(Effective beginning Fall 2025)

This Graduate Academic Standards Policy applies to warning and dismissal of graduate students from the university for reasons of academic performance as reflected in the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA). Discipline or dismissal for violations of university conduct standards will be separately addressed under other university rules and regulations.  This policy does not supersede or serve as a substitute for the university’s grade appeal process. Students seeking to appeal individual grades must use that process and may not revisit individual grades using the following policy.

Good Academic Standing

Each graduate student’s academic progress is reviewed at the end of each 16-week semester in which they have completed classes. Graduate students with a cumulative program grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale are in good academic standing at the university.

Graduate students majoring in certain programs may be expected to achieve higher academic standards. These standards are available to students through the office of each program. 

Academic Warning and Dismissal

Graduate students whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 are placed on academic warning. 

While on academic warning, graduate students must earn either a cumulative or a subsequent semester GPA of at least 3.0, otherwise they will be dismissed from the university due to academic performance.

Graduate students remain on academic warning until they earn a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0, at which time the warning is removed from their record.   

Dismissal Appeal

Graduate students dismissed from the university due to academic performance may appeal for reinstatement for the next semester. Instructions for submitting the appeal will be communicated to students at the time of their dismissal. The appeal will be reviewed by the Academic Conduct and Integrity Committee and one program representative designated by the jurisdictional dean, whose decision shall be final. 

Returning to Aurora University

Graduate students who do not appeal their dismissal, or whose appeal is denied, are eligible to apply for reinstatement to the university after one semester has elapsed. To apply for reinstatement, graduate students must complete an application and reinstatement form. This form will be reviewed by the Academic Conduct and Integrity Committee, whose decision shall be final.