Probation, Dismissal, and Reinstatement
Probation
After a graduate student attempts six (6) total graduate credits as a matriculated student, a 3.0 cumulative GPA must be achieved. Failure to meet this minimum may result in the student being placed on academic probation. Additionally, conditions of probation may be set at the discretion of the Dean of the College and/or the program/department.
If a student who is on Academic Probation achieves a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, they will be removed from Academic Probation. However, if at any time during subsequent semesters the student falls below a cumulative 3.0 GPA, they will be academically dismissed from Kean University.
All notices of Academic Probation will be sent via Kean email at the completion of the fall and spring academic semesters.
Dismissal
If after attempting twelve (12) graduate credits, a graduate student fails to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0, the student may be academically dismissed from Kean University at the discretion of the program/department. All notices of Academic Dismissal will be sent via Kean email at the completion of the fall and spring academic semesters.
When the actions and/or behavior of a student are found by the program/department or other competent authority, using established procedure, to be detrimental to the interests of the University community or to violate established professional standards, that student may be required to withdraw due to a non-academic dismissal. Notices of non-academic dismissal can occur at any time.
Appeals and Reinstatement
If a student is academically dismissed from Kean University, the student is entitled to appeal the dismissal and apply for reinstatement. Reinstatement applications are reviewed by the Academic Standards Committee (ASC). This committee will be composed of representatives from each College.
Appeals must be submitted via the form provided within the timeline established within the dismissal notice. Failure to adhere to this time frame can result in the ASC’s refusal to review the appeal. No in-person or verbal appeals will be accepted. All appeals will be reviewed within a reasonable time frame and the final decision will be communicated via Kean University email (except in cases where the University email has been deactivated).
Reinstatement is not available for summer terms. Students who miss the deadline for their respective semester must submit a new application for the following review cycle. Late applications will not be automatically deferred.
The ASC will recommend a student’s dismissal be upheld or that they should be reinstated with specific conditions to ensure their future success at Kean. These recommendations will be forwarded to the respective dean’s office for a final review and decision. Final decisions will be sent via Kean University email from the Dean. These decisions are final and there is no further provision for appeal during that cycle.
If a student's appeal is denied, they will have the opportunity to apply for reinstatement no earlier than two subsequent semesters following the denial notification. For example, if a student is dismissed after the spring semester and is denied reinstatement, that student would not be eligible to apply for reinstatement again until the following spring, with an anticipated start term of the following fall semester.
The appeal form will guide students through a process of self-reflection and introspection to identify the challenges they faced during their time on Academic Probation and allow the ASC to identify support services which can help the student reach their goals should reinstatement be granted.
Included with the request should be any supporting documentation which can include but is not limited to proof of academic growth, in the form of taking graduate courses at another college/university, letter(s) of recommendation, and a personal statement expressing the student’s growth, both academically and personally
The reinstatement application will be reviewed by the Academic Standards Committee and a recommendation will be sent to the Office of the Dean as to grant or deny reinstatement. The Dean’s decision is final, and there is no further provision for appeal beyond that review.
Conditions for reinstatement may be established at the discretion of the program/department, Dean and/or ASC. Students must meet the conditions of their reinstatement in the established timeframe. Failure to do so may result in academic dismissal.
Students who have been dismissed for a second time may appeal their dismissal. If the appeal is not accepted and the student remains dismissed, there will be no further provision for reinstatement.
*Kean University reserves the right to make decisions regarding academic probation and dismissal based on a student’s academic performance at their discretion. Some graduate programs may have additional requirements and/or conditions. Please review your department’s requirements with your respective Program Coordinator, as well as all published handbooks.