The University of St. Thomas

School of Education

School of Education Policies 2007-2008

Academic Progress, Probation and Dismissal

 

University Policies and Guidelines

The University of St. Thomas maintains Academic and Student Life policies for both Undergraduate and Graduate students. The policies can be accessed at University Student Policies. Those policies apply to all students. In cases where a School of Education policy is more stringent than a general University policy, the School of Education policy should be assumed to have precedence.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory academic progress requires a student to move methodically forward toward program completion within the program time limitations while receiving grades of no less than a B-.

Academic Probation

Students are automatically placed on academic probation when they receive any grade of less
than B-. 

Students may also be placed on academic probation when, in the judgment of program faculty, they demonstrate patterns of substandard academic performance or fail to demonstrate expected  professional dispositions.

Academic Dismissal

Academic probation is not a prerequisite for academic dismissal.

Students are automatically subject to academic dismissal if they receive a second grade of less than B-. If two grades of less than B- are earned in the same term, a student will be placed on probation or dismissed according to the recommendation of the department chair.

Students may be dismissed from a program when they do not meet all stipulations set at the time of being placed on academic probation.

Non-Academic Dismissal

Course grades tend to measure only performance as it relates to narrowly focused academic activities such as written papers, projects, and tests. From a professional preparation perspective, it is possible for a student to do very well on the formal academic portion of a course while demonstrating marginal or poor professional attributes and behaviors. Such items include (but are not limited to) absenteeism, tardiness, late and missing assignments, rudeness, insensitivity to others, and a variety of –isms (racism, sexism,  classism, ageism, etc.). In short, it is not possible to ensure that all student academic performance and expected professional dispositions are reflected in class grades. Thus, students may also be dismissed from a program when, in the judgment of program faculty, a student demonstrates patterns of substandard academic performance, or when a student fails to demonstrate expected professional dispositions or behaviors.