bachelor of Arts degree. Every effort is made through faculty advisors, the counseling services of the Health and Wellness Center, and the MAX Center to provide counseling to students who are placed on academic probation.
As a result of the Academic Standing Committee's review of student records, a student may be placed on one of the categories of probation listed below. In addition to the specific term performance guidelines indicated below, the Committee also takes into consideration a student's classification, his or her cumulative grade point average and any prior probationary status in determining the appropriate category of probation.
Academic Warning. Students with a term grade point average between 2.00 and 2.50 and/or at least one NC grade in a course carrying two or more credit hours may be placed on Academic Warning if the Academic Standing Committee sees reason to be concerned about their level of achievement.

Academic Probation. Students with a term grade point average below 2.00 and/or two or more NC grades in a course carrying two or more credit hours will be placed on Academic Probation.
Strict Academic Probation. Students will be placed on Strict Academic Probation when they are liable for academic probation for a second consecutive semester or when the Committee considers their record to indicate serious academic difficulties which warrant the addition of specific criteria to be met during the next semester in order to be removed from this probationary status. These criteria usually are:  a term grade point average of a least 2.00 and no grade lower than C-; registration as a full-time student taking twelve or more credit hours; no grades of Incomplete. A student on strict academic probation shall be regarded as not making satisfactory academic progress, is not able to represent the College, and as such is ineligible to practice or compete in intercollegiate athletics, to hold an elected office or a leadership position in a student organization, or to undertake a role in a major music or theatre production or forensic activity.
Suspension. A student will be suspended from the College for failure to meet the criteria established for removal from Strict Academic Probation. Additionally, students are suspended for one or two semesters after two consecutive semesters on academic probation (or strict academic probation) unless the Academic Standing Committee finds that this action would not be appropriate. Under exceptional circumstances, the Academic Standing Committee may suspend students from the College without first placing them on probation.
Students who wish to return after a suspension must apply for readmission to the College. In order for a student to be admitted, the Academic Standing Committee expects to see evidence that the student is ready to return and have a successful experience. Shortly after receiving a suspension letter, students are expected to work out a plan with either the Dean of Students or the Director of Academic Programs for how they will provide this evidence of readiness to return. In most cases students will attend another institution of higher education during their suspension period and earn grades that demonstrate their ability to perform successfully in an academic environment.
If an international student is suspended, they must receive a new Macalester I-20 or IAP-66 to continue their studies. All regulations pertaining to a new international student pertain to a readmission. International students, upon suspension, either have to leave the U.S., as they no longer have valid student status, or change visa statuses. If they wish to attend another institution during their suspension period, they must be admitted and posses a valid I-20 or IAP-66 from that institution.
Dismissal.A student is subject to dismissal from the College whenever, in the view of the Committee, his or her level of scholarship is so low as to make the completion of a Macalester degree unlikely.
Students should be aware that maintaining good academic standing does not automatically insure continued financial aid eligibility. Refer to the financial aid section of this catalog for information.
Appeals of Academic Standing decisions must be based on procedural grounds and be made in writing. Information regarding the process and the associated deadlines will be detailed in the notification letter.