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Section IV

Academic Procedures

Academic Probation and Suspension

A student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) is below 2.00 ("C") is considered to be in a probationary status and in the future may encounter problems such as academic suspension and trial semester status. A student will be suspended if the following guidelines for satisfactory academic progress are not met:

*Credits transferred from other institutions as well as credits attempted at BSU (excludes repeated credits)

**Accumulated GPA at Bemidji State University (excludes grades earned at previously attended institutions)

Readmission After Suspension

All regularly admitted students suspended for the first time shall be permitted to attend Bemidji State University for an additional semester on a trial basis, provided that certain conditions regarding academic deficiencies are agreed to in advance and reflected in the subsequent registration. Students readmitted after suspension must meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements listed above.

Students who do not meet the satisfactory academic progress guidelines will be suspended. Students subject to a first suspension are suspended for one semester, not including the summer term. A second suspension is for one calendar year; third and subsequent suspensions will be for two calendar years.

Students placed on suspension who wish to return to Bemidji State University following the period of suspension must submit a petition to the Records Office for the Student Programs and Admissions Committee.

Academic Grievances

The grievance procedures for challenging grades and registering complaints about faculty, courses, teaching procedures, and related academic concerns are described fully in the Policies and Procedures section of the Student Guide. This section also describes administrative procedures for dealing with non-academic complaints such as discrimination and harassment. All new students are given a copy of the Guide during orientation, and on-campus students are given copies in the residence halls. Additional copies are available at the Hobson Memorial Student Union Information Desk.

Written Student Complaints

The University maintains a record of written student complaints filed with the offices of the President, the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, and the Vice President for Administrative Affairs. Summary information regarding student complaints to these administrative offices is provided to the North Central Association, upon their request and in compliance with data privacy policy, as a part of the University's periodic accreditation review.

Extended Absences and Grade Point Average (GPA) Adjustment

1. If students have less than a 2.00 cumulative GPA, they may petition Records and Advising Services for an adjustment of the GPA under the following conditions:
   1. A minimum of two (2) years absence from the University;
   2. When the first two (2) successive semesters of attendance have been completed after returning to Bemidji State University as a full-time, on-campus student, with at least a 2.25 GPA for each semester;
   3. The GPA may be adjusted to a 2.00 level at the time the above criteria have been satisfied by disallowing sufficient previous course work in which low grades have been earned. This may result in reduced total semester credits earned toward graduation.
2. A student may be required to validate course work that was completed more than ten (10) years prior to graduation which is to be included in an undergraduate major. Such validation requires the approval of both the department chair and the dean of the major field. Only courses with grades of "C" or better may be validated. The department of the major program may require that students repeat such courses or take additional course work.

Withdrawal from School

1. Complete withdrawal from all courses must be finished prior to twenty-five (25) class days preceding final examinations [five (5) days in summer].
2. Total withdrawal is initiated by the student at the Counseling Center in Birch Hall 1A.
3. A "W" grade is assigned when students formally withdraw from a course for which they are financially responsible.
4. Failure to withdraw officially will result in "F" grades.
5. For refund information, see the section on Tuition and Fees.
6. Withdrawal may require repayment of financial aid and/or GI Bill payments and reassessment of eligibility. For return to the University see "Readmission of Former Students" under the Admission section of this catalog.