2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Probation and Dismissal

After a graduate student attempts six (6) total graduate credits as a matriculated student, a 3.0 cumulative GPA must be achieved. Failure to meet this minimum may result in the student being placed on Academic Probation. Additionally, conditions of the probation may be set at the discretion of the Dean of the College and/or the program/department.

Upon completion of twelve (12) attempted graduate credits, if a student fails to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0, the student may be academically dismissed from Kean University at the discretion of the program/department. If a student who is on Academic Probation achieves a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, they will be removed from Academic Probation. However, if at any time during subsequent semesters the student falls below a cumulative 3.0 GPA, they will be academically dismissed from Kean University. All notices of Academic Probation and/or dismissal will occur at the completion of the fall and spring academic semesters.

When the actions and/or behavior of a student are found by the program/department or other competent authority, using established procedure, to be detrimental to the interests of the University community or to violate established professional standards, that student may be required to withdraw due to a non-academic dismissal. Notices of non-academic dismissal can occur at any time.

If a student is dismissed from Kean University, the student is entitled to appeal the dismissal to the Academic Standards Committee (ASC). This committee will be comprised of representatives from each College. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Dean of the student’s academic college, within seven calendar days of the letter of dismissal. Failure to adhere to this time frame can result in the ASC’s refusal to hear the appeal. No in-person appeals will be accepted. All appeals will be reviewed within a reasonable time frame and the committee’s decision will be communicated via Kean University email and/or regular mail from the University. The ASC’s decision is final, and there is no further provision for appeal.

If a student is dismissed from Kean University, they will have the opportunity to apply for reinstatement no earlier than two subsequent semesters. For example, if a student is dismissed after the spring semester, that student would not be eligible to apply for reinstatement until the following spring, with an anticipated start term of the following fall semester. A request for reinstatement must be submitted to the Office of the Dean no later than the December 1 for a spring reinstatement or June 1 for a fall reinstatement. Included with the request should be any supporting documentation which can include, but is not limited to: proof of academic growth, in the form of taking non-matriculated courses at another college/university, letter(s) of recommendation, and a personal statement expressing the student’s growth, both academically and personally. Additional conditions for reinstatement may be established at the discretion of the program/department, Dean and/or ASC and must be addressed in the request for reinstatement. The reinstatement application will be reviewed by the Office of the Dean and a recommendation will be sent to the Academic Standards Committee as to grant or deny reinstatement. The ASC’s decision is final, and there is no further provision for appeal beyond that review.

*Kean University reserves the right to make decisions regarding academic probation and dismissal based on a student’s academic performance at their discretion. Some graduate programs may have additional requirements and/or conditions. Please review your department’s requirements with your respective Program Coordinator, as well as all published handbooks.