A student who has been suspended from UMBC for poor academic performance may apply for reinstatement after at least one semester away from the university. During the period away from UMBC, the student is expected to complete at least 12 academic credits at another college or university and earn at least a 2.5 GPA in those courses. Once that has been achieved, a student may submit a reinstatement application.
The reinstatement application requires the student to explain the reasons for their poor academic performance at UMBC and why they expect to be more successful if allowed to return. The application must be signed by a UMBC academic advisor (usually in the student’s major department) and must include official transcripts from all colleges attended during the period of suspension from UMBC. Ordinarily, students who have achieved the 2.5 or higher GPA at a community college or other institution will be reinstated, although the student’s total application will be reviewed carefully.
Five Ways to Make Yourself a Good Candidate for Reinstatement
- Complete coursework at another institution with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Take serious academic courses and earn an average ABOVE 2.5 to maximize chances of reinstatement.
- Submit your reinstatement application well before the deadline, even if you do not have the final transcript yet. Send the transcript as soon as it is available.
- Well in advance, make an appointment to meet with a UMBC advisor and obtain their support and sign-off for your application. Have your Academic Plan of Action written BEFORE you meet with the advisor.
- Follow up with the Admissions office to be sure that they have all the items needed for a completed file. Your application file will not be reviewed until it is complete.
- If there is a UMBC faculty member (in addition to your advisor) or a faculty member at the other college you attended who is willing to write a letter of support, include that in your application package.