Academic Standing & Exclusion, Suspension, Dismissal

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A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is the minimum acceptable level for undergraduate coursework and for graduation from the University.

The Academic Standards and Advising Committee or Associate Deans examine academic performance and exclude, suspend, or dismiss students who demonstrate insufficient or indeterminate progress toward their degrees. 

More information about the academic standing and academic actions is included in the undergraduate academic catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the academic exclusion, suspension or dismissal appear on my official transcript?

  • “Academic Suspension”, or “Academic Dismissal” is printed on the transcript in the term in which an academic action occurs.
  • The message is removed if the action is cancelled, or replaced if the student’s status changes.

I withdrew/I am on a leave of absence. Can I still be academically excluded, suspended, or dismissed?

Yes. Students who withdraw or take a leave of absence after mid-semester with a GPA less than 2.0 may have an academic action. If this occurs the withdrawal or leave will be cancelled, and the student’s status will be changed to excluded, suspended, or dismissed. Their academic transcript is updated accordingly.

How will I be notified that I have an academic action?

On the date a student’s status is changed to excluded, suspended, or dismissed, the Registrar’s Office sends an email to the student’s UNH email address. For suspended or dismissed students, a letter is also mailed to the student’s permanent mailing address. Similarly, if the action is cancelled or changed, excluded, suspended, or dismissed students will receive an email, and suspended or dismissed students will also receive a mailed letter.

What is an academic exclusion?

Students whose academic progress is uncertain, as evidenced by a combination of generally low grades, incomplete courses, and administrative failures, may, upon determination by the Academic Standards and Advising Committee or associate deans, be excluded from further attendance until such time as their academic standing can be clarified, usually by resolution of incomplete courses. In addition, exclusion may be necessary to resolve questions concerning major departmental requirements or University academic standards. Exclusion is a temporary action and will be changed to Degree Status Discontinued, suspension or dismissal not later than mid-semester following the exclusion action unless the student resolves the situation. If exclusion is not promptly resolved, then the student’s registration and University housing will be canceled.  

What should an academically excluded student do?

Contact the college or school to inquire about the steps to resolve the exclusion prior to the start of the next regular semester (Fall/Spring). See 'Who should a student contact if they have questions about an academic action?' below.

If the student is not returning to UNH, they are not eligible to formally withdraw from the University while their status is excluded. However, they will still need to wrap up details related to their account and should contact Student Accounts, (603)862-2230, to settle the account. A checklist of Offices that should be contacted is included at the end of this FAQ.

Can I make changes to my Fall/Spring registrations while excluded?

No.

I am enrolled in classes at UNH for Summer. How does my academic action affect my Summer registrations?

If a student is registered in a Summer term course and their status changes to excluded, suspended, or dismissed, they will remain registered for the course unless they take steps to withdraw from the course through the add/drop process within the published deadlines.

If a student is enrolled for Summer Term classes that have begun, they are eligible to drop the classes within ten days of the exclusion, suspension, or dismissal, by contacting the Registrar’s Office at registrars.office@unh.edu. Students who drop a class during the ten-day period will receive a refund. If a student does not exercise this option, they must continue to attend and complete the course and are academically and financially responsible for the course(s). If a Summer Term class has not yet started, the regular drop rules apply and the student may drop the class by contacting the Registrar’s Office by the applicable drop deadline.  

Checklist for students leaving UNH

  • Discontinue monthly tuition payment plan, if applicable.
  • Financial Aid (603)862-3600, exit counseling.
  • Housing Office (603)862-2120, check out of room, turn in room key, complete forms.
  • Dining/ID Office (603)862-1821, request Meal Plan/Cat’s Cache/Dining Dollars refunds.
  • Library (603)862-1535, return books, close out rented library lockers.
  • Student Accounts (603)862-2230

I am enrolled in classes at UNH for January Term. How does my academic action affect my January Term registrations?

If a student is enrolled in a January Term course and their status changes to excluded, suspended, or dismissed, they will remain registered for the course unless they take steps to withdraw from the course through the add/drop process within the published deadlines. If a student is enrolled for January Term classes, they are not eligible to drop the class(es) after the published deadlines on the Master Academic Calendar. After the published deadlines students are academically and financially responsible for January Term classes and must continue to attend.

What is an academic suspension?

Students whose averages fall below the minimum required grade-point average for their class standing and/or who have demonstrated insufficient progress toward their degrees may be suspended. Students suspended from the University for academic reasons will not be permitted to return as a degree candidate until one regular UNH academic year semester (fall or spring) has elapsed from the time of suspension. Therefore, the student will not be eligible to take courses   including courses in the College of Professional Studies online or through Continuing Education during the period of suspension. Students on suspension for any reason will not earn transfer credit for courses taken while on suspension.  

What should an academically suspended student do regarding the Fall/Spring classes they are registered for?

During a regular UNH semester (Fall/Spring), no action is required on the student’s part to drop the classes. After an initial appeal period has passed, typically two weeks, the Registrar’s Office will drop suspended students from classes and Student Accounts will reverse tuition and tuition related fees.

To pay any outstanding balances or request a refund if available, the student should contact Student Accounts (603)862-2230. A checklist of Offices that should be contacted when a student leaves the University is included at the end of this FAQ.

What is an academic dismissal?

Students who have been suspended once and whose average remains substantially below the minimum grade-point average for their class and who continue to demonstrate insufficient progress toward their degree must be dismissed. Only under extraordinary circumstances will a student be readmitted after having been dismissed. However, students who are dismissed may take courses through Continuing Education after one regular UNH semester has elapsed.  

How do students resume their studies at UNH after an academic action?

Return after Academic Suspension
Durham and Manchester students that wish to return from an Academic Suspension must complete a Reactivation from Academic Suspension or Leave of Absence Form. The request will be reviewed by the Dean’s Office of the student’s home college (or the UNH Manchester Director of Academic Advising for UNH Manchester students). Students must provide a statement explaining why they believe they can successfully complete a UNH degree program and specific steps they will take to ensure future academic success. If approved, the student will be reinstated into the major they left and will receive confirmation from the Office of the Registrar. If the student no longer qualifies for the major they left, their request for return will be reviewed by the College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Office for reactivation into the Undeclared major. The Reactivation from Academic Suspension or Leave of Absence form must be submitted no later than 2 weeks before the semester of return begins.

Return after Academic Dismissal
Only under extraordinary circumstances will a student be readmitted after an academic dismissal. Students will need to consult their former home college (see contacts below) PRIOR to applying for readmission through the Office of Admissions. 

Who should a student contact if they have questions about an academic action?