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Annual Reviews | GPA | Student Academic Grievances | Termination

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements

Graduate students whose graduate (program of study) GPA falls below 3.0 (prerequisite and skill courses are exempted) will not be allowed to graduate and may be dismissed from their graduate programs. Students whose grades frequently fall in the C range or below should consult with their committees about the advisability of continuing graduate study. No D credit may apply toward a graduate degree.

Annual Reviews of Graduate Students

Departments are asked to evaluate the performance of graduate students at least once a year; some evaluate more frequently. Students granted provisional admission should expect a review as early as the end of the first semester.

Each department establishes its own evaluation criteria and the standards it requires of graduate students, but generally students can expect to be evaluated on their total academic performance, their fulfillment of program requirements (program of study submitted, courses completed on schedule, prospectus approved by the department, student advanced to candidacy), and their professional performance (including quality of teaching and research). Copies of departmental evaluation criteria are available from individual departments.

Departments rate student performance as satisfactory, marginal, or unsatisfactory, indicating the reasons for a low rating, and inviting the student to respond to the evaluation or to comply with a set of stated conditions for remaining in the program.

Termination of Graduate Status

Termination of graduate status may result if a student:

  1. Fails to fulfill the university's minimum registration requirement.
  2. Makes a request to withdraw (with the intent to pursue a degree at another university, for personal reasons, or in response to department recommendation).
  3. Fails to satisfactorily complete the conditions of acceptance.
  4. Receives a marginal or unsatisfactory rating in a periodic review by the academic department and is unable or unwilling to comply with conditions for continuance outlined by the department.
  5. Fails to make what the department or the university deems to be satisfactory progress toward a graduate degree.
  6. Fails the departmental comprehensive examination.
  7. Fails the final oral examination (defense of dissertation, thesis, or selected project).
  8. Violates the university's standards of conduct or Honor Code.
  9. Exceeds the time limit (five years for master's, eight years for doctoral).

Appeal of Termination

A student dismissed or facing dismissal may respond to or appeal that termination or impending termination. Such responses or appeals should be directed, in writing, to the department chair. A student who wishes further consideration may appeal to the college dean. Ultimately, a final appeal may be made to the university graduate dean who, if circumstances warrant it, may appoint a committee of impartial faculty members to review the matter.

Student Academic Grievances

The university has an established procedure for handling student academic grievances. If consulting with the teacher or the graduate committee chair does not resolve a grievance, a graduate student should describe the problem to the department graduate coordinator and/or the department chair. If difficulties persist, the student may ask the college dean and finally the graduate dean for assistance.



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Please report any errors. Updated May 20, 1997, by web_grad_cat@byu.edu