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 of the faculty 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 placed on one of several categories of academic probation. 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 academic advisor, seek assistance through Academic Success Coaching, or make an appointment to meet with the Assistant Dean of Academic Programs and Advising.

The Academic Standing Committee reviews the record of every student whose term GPA is 2.5 or lower.  The Committee is concerned with a student’s current ability to be successful and may assign one of the following statuses based on the term GPA.  Because the focus of the review is on term GPA, these statuses are not sequential.  In other words, a student may be Suspended or placed on Strict Academic Probation without first being assigned a more lenient status.  However, in such circumstances the Academic Standing Committee will seek input from the student before making a final decision.  Students are responsible for checking their grades and their Macalester email following each semester to facilitate the work of the Academic Standing Committee.  Students are also encouraged to contact the Director of Academic Programs and Advising regarding their circumstances and to discuss the academic standing process and their options.

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 from 1.75 to 1.99 may be placed on Academic Probation. Additionally, students with a persistent pattern of poor grades and/or course withdrawals may be placed on Academic Probation if the Committee is concerned the pattern will impede timely completion of the degree. Students on Academic Probation are typically not eligible to register for credit bearing internships. Students may apply for study away while on probation; however, approval to participate is conditional. See the Center for Study Away website for additional details.

Strict Academic Probation. Students with a term grade point average from 1.51 to 1.74 may be placed on Strict Academic Probation.  The Committee may also place a student on Strict Academic Probation when the record indicates there are serious academic difficulties that warrant the imposition of specific performance criteria. The criteria that students on Strict Probation must meet usually include: 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 is ineligible to compete in intercollegiate athletics (students may practice with the team at the discretion of the coaching staff); hold an elected office or a leadership position in a student organization; undertake a role in a major music or theater production; compete in forensic activities; register for a credit bearing internship. A student may submit an application for study away while on Strict Probation, but any approval would be subject to the condition of getting off Strict Probation during the semester preceding study away. A student who is approved for study away who falls into Strict Probation between the time of approval and the program start date will have approval revoked.

Suspension. A student will be suspended from the College for failure to meet the criteria established for removal from Strict Academic Probation. In addition, students whose term GPA is 1.5 or lower may be eligible for suspension.  In some cases a leave of absence may be granted in lieu of suspension.  The Academic Standing Committee is the body responsible for making that decision.

Re-Entry Students who wish to return after a suspension must apply for readmission to the College.  Through that application the Academic Standing Committee expects to see evidence 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 the Director of Academic Programs and Advising 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.  Other offices (i.e. Student Affairs, Student Accounts) are also involved in the readmission review/approval process. 

Dismissal. A student is subject to dismissal from the College whenever, in the view of the Committee, the level of scholarship is so low as to make the completion of a Macalester degree unlikely. Dismissal is rare and typically comes after a student has been suspended following readmission.

Appeals of Academic Standing. Students may appeal their academic standing status.  Appeals are typically based on procedural grounds; however, if information that wasn’t available during the review process comes to light, that may be included in an appeal. Students should be aware that maintaining good academic standing does not automatically insure continued financial aid eligibility. Refer to the financial aid section of the college catalog for information.