Academic Standing

Students are expected to earn their degrees within a four-year period. The academic record of every student is reviewed at the end of each semester by the Academic Standing Committee, inclusive of both faculty and student-support staff, in order to offer support and services to those students who are not making satisfactory academic progress. As a result of the Academic Standing Committee’s review, a student may be given one of several academic statuses. A student is subject to dismissal from the college whenever, in the view of the Academic Standing Committee, the level of scholarship is so low as to make the completion of a Macalester degree unlikely.

Students who are concerned about their academic performance are encouraged to talk with their faculty advisor, seek assistance through Academic Success Coaching, or make an appointment to meet with the Assistant Dean of Academic Programs and Advising.

Academic Standing Policy (Effective June 2026)

The Academic Standing Committee reviews the records of every student whose term GPA falls below 2.5. The committee’s goal is to identify students who may be struggling and provide structured support to assist students in their ability to fully participate in their collegiate experience and prevent disruptions to their academic progress. Students are encouraged to consult with the Assistant Dean for Academic Programs & Advising and their Academic Faculty Advisors to discuss their specific circumstances and support options. Student engagement with support resources is considered during Academic Standing status decisions.

Summary of Academic Statuses

Status	Primary Criteria	Key Implications
Satisfactory Progress	2.5+ Term GPA	Maintaining 12–18 credit hours per semester.
Letter of Concern	2.0–2.5 GPA or multiple grades below C-	Considered “Satisfactory Progress,” but requires a Success Plan with Faculty Advisor.
Academic Review	Below 2.0 GPA and/or multiple semesters below 2.5 GPA	Mandatory “Success Plan” and hold on account until meeting with Faculty Advisor or Academic Mentor.
Academic Alert	< 1.99 GPA + Prior Academic Review	Continued support from Academic mentors; Limited to 12 credit hours; Ineligible for Study Away, extracurricular leadership, and competing in NCAA Athletics, Forensics.
Required Academic Leave	< 1.5 GPA or 2+ semesters on Review/Alert	1–2 semester separation from the college to focus on personal or academic readiness.
Dismissal	Failure to return from or meet terms of Required Leave	Permanent separation from the College.

*This summary is not all-inclusive. Required and suggested interventions may be adjusted by the Academic Standing Committee at the initial assignment of status on an individual basis.

1. Letter of Concern (Satisfactory Progress)

Students remain in good standing but are prompted to review concerns with their Academic Faculty Advisor to create a Success Plan for the following semester. This status is triggered by a GPA between 2.0–2.5, receiving an “NC” or “N” grade, or failing to earn 12 credits in a semester.

2. Academic Review

A hold is placed on the student’s account until they meet with Academic Programs and Advising or their Faculty Advisor.

• Requirements: Students must remain full-time (12+ credits) and create an online Success Plan and graduation plan.
• *Restrictions: Incompletes are not permitted. Study away approval becomes conditional.

3. Academic Alert

This is a high-intervention status for students previously on Academic Review who continue to struggle.

• Credit Limit: Students may take no more than 12 credit hours.
• Accountability: Regular check-ins with the Assistant Dean and an Academic Mentor (Staff/Faculty or Success Coach) are required.
• *Ineligibility: Students on Alert may not compete in intercollegiate athletics, hold student leadership positions, participate in non-major music/theatre productions, or engage in internships/fellowships (e.g., Chuck Green Fellowship).
• Study Away: Students may apply, but approval will be revoked if the student remains on Alert status during the semester preceding travel.

4. Required Academic Leave

A student may be required to take a 1 or 2-semester leave if their GPA is below 1.5 and previous interventions (during Review/Alert statuses) have not resulted in progress.

• During Leave: Students must check in with Academic Programs and Advising and their Advisor to discuss a graduation plan.
• Re-entry: Students must submit re-entry paperwork (personal statement and transcripts) by June 15 for Fall return or November 1 for January return. They must demonstrate how their time away has aided their ability to be successful (e.g., work, counseling, or outside coursework).

Appeals

Students may appeal a status of Required Academic Leave. Appeals must explain the circumstances of the semester, steps taken since, and a realistic plan for future success. The Committee may consider a Leave of Absence or a shortened suspension as alternatives based on the appeal.

Relationship to Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

This policy works in tandem with Macalester’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards. While the Academic Standing Policy focuses on immediate intervention and campus resources, SAP is a federal and institutional requirement primarily tied to financial aid eligibility. Students on Academic Alert or Required Leave are frequently also at risk of losing financial aid eligibility under SAP guidelines. It is vital that students meet with both their Academic Advisor and the Financial Aid office to understand how these two policies interact