What does it mean to be subject to suspension? 

At the end of each spring semester, any undergraduate student who has a cumulative or cumulative major GPA below 2.00 is subject to suspension.  This means that your record will be reviewed by your academic department and, based on that review, either you will be allowed to continue with a status of academic probation or you will be suspended.

Please note: Academic suspension and financial aid suspension are two separate policies with different criteria and timelines. 

What does the subject to suspension status mean for me?

If you are subject to suspension after the spring term, you will receive an email from the Registrar notifying you of your status.  The first step in the suspension process is a preliminary review of your record.  You are strongly encouraged to submit a reflection document to the Registrar as part of this review.  This reflection document is not an appeal.  The purpose of the reflection document is to give you an opportunity to objectively evaluate your academic performance and allow you to communicate the causes of your academic difficulty and your plan to resolve them.  The reflection document should address these three questions:

• What do you believe are the factors that negatively affect your success at MSOE?
• What is your plan to address these factors?
• What are three specific action items that, if you are allowed to enroll, you will complete in the coming term to resolve your academic problem areas?

While this reflection document is not required, this document will serve as your voice during the review of your record.  Your academic department will review your academic record, any input from your advisor and student services, and any reflection documents that you have submitted and then determine a status of suspension or probation.  The reflection letter is due to the Registrar by noon on the Tuesday after grades are posted.  Letters submitted by the deadline will be included in the information reviewed by your academic department.  You can expect the decision of this initial review by June 15th.

What happens if I am suspended?

If the initial review results in suspension, you have the opportunity to write a formal appeal letter to the Student Advancement Committee.  Details about the appeal will be communicated to you at the end of the initial review process. The review of your appeal letter may require a face-to-face meeting to discuss your situation.  The expectation is that unless there is an extenuating circumstance or significant life event, students will take time off and will not write an appeal letter.  Decisions of the committee are final.

If you choose not to appeal, you must take at least one academic year off and may not appeal to return until fall of the next academic year.  Special consideration for early reinstatement may be made at the discretion of the committee for extenuating circumstances.  

If your appeal is denied, you must take the upcoming academic year off and must then write a letter requesting reinstatement.  You are strongly encouraged to meet with your department chair or a member of the RCAS staff prior to writing your reinstatement letter to clarify your past difficulties and your plan if you are allowed to return.  Your letter should be sent to the Registrar and will be reviewed by members of the Student Advancement Committee.  The letter should be specific in describing:

• any academic credits earned while you were away
• any work experience you had while you were away
• any extenuating circumstances that caused academic difficulty
• what will be different when you return

This reinstatement letter is due 30 days before the start of the term in which you hope to return.  This deadline will be strictly enforced.  Please note that if you plan to meet with your department chair or a support services staff member prior to submitting your letter, you should set up a meeting for at least a two weeks before your deadline to submit the letter.