Academic Probation Policies

For doctoral students, Academic Probation begins after you have attempted at least 6 semester hours and has a cumulative GPA below 3.0. You may also be placed on probation if, during the dissertation phase of the program, you received a “U” (unsatisfactory performance) during an academic term.

If your cumulative program GPA falls below the minimum required by APUS, you will be notified by the Registrar's Office that you have been placed on Academic Probation. The intent of Academic Probation is to provide you with the opportunity to raise your cumulative GPA to minimum levels so that you may continue to pursue your academic goals. Once placed on Academic Probation, your GPA will be reviewed after completion of one term per requirements detailed below.

Academic Probation

Event	Cause	Result	Outcomes
Student’s GPA falls below 3.0	Failed a course with a grade of F	The student will be: placed on probation and must repeat the failed course in the next term, limited to repeating the failed course(s)	Upon successful completion of the repeated course, the new grade, which must be at least a B will replace F Alternative Scenarios IF: the student fails to achieve at least a B in the repeated course, the student will be removed from the program. the replacement grade lifts GPA to 3.0 (or above), student is removed from probation. the replacement grade is at least a B, but does NOT lift GPA to 3.0 (or above), the student will be allowed a second probation term to raise the GPA; Failure to raise the GPA during the second probation term will result in the student being dismissed from the program.
Students who fall below 3.0	Due to one or more grades of B- in the program	The student will be placed on probation and will be allowed to continue taking courses as a probationary term.	Students who are able to raise their GPA to 3.0 following the first probationary term will be removed from probation. Students who fail to raise their GPA to at least 3.0 during the first probationary term will be allowed a second probation term to raise the GPA. Failure to raise the GPA during the second probationary term will result in the student being dismissed from the program.
Student who does not make satisfactory dissertation progress	Student receives a U (Unsatisfactory) grade in the dissertation course	The student will be placed on probation and will be required to complete an improvement plan to meet dissertation milestones during the next term.	If the student receives an S (satisfactory) grade in the probationary term, the student will be removed from probation. If the student receives a U (unsatisfactory) in the first probationary term, the student will be given a second probationary term to demonstrate satisfactory progress. Failure to demonstrate satisfactory progress during the second probationary term will result in the student being dismissed from the program.

Academic Level	Number of Probation Periods	Probation Rules
Doctoral students	2 total probation periods, one probation period during the course phase of the program and one probation period during the dissertation phase of the program.	Minimum period GPA of 3.0

You will need to discuss your options with your academic advisor and your funding source as your eligibility for funding may be affected.

If you raise your cumulative GPA above the minimum level at the end of the review period, you will be placed on academic good standing.

Appeals

You will have 30- calendar days to appeal your pending academic dismissal in writing before it is processed. Refer to the Appeals and Special Requests for more information.