CS Undergraduate Handbook (2023-2024) - Good Standing
University of Utah, School of Computing

Good Academic Standing - Probation

The Kahlert School of Computing requires students to maintain a high level of accomplishement i.e., Good Standing, in order to graduate. Academic probation exists to help students achieve the high standards expected of a degree in computer science. Through the system of probation, students receive advice and assistance making plans to be successful. In rare circumstances, probation forces students who are unable to complete the degree requirements in a timely and satisfactory manner, to expediently move on to a more appropriate degree. In general, a student has two semesters (excluding summer) to meet the requirements for returning to good standing. Students failing to do so are removed from the CS program.

Good Standing

To remain in good standing and graduate, a student must maintain a technical GPA of 2.5 or higher in Kahlert School of Computing classes (at the 2000 level and above), as well as an overall University GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students whose GPA in either of these categories falls below 2.5 are placed on probation and given conditions for returning to good standing, which are specified in a written communication to the student.

Probation - First Time Warning

The first semester of probation is called the warning semester and does not affect a student's ability to enroll in future Kahlert School of Computing courses. Probationary students should meet with an academic advisor before registering for the semester's classes and should follow the recommended advice from the School.

Suspension - Extended Probation

The second semester of probation is called the extended probation semester. A student on extended probation is allowed to register for Kahlert School of Computing courses; however, the student's status is suspended after the class-add deadline. That is, the student is prevented from registering for future School courses until satisfactory progress is made.

Within two weeks of grades being posted for the semester, students on probation should hear from the School about their status. If a student's continuing GPAs (both cumulative and technical) are above 2.5, the student's FMS will be reinstated. Alternatively, students who have not met this requirement, but have substantially raised their GPA, will be given an additional semester of extended probation.

Students Previously On Probation

A student who has previously been on probation and then removed from probation, but is once again placed on probation, is placed in the extended probation category by default and has only a single semester to improve their GPA. Such students are strongly encouraged to meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies about the best path for returning to good standing.

Probation Due To Two Repeats

Students must adhere to the policy on repeating courses. Students who are unsuccessful in completing a required School course in two attempts are placed on extended probation with the requirement that they successfully petition to retake the course and then successfully pass the course at the next offering. Failure to do so will result in the student being permanently removed from the CS degree program.

Probation - Timely Graduation

Students who do not meet the requirement for timely graduation are placed on extended probation with the requirement that they petition to complete the remaining degree requirements in a short, yet reasonable, amount of time.

Appeal Of Probation Standing

Students who believe that they have been incorrectly placed on probation or had their status suspended have until the midpoint of the probation semester to contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies to rectify the problem. Failure to do so will result in the probation standing.