Academic Standing & Actions (Exclusion, Suspension, and Dismissal)

Academic standing at UNH reflects student GPA, credits, and progress each period. Good standing is key to enrollment, financial aid, and graduation

 

RELATED POLICIES

 

Undergraduate Student Overview

At the Â鶹app, student academic performance is reviewed each semester.

A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is the minimum acceptable level for undergraduate coursework and graduation from the University.

Academic performance is evaluated at the end of each Fall and Spring semester. Students who do not make satisfactory or consistent progress toward degree completion may be subject to academic actions, including the placement of a registration hold (Academic Exclusion Hold), suspension or dismissal from UNH.

 

Academic Standing and Actions

Good Standing

The student is meeting the university’s academic expectations and is on track for degree completion.

  • A student who earns a semester and cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher is in good academic standing.

Academic Exclusion Hold

An Academic Exclusion hold may be placed on a student’s account when a student earns low grades (semester or cumulative GPA below 2.0), has incomplete courses, or if there are questions concerning departmental academic requirements. Students must contact the Associate Dean of home college (or designee) to discuss academic progress and an action plan. If a student does not resolve an Academic Exclusion hold, suspension may occur or degree status at UNH may be discontinued. If an exclusion is not promptly resolved, then the student’s registration and University housing will be canceled. 

Academic Suspension

Students whose GPA falls below the minimum required GPA relative to attempted semester hours and/or who have demonstrated insufficient progress toward degree may be suspended. Suspended students will not be permitted to return to the university until one regular UNH academic semester (fall or spring) has elapsed from the time of suspension. Students suspended for any reason will not earn transfer credit for courses taken during the required period of separation upon returning to UNH.

When a student is suspended for academic reasons, official transcripts will display the statement "Academic Suspension."

Academic Dismissal

Students who have been suspended once and whose cumulative GPA remains below the minimum will be dismissed. Only under extraordinary circumstances will a student be readmitted after dismissal. Students who are dismissed may take courses through Continuing Education after one regular UNH semester has elapsed.

When a student is dismissed for academic reasons, official transcripts will display the statement "Academic Dismissal".

 

Additional Information

First Semester Students

First-semester students who have attempted at least 12 semester hours and have a semester GPA between 1.0 and 1.49 will be subject to Academic Exclusion Hold. First-semester students (including transfer students) who have attempted at least 12 semester hours and have a semester GPA below 1.0 will be subject to academic suspension.

Notification

  • Notification is sent to the student's UNH email on the date when an Academic Exclusion Hold is placed or the status changes to suspended or dismissed.
  • Additionally, letters are mailed to the student’s permanent address for academic suspension or dismissals.
  • If an academic action is cancelled or changed, updated notifications will be sent.

Appeals

  • Durham and Manchester students must submit a Petition for Variance in Academic Policy form to home college Dean’s Office to appeal for an academic suspension or dismissal.
  • CPS Online students must begin the petition process by contacting assigned academic advisor.
  • The Academic Standards and Advising Committee reviews appeals of Durham and Manchester students. The CPS Online Dean's Office reviews appeals of CPS Online students.
  • Canceling an academic action will only be granted for documented, compelling, non-academic reasons.
  • If an academic action is cancelled or changed, the statement on a student’s official transcript will be removed or changed.

Returning to the University

Return after Suspension

  • After at least one regular semester has passed, a suspended student may request to return to the University.  

Return after Dismissal