Academic Suspension and Dismissal

Academic Suspension

We recognize each semester is unique and may have its challenges. Students may experience personal and external factors that influence their academic performance.

Three consecutive semesters during which the cumulative GPA was below 2.00 will result in Academic Suspension, unless the student has achieved a 2.00 or higher semester GPA for the most recent semester. If the student’s most recent performance showed improvement (was at the 2.00 or higher level for the term), the student may remain at UMBC on Academic Probation.

NOTE: Semesters in which students completed a semester withdrawal as well as Summer and Winter semesters are not factored into consideration for the three consecutive semesters.  

 

UMBC is committed to supporting students in making decisions on their next steps during their absence from the institution.

The following are recommendations for students who need guidance on their next steps:

Academic suspension does not permanently sever a student’s connection to UMBC. Students can apply for reinstatement upon earning a 2.5 GPA or higher and a minimum of 12 credit hours at another institution. 

It’s highly recommended that students research course equivalency through the Articulation System for Maryland Colleges and Universities (ARTSYS) and Transfer Evaluation System (TES). These tools are intended to aid students in making informed decisions on their course selections at Maryland community colleges and other four-year institutions. 

For residential students, an essential first step is altering arrangements for contracted services such as Residence Life and Dining Services. Students with an F-1 visa status are encouraged to contact International Student and Scholar Services for guidance on essential next steps during their absence from UMBC. Financial aid recipients can address questions about financial aid eligibility with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Students can petition their suspension by submitting a written appeal to the Academic Actions & Reinstatement Committee by the established deadline. 

 

Academic Dismissal

Academic Dismissal from UMBC is a last resort when a student has been on Academic Probation, has been suspended from the university, reinstated, and then performs poorly. Specifically, if a student who has been reinstated after a suspension performs poorly for two consecutive semesters, that student will be Academically Dismissed from UMBC. After the first semester of cumulative GPA less than 2.00 the student is placed on Academic Probation, but a second consecutive semester of performance at that level will result in Dismissal. An Academic Dismissal notation is placed on the student’s permanent transcript. A student who has been dismissed is ineligible to enroll at UMBC. If the student has registered for a future semester, their course schedule will be canceled, as well as any housing or dining contracts.