Encountering academic difficulty can be a very normal part of a student’s journey and academic probation is meant to be a way of connecting students with resources and support when their overall SPU GPA indicates that they’ve encountered some challenges. Through this process explained below, students will be connected to people and resources on campus that are tailored to their particular needs at the moment.

Probation Level 1

Undergraduate SPU students attempting five or more credits will be placed on first-quarter academic probation when their cumulative grade point average first falls below a 2.0 (i.e., “C”). The academic counselor will send a student an email message about their academic status. Faculty advisors are copied on this communication. Students on academic probation level 1 are asked to do three steps:

  1. Complete the Academic Reflection Survey.
  2. Meet with their academic counselor.
    • Students will have a hold placed on their account requiring them to meet with their academic counselor and are encouraged to meet with their academic counselor before or during the first week of the quarter. Counselors offer drop-in appointments during the first week to allow for the most accessibility.
  3. Meet with their faculty advisor.

Probation Level 2

If, after a second quarter, a student’s cumulative GPA remains below 2.0, and the quarterly GPA is below 2.0, the student will be placed on probation level two.

Students are notified by email and will again be asked to meet with their academic counselor, faculty advisor, and complete an Academic Reflection Survey. Students will also be restricted to a limit of 13 credits for the following quarter.

Return to good academic standing

At any level (1 or 2), if a student’s next quarterly GPA is a 2.0 or higher, the student will not progress to the next level. He or she will remain on either Level 1 or Level 2, depending on the current status.

A student will no longer be on academic probation if the SPU cumulative (total) GPA improves to a 2.0 or higher.


Academic dismissal

After being placed on Probation Level 2, students have one more quarter to improve their academic standing. After this quarter, if a student‘s SPU GPA is still below a 2.0 and the quarterly GPA was not a 2.0 or higher, the student will be academically dismissed.

  • The student will be notified by email by the Office of Academic Counseling. (Housing, Student Financial Services, and faculty advisors are included in this message.)
  • The academic dismissal will be noted on the student’s academic record.
  • The student will be dropped from the next quarter’s classes.
  • An academically dismissed student can apply for reinstatement within two quarters and with completion of at least 15 credits of pre-approved courses through another institution with at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

If you are interested in petitioning for reinstatement, please click here.

Academic Counseling | Office of the Registrar
*Available by appointment only

academiccounseling@spu.edu

Mailing Address
Seattle Pacific University
Attn:Office of the Registrar
3307 3rd Ave W, Suite 113
Seattle, WA 98119-1922
206-281-2575