Suspension Override

Overrides of suspensions are rare and considered on a case-by-case basis.

Students who have been placed on suspension (first or second) may petition for an override of their suspension to the College of Science’s Academic and Student Affairs office. A suspension override form (linked below) must be completed and then approved by the student’s academic advisor.  No override will be considered without an advisor’s approval.

Any request for an override for a suspension must be brought to the College of Science’s Academic and Student Affairs Office no later than three weeks prior to the start of the semester.

Suspension overrides are not guaranteed and, as stated above, are rare.  If a student is granted an override, they are limited to 7 credits of coursework (no exceptions) the following semester and must meet with their academic advisor and the Academic and Student Affairs office throughout that semester.  Students are also limited to only one override of suspension during their academic career.  A third suspension will result in a dismissal from the university and is considered permanent.

Factors considered by the Office of Academic and Student Affairs when reviewing requests for an override may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Documented reasons for student’s unsatisfactory performance (illness, unforeseen personal circumstances, etc.) and evidence of positive changes.
• The student’s cumulative GPA and number of credit hours successfully completed by the student in past semesters.
• The possibility of additional suspension or dismissal if the student is allowed an override (see Performance Expectations below).
• Willingness to consult with Learning Services and complete the Certificate of Academic Skills Program.
• Willingness to speak with other offices that could help student improve academically (possibly including the Office of Disability Services, the Counseling Center, or the Writing Center).
• Willingness to repeat appropriate courses to improve cumulative GPA.
• A well-defined plan of action in which the student states academic and career goals and lists courses necessary to help achieve these goals.
• Timing of the request – the sooner, the better to allow a full, fair evaluation.

Students who are within 12 hours of meeting all degree requirements and who could reasonably bring their cumulative GPA up to the required 2.00 may request a special exception to the above conditions, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Suspension Override Request Form

Undergraduate Academic Standing section of the University Catalog