The opportunity to continue at Colby is a privilege earned by satisfactory academic achievement. The Committee on Academic Standing reviews the academic records of all enrolled students at the end of each semester to verify satisfactory progress toward the degree. The Office of the Dean of Students informs students of changes in their academic standing.

Academic Probation

Students who earn fewer than 12 credits or a grade point average between 1.70 and 1.99 in any semester will be placed on academic probation. A student will be placed on probation in the major if the major average falls below 2.0 or if there is inadequate progress toward completion of the major. Only when there are compelling extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, unusual personal problems) is it advisable for a student to carry fewer than 12 credits; such a reduced program must be approved by the dean of students, and may still result in academic probation.

A student who is on probation must earn 12 credits and a C (2.00) average in the subsequent semester to avoid continued probation or dismissal. The January term will be considered part of the full year’s performance in evaluations made by the committee at the end of the second semester. A student placed on probation in the major must regain or change that major in the subsequent semester (refer to the section Major Requirement in the Catalogue).

Any student on academic probation is required to consult with his/her academic advisor, advising dean, and any extracurricular advisor, such as a coach, to discuss whether the student should continue participation in extracurricular activities.

Academic Dismissal

Students who earn less than a 1.70 grade point average in any semester or who do not earn at least 12 credits and a 2.00 grade point average while on probation, or in two successive semesters, will be dismissed from the College for one academic year. Students may appeal a dismissal by submitting a written statement to the Committee on Academic Standing prior to its meetings in mid-January and mid-June (held approximately two weeks after semester grades have been posted). This is the only opportunity to appeal the dismissal.

Students who have been dismissed may, after one year, apply to the committee for reinstatement. Before requesting readmission, the student must earn a B or better in at least two pre-approved courses taken at an accredited institution. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate the readmission process by submitting a written request to return to his/her advising dean by December 1 for spring semester and by May 1 for a fall semester return. The committee will take favorable action on readmission applications only when satisfied that the factors which led to failure have been adequately addressed and that the student has ample motivation and capacity to earn the degree. Readmission is a privilege, not a right.

Upon a student’s return to the College, his or her records from study elsewhere are subject to review and action by the Committee on Academic Standing. A readmitted student will be on academic probation during the first semester back.  A second dismissal is permanent.

Academic Standing

	Semester g.p.a		Semester credits
Good Standing	≥2.0	and	≥12
Academic Probation	1.70-1.99	and/or	≤11
Academic Dismissal	<1.70 or <2.0 while on probation

A student's class standing is determined primarily by the number of full-time semesters completed, but also by credit hours earned.
 

First-year standing: fewer than two semesters or fewer than 28 credit hours.

Sophomore standing: two or three semesters and 28 to 60 credit hours.

Junior standing: four or five semesters and 61 to 89 credit hours.

Senior standing: six or more semesters and 90 or more credit hours.

Class standing is not automatically changed to a higher level upon the posting of additional credits; students who believe themselves eligible for a change of class year should consult the registrar. Students will be warned if they are not making adequate progress toward the 128 credits needed to graduate.

Warning Notices

When attendance is problematic, work is late, or performance is at a C- level or below, most professors will send out a warning notice to the student. When a student receives warnings in two or more courses (or any warnings while on academic probation), parents are notified through the Office of the Dean of Students.

Medical/Psychological Leaves

Occasionally, a student’s medical condition interferes with one’s studies to the point s/he needs to take a leave of absence.  The College has adopted a Medical Leave of Absence Policy, which includes provisions for both voluntary and mandatory medical leaves.  In certain circumstances where it is determined that a student's physical or mental condition presents a direct threat of substantial harm to him or herself or others, the College, based upon the recommendation of the College Medical Director or the Director of Counseling or their designee, may impose a Mandatory Medical Leave of Absence.  The terms of the Leave of Absence and the Policy in its entirety, including the student's right to appeal, will be provided to the student at the time any Mandatory Medical Leave of Absence is imposed.  Students may also request a copy of the Policy from the Office of the Dean of Students.

 

Marks of W are posted to a student’s transcript when the medical leave of absence prohibits the completion of the semester.
 

Withdrawal from College, Leave of Absence

Students who leave Colby while a semester is in progress are required to withdraw formally, as are students who leave at the end of a semester with no definite plans for return. Students who withdraw are not permitted to return without approval of the dean of students. Students who withdraw for medical reasons must have the permission of the College physician in order to apply for readmission. Eligibility for initial or continued financial assistance from the College will be subject to review and action by the College's Office of Student Financial Services.

 

Students taking a leave of absence must notify the College by the date when course pre-registrations are due for the following term.

 

Students who leave to participate in College-approved student programs elsewhere, or who leave at the end of a semester for a specified period, may take a leave of absence and are not required to obtain special permission in order to return.

 

All withdrawals and leaves of absence must be effected officially by filing a form with the dean of students. The proper exit procedure must be followed to be eligible for any refunds that may be due (see Refunds in the section titled Student Fees). A student who leaves without official notification is not eligible for refunds, which are calculated from the date the withdrawal is approved by the dean of students.

 

Marks of W, WF, and WU indicate withdrawal from a course and represent the student's standing at the time of withdrawal. W indicates either passing or no basis for judgment. WF indicates failing. WU indicates that the grade would be below C- in a course being taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. These marks are excluded from computation of all averages.