Suspension Options
What is academic suspension?
A student is subject to suspension if their term GPA falls below 2.0 for three terms while their cumulative GPA remains below 2.0. Suspension lasts a minimum of three semesters, after which the student may appeal to return.
During suspension, a registration hold will block enrollment, and any courses registered for upcoming semesters will be dropped.
To return after the suspension period, the student must meet with an Academic Standards advisor in Campus Advising Solutions, who will support them throughout the Suspension Appeal process.
Returning from suspension?
Determine your path.
Suspension Reversal
For students who are eligible for an adjustment to their academic record through a grade change or Retroactive Withdrawal petition.
Suspension Appeal
For students not pursuing any adjustments to their academic record and need to sit out the minimum 3-semester Suspension period.
Suspension Reversal Through Retroactive Withdrawal or Grade Change
Retroactive Withdrawal
If your academic success has been impacted by a non-academic emergency or significant extenuating circumstances beyond your control, you may be a candidate for a Retroactive Withdrawal petition, which can reverse a Suspension standing in certain cases.
Through the Retroactive Withdrawal process, eligible students can petition to have certain failing or low grades changed to withdrawals (W grades) on their official academic record. This can impact a student's cumulative and term GPA(s) since the W grade is neutral in the GPA calculation.
The Retroactive Withdrawal petition requires:
- A Personal Statement
- A Letter of Support from the Dean's Designee of the student's college
- Supporting Documentation
Grade Change
If you anticipate any grade changes that could impact your academic standing (causing cumulative and/or term GPA to increase to at least a 2.0), notify the Academic Standards team as soon as possible by emailing us at academicstandards@advising.utah.edu.
Grade Change Process Details
Per University Policy 6-100, if a change of a final grade is requested (ex. changing a D to an A, or an EU to a T) then the request must first be approved by the chair of their department and the email sent directly from the department chair. For that to occur, the faculty/staff emails their department chair with the information in the final grade change table available here filled out for each student in separate emails via UMail. The department chair must then verify that they approve the change/request. They can then forward that to the grades@utah.edu inbox noting clearly their approval in the email they send.
Options During Suspension Period
Take non-credit classes
Build skills with course options through Continuing Education
Earn transfer credit
A strong transfer record is a great indication that you're ready to be successful as you return to the U. Grades from other schools will not impact your University of Utah GPA, but may be considered by some departments/majors. A minimum 2.6 GPA is required.
Pursue work or an internship
Gain valuable experience in your area of interest, make progress towards your financial goals
Make an Academic Standards appointment
For guidance on how to make the most of your suspension period and proactively prepare for the appeal process, meet with an Academic Standards advisor at any point.
Suspension Appeal
Appeal Steps
Unless a student is eligible to reverse their suspension, they must take the following steps to return to the University of Utah:
Address and resolve reasons for academic difficulty.
Complete a Suspension Appeal with your Academic Standards advisor.
Be readmitted through the University of Utah Office of Admissions. (After appeal is approved.)
Appeal Timeline
Timeliness is highly important in putting together a strong suspension appeal packet and ensuring best availability of courses. We are not able to accept suspension appeals submitted past the applicable deadline.
Compiling a Suspension Appeal
Appeal with an Academic Standards (AS) Advisor- Meet with an AS advisor to begin the process (must be done by associated deadline)
- As a returning student, you will contact our Reception team via phone or email to
schedule your first suspension appeal appointment with an advisor:
- Call us: 801-581-8146
- Email us: ask-advising@utah.edu
- As a returning student, you will contact our Reception team via phone or email to
schedule your first suspension appeal appointment with an advisor:
- Complete appeal paperwork
- Meet with Department/Major advisor to create multi-semester course plan
- Write Personal Statement
- Gather supporting documents
- Meet with AS advisor to review and submit appeal paperwork (must be done by deadline)
Suspension Appeal Committee meets to review petition
- The Suspension Appeal Committee will meet to review completed paperwork and make a
decision.
- If approved, must meet with AS advisor to review committee recommendations
- Must also reapply to the University through Admissions
- If denied, meet with AS advisor to discuss committee’s reasons and suggestions for a future appeal attempt
- If approved, must meet with AS advisor to review committee recommendations
Decision sent via email
- If approved, must meet with AS advisor to review committee recommendations
- Must also reapply to the University through Admissions
- If denied, meet with AS advisor to discuss committee’s reasons and suggestions for a future appeal attempt
Criteria of a successful appeal
Problems affecting academic success have been resolved/sufficiently addressed
- Further demonstrated through supporting documentation, if applicable
Documentation of activities during suspension that show ability to be successful upon return
Well thought-out and realistic academic plan
- How work/school balance will function & time management addressed
Realistic major choice and alternate major plan if selecting a closed major
- An alternate major plan should be specified if selecting a closed major
Current transfer GPA meets readmission requirement set by University
- Cumulative transfer GPA since suspension must be at least 2.6 and most recent term should be above a 2.6 as well
Appeal packet and paperwork fully complete
Personal statement reflects guidelines within appeal packet