Student Announcement Re: Change in Academic Probation Policy
Dear Students,
The Seminary has adopted an academic success policy to replace the former academic probation policy. This change is effective this academic year. The new policy emphasizes engagement and commitment to success by both student and school over academic penalty. The primary change is a move from a semester-based model to a credit hour-based model. In this new model the first 12 credits are considered an orientation period for skill-building and a focus on developing academic confidence. The 12-credit orientation period will ensure that students have a consistent amount of time to build necessary study skills and does not give unfair advantage to students who are able to pursue their programs full-time.
What this may mean for you:
Early flags may mean that you get support earlier in your program connecting you to the resources you need. If you have been pursuing your program part-time and your GPA has been below the 2.5 threshold, this may provide you more time to get back on your feet and raise your GPA before worrying about potential dismissal.
New Policy: Academic Action
Academic success is defined as maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher (on a 4-point scale). All students are considered to be in a Success Orientation Period for their first 12 credits which is generally the Foundational Courses.
If a student’s GPA falls below a 2.5 at any point after the Success Orientation Period, a student will receive a letter of support from Academic Services with strategies and an accountability plan as part of Academic Action I. If a student is unable to bring their GPA up to a 2.5 or above within 6 credits over the period of Academic Action I, the student will receive an Academic Action II letter from Seminary Academic Services, copied also to: 1) the student’s advisor and 2) Retention and Student Success Committee (RSSC). Academic Action II will outline conditions and expectations particular to the student over the next 6 credits. At that point, the RSSC will work with the student to determine whether the student will continue studies within the support structures of Academic Action II or be recommended to the Academic Cabinet for dismissal of studies at North Park Theological Seminary.
If a student is dismissed for academic reasons, they may petition the Seminary Dean of Faculty in writing after one (1) year for readmission.
While a student may be awarded a certificate with a GPA below 2.5 provided each course meets minimum requirements (at least a C-), degrees will only be awarded to students whose cumulative GPA is 2.5 or above.