2024-2025 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 be sent via Kean email 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 academically dismissed from Kean University, the student is entitled to appeal the dismissal and apply for reinstatement. Reinstatement applications are reviewed by the Academic Standards Committee (ASC). The ASC will recommend a student’s dismissal be upheld or that they should be reinstated with specific conditions to ensure their future success at Kean. These recommendations will be forwarded to the respective dean’s office for a final review and decision. Final decisions will be sent via Kean University email from the Dean. These decisions are final. This committee will be composed of representatives from each College. The appeal must be submitted via the form provided with the dismissal notification within seven calendar days of the letter of dismissal. Failure to adhere to this time frame can result in the ASC’s refusal to review the appeal. No in-person or verbal 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 (except in cases where the University email has been deactivated). 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 via the Office of Student Success and Retention no later than October 1 for a spring reinstatement or July 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 Academic Standards Committee and a recommendation will be sent to the Office of the Dean as to grant or deny reinstatement. The Dean’s decision is final, and there is no further provision for appeal beyond that review.

Students who have been dismissed for a second time may appeal their dismissal. If the appeal is not accepted and the student remains dismissed, there will be no further provision for reinstatement.

*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.