What is academic standing (and why it matters)
Your academic standing is a recurring assessment of your cumulative GPA each term to reflect your academic performance. It is specifically designed to flag when you are experiencing academic challenges with progressing in your program .
It can affect:
- Whether you can register for courses at Dal.
- Whether you’re eligible to graduate.
- What shows up on your academic record (e.g., In Good Standing, or Probation, etc.)
Types of academic standing
Good standing
If you meet the required GPA for your program, you are considered to be in good academic standing. You need to be in good standing to graduate. Most programs require a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA to graduate, review the Academic Calendars to determine your program's cumulative GPA requirements.
Probation
Probation serves as a flag that your cumulative GPA is getting too low to graduate from your program without improving your cumulative GPA. We encourage you to speak to your home department, faculty, or an advisor if you are on probation. While on probation you may still register for classes as normal, so the impact is not a progress limiting as being academically dismissed, but you will want to seek guidance and support from the university to re-align yourself for success.
Academic dismissal
Typically, academic dismissal requires withdrawal from a program due to unsatisfactory academic performance. Academic dismissal is noted on your academic record, and you will not be able to register for courses. In some cases you will need to re-apply to the university after 12 months, to return to your academic studies.
Facing academic dismissal?
Support is available. Read your dismissal letter carefully and follow the steps outlined. Many students have successfully returned to good standing and graduated by taking advantage of the guidance and supports available at Dalhousie.
