Probation, Suspension and Academic Standing

A student is expected to make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree. Failure to achieve this progress may result in academic probation, suspension, or dismissal from the University, to be determined by the Academic Review Committee.

First Semester Suspension

If during the first semester at Wilmington University, a student receives two (2) or more grades “F” and “FA” (earning 0 quality points for the specific time period), the student will be automatically suspended from the University. Students will be notified in writing of this suspension.

A student under “First Semester Suspension” may seek reinstatement to the University by meeting the following criteria:

  • Two complete semesters have passed
  • A written appeal is submitted to the Academic Review Committee Chairperson
  • Based upon the content of the student’s letter, the Academic Review Committee approves the appeal

Upon approval for reinstatement, the student’s status will be on academic probation.

Academic Probation and Suspension

A student will be considered to have unsatisfactory academic standing if the cumulative grade point average falls below the following minimum requirements:

Credit Hours Earned  Cumulative GPA 
 1-30 1.6 
 31-60 1.8 
 61-120 2.0 

The Academic Review Committee will meet after each block (every 7 weeks) to review academic records. For the first occurrence, a student with a cumulative GPA below the designated minimum requirement will be placed on academic probation. A second occurrence of unsatisfactory academic progress may result in continued probation or academic suspension from the institution. Third and subsequent occurrences could also result in continued probation, suspension, or permanent suspension from the institution.

A student on probation is limited to a maximum load of 12 credit hours per semester (less, if recommended by the Academic Review Committee). Students placed on probation are required to seek consultation from the Student Academic Advising and Success Center as soon as possible but no later than one week prior to the start of the next full block or semester. Failure to do so may result in suspension from the institution.

A suspended student may be reinstated on a probationary status by presenting and receiving approval of a written appeal to the Academic Review Committee chairperson. The suspended student must wait one academic year after the suspension was issued before submitting a letter of appeal to the Academic Review Committee chairperson. The Academic Review Committee will make the decision to reinstate a student or not. If the student is reinstated to the University, the student will be reinstated on academic probation.

Any student who receives an institutional scholarship or tuition assistance from Wilmington University is required to maintain a 2.0 grade point average each semester. Failure to do so will result in the withdrawal of the institutional award from the student’s account for the following semester.


Table 1. Undergraduate Grading System 

Grade  Numerical Equivalent  Quality Points  Explanation 
A- 92-94  3.67   
86-88  3.00  Good. The student’s achievement exceeds satisfactory accomplishment, showing a clearer indication of initiative, comprehension of material, and the ability to work with concepts. 
C+ 80-82 2.33   
C-  74-76  1.67   
68-70  1.00   
Below 65  0.00  Failure. 
  0.00  Satisfactory. The student has met expected standards of scholarship. This grade signifies acceptable performance of the course objectives. 
  0.00  Incomplete. May be granted with approval from instructor. If granted, student must complete course work within time determined (maximum 60 days following end of course). Failure to complete work in determined time will result in a final grade of “F,” unless an additional extension is granted. 
AU    0.00  Audit. Does not yield credit. 
NG    0.00  No Grade. A grade was not recorded by the instructor. 

Table 2. Class Standing According to Credits Earned 

Credits Earned  Class Standing 
31-60 Sophomore 
91-120  Senior