Information found in this online edition of the 2008-09 catalog is unofficial and for informational purposes only. By authority of the dean of the College, some factual corrections to the printed version may appear here. The official document of record is the printed edition of the 2008-09 Catalog. For more information, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Academic Standing

Academic Standing Rules And Regulations

A student not on academic probation or academic suspension is considered to be in good academic standing. Academic standing is monitored at the end of each grading period by the registrar, who notifies the student and academic advisor when the student's performance is found to be unsatisfactory. Unsatisfactory performance may be the result of unsatisfactory grades (less than 2.000 semester or cumulative GPA), unsatisfactory completion of registered coursework, or both. Students receiving financial aid need also to be aware of the satisfactory progress requirements for continued eligibility for financial aid. For details, click here.

The registrar uses a set of report categories to inform a student when performance is unsatisfactory. These categories are as follows:
Warning Academic warning expresses concern that a possible problem is developing. Warnings are not recorded on the student's official transcript.
Probation Academic probation notifies the student that a problem exists. Probationary status is noted on the student's official transcript.
Suspension Academic suspension notifies the student of his or her ineligibility to enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences for a specified period of time, normally two semesters. Suspended status is noted on the student's official transcript. A student on academic suspension must meet the following conditions in order to be considered for reinstatement:

1. Earn at least 12 credits in letter-graded work from another institution. The credits must be transferable to Lewis & Clark. (Consult with the Office of the Registrar for applicable courses.)
2. Earn a minimum GPA of 2.500 in these 12 credits, with no single grade less than a C.
3. Submit a written request to the registrar. The request should contain the following: a) Personal assessment of the reason for poor performance; b) An explanation of how the student plans to overcome the difficulty, along with a proposed academic plan; c) An official transcript of all coursework completed elsewhere during the absence from Lewis & Clark.

If the student's request to be reinstated is approved by the Academic Standing Subcommittee of the Curriculum Committee, the student will be reinstated on probation.
Dismissal If after reinstatement to the Lewis & Clark a student receives a second academic suspension, the student is permanently dismissed with no further opportunity to enroll at Lewis & Clark College.

Academic Standing Criteria

A student who earns a GPA lower than 2.000 after having earned a GPA lower than 2.000 for three consecutive semesters or after having been on warning or probation for three consecutive semesters will be suspended.

A student who completes fewer than 12 credits and fails to complete all registered courses will receive a warning. A student who completes fewer than 12 credits and fails to complete all registered courses for a second consecutive semester or who is already on warning and completes fewer than 12 credits and fails to complete all registered courses will be placed on probation. A student who completes fewer than 12 credits and fails to complete all registered courses for a third consecutive semester or who is already on probation and completes fewer than 12 credits and fails to complete all registered courses will be suspended.

Academic Standing Appeal Process

If extenuating circumstances should be taken into account in determining a student's academic standing, the student may submit a written appeal to the registrar. Appeals will be reviewed by the Academic Standing Subcommittee of the Curriculum Committee, whose decision is final. The major concerns of the subcommittee are the welfare of the student and the student's ability to maintain satisfactory grades and satisfactory progress. The appeal should be made as soon as possible and must contain a personal assessment of the reason for poor performance, an explanation of how the student plans to overcome the difficulty, and a proposed academic plan. The student may solicit support from faculty or staff to help facilitate the appeal process.

Cocurricular Eligibility

In order to participate in certain cocurricular activities such as student government or varsity athletics, a student must be in good academic standing.

Definition of Class Standing

Class standing is based on the total number of completed credits:*
First year: 0–28 semester credits
Sophomore: 29–60 semester credits
Junior: 61–92 semester credits
Senior: 93 semester credits and above

* Completed credits are those that apply toward the 128 semester credits required for graduation, including transfer credits and credits by examination.

Standard Academic Progress

Standard academic progress is based on the completion of 128 semester credits over a four-year or eight-semester period, which will normally require completion of 32 semester credits per year. Some variation of up to 3 semester credits below this level is permitted, but the cumulative total of semester credits completed by the end of each year must be equivalent to the number required for promotion to the next class standing. Thus, a student is deemed to be making standard academic progress who completes 29 semester credits by the end of the first year, 61 semester credits by the end of the second year, and 93 semester credits by the end of the third year. Mathematics 055 is considered part of the academic course load and is used to calculate standard academic progress, but it cannot be counted as part of the 128 semester credits required for graduation.

Lewis & Clark recognizes that personal circumstances sometimes interfere with the ability to make standard academic progress. Students who plan to complete their degree over a longer than normal period should consult with their advisor or the director of academic advising and, if necessary, with the Office of Student Financial Services.

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