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Pre-Professional and Exploratory Programs

Academic Standards

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The university expects all students, regardless of whether they are enrolled part-time or full-time, to meet certain academic standards. Students must assume personal responsibility for their own intellectual growth and personal development and should take advantage of the opportunities for academic support that the university provides.

An undergraduate student will be allowed to continue in the university as long as their cumulative grade point average (GPA) is at least 2.00. This is the minimum required cumulative GPA at the university for all students regardless of class standing or how many hours the student has attempted. A higher minimum GPA is sometimes specified by specific programs within the university. In such cases, students must adhere to the more stringent requirements as long as they are in those programs.

If an undergraduate student’s cumulative GPA is under 2,0 at the end of the term, they will need to take action (described below) to have their academic hold cleared to return to following semester. 

The deadline to complete clearance of an academic hold to enroll in the upcoming semester is at least 10 days before the first day of full-term classes. Consult the academic calendar for the specific deadline date for each term. 

ACADEMIC PROBATION

Academic Probation

After the first semester that a student does not attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00, they are placed on academic probation at the end of the term. The student is required to complete the Academic Success Plan program, a short non-credit course in Canvas. After successful completion of the Canvas course (which typically takes 1-2 hours) and advisement by their academic advisor, the student may register for the next term.

Log in to Canvas and complete the Academic Success Plan. When you log in, you will see a note at the top of your dashboard to accept the invitation to the Academic Success Plan course, so click to accept. It will look like a regular course, but it is just a short set of modules that introduce you to the most important topics that you need to know to turn your GPA around next semester. Work through the modules, reading each page and completing all of the short quizzes. Once you have passed this Academic Success Plan “course,” your probation hold will be lifted in SOAR. You must get at least 70% total, but you can spend as much time as you need and take the quizzes multiple times to pass. We strongly advise you to go ahead and finish your Academic Success Plan well before the next semester starts, so you are prepared to be successful in your upcoming classes.

 

ACADEMIC PROBATION CONTINUED

Academic Probation Continued

While on academic probation, if a student’s cumulative GPA is lower than 2.0 at the end of the term, they will be placed on academic probation continued. The student stays on academic probation continued as long as they earn a term GPA of at least a 2.00.

  1. Fill out Section 1 of the Petition for Clearance of Academic Hold form
  2. To complete Section 2 of the Petition, make an appointment with your major advisor listed in SOAR to review your proposed courses for next term and see if adjustments should be made.
  1. For Section 3, you will need to complete an Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) with the designated professional advisor listed here for your major.
    1. Click the gold “Schedule Appointment” button for this designated professional advisor. If they don’t have a button, email or call them to ask for an appointment to complete an AIP with them.
    2. Before your appointment with the professional advisor, complete Section I of the Academic Improvement Plan form and email it to your designated professional advisor.
    3. During your appointment with your designated professional advisor, you will work together to discuss a personalized AIP for you and set plans for your next semester.

The deadline to complete clearance of your academic hold is at least ten days prior to the start of classes; check the academic calendar for specific date of the deadline. If you are not cleared by this deadline, your paperwork may not be processed in time to enroll for that semester. 

 

ACADEMIC SUSPENSION

Academic Suspension

While on academic probation continued, if a student does not attain a term GPA of at least 2.00 at the end of term, they will be placed on suspension. Suspension from the university must be for at least one fall or spring term. Summer terms will not count toward required minimum suspension time.

You will need to follow the steps below to get readmitted, advised, and registered before you can start classes next semester. You can apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions. Note that any remaining account balance from prior semesters must be paid in full before you can be readmitted or have your academic hold cleared.

Separately from being readmitted, you will also need to clear your suspension hold in order to enroll in classes. Here are the steps to follow to get your academic hold removed :

  1. On your own, fill out Section 1 of the Petition for Clearance of Academic Hold form
  2. Working with your major advisor listed in SOAR, complete Section 2 of the Petition and review your proposed courses.
  3. Working with the designated professional advisor listed on this website for your major, complete an Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) and Section 3 of the Petition.
    1. Click the gold “Schedule Appointment” button for the designated professional advisor. If they don’t have a button, email or call them to ask for an appointment to complete an AIP with them.
    2. Before your appointment with the designated professional advisor, complete Section I of the Academic Improvement Plan from and email it to your designated professional advisor.
    3. Meet with the designated professional advisor to discuss a personalized AIP for you and set plans for your next semester.

The deadline to complete clearance of your academic hold is at least ten days prior to the start of classes; check the academic calendar for specific date of the deadline. If you are not cleared by this deadline, your paperwork may not be processed in time to enroll for that semester. 

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

Visit the Registrar's Academic Standing FAQ for answers to the most commonly asked questions about probation, probation continued, and suspension.

 

Academic Standing Flowchart

 

 

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Pre-Professional and Exploratory Programs

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Hattiesburg Campus

118 College Drive #5096
Hattiesburg, MS 39406

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