Graduate Programs
Students must meet the academic standards as defined by Mary Baldwin University and the program in which they are enrolled. Failure to meet these standards will result in academic probation, suspension, or dismissal from the program, and/or Mary Baldwin University.
Academic Progress
The associate dean or program director reviews each student’s academic record after each semester to determine whether students are making satisfactory progress towards the degree. The degree or certificate completion requirements for each student are those in effect on the date of first enrollment as a full-time, degree-seeking student.
Academic Standing
To remain in good academic standing, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA in graduate work.
In the event that a student earns a grade of D, F, or NC in a course in their graduate program, the course in which the unsatisfactory grade was earned must be repeated with a successful grade earned prior to enrolling in any further courses. If the particular course is unavailable during the next semester, with advisor recommendation and dean or program director approval, the student may be permitted to proceed with other coursework until such course becomes available, at which time, the course with the D, F, or NC grade must be repeated before proceeding with any other courses. Graduate courses may only be repeated twice for a total of three attempts.
Students are expected to know and understand the specific requirements for their program. To ensure their own compliance with those requirements, they should consult the Academic Catalog and speak frequently with their advisor or the program director. All students are responsible for monitoring their own progress in their program and in each of their courses. If experiencing academic difficulties, a student should consult the relevant faculty to determine what remedial measures are necessary.
A student not in good standing may be placed on probation, suspended, withdrawn or dismissed from the program or university.
During a student’s program, certain circumstances may lead to probation, suspension, or dismissal from the student's graduate program or Mary Baldwin University.
Academic Probation
Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better to continue in the program and graduate. Students falling below an overall GPA of 3.0 in any given semester will be placed on academic probation. A student on probation will be notified in writing, including of any special provisions and may be required to consult with their advisor.
Academic Suspension
Students are required to meet the specific program academic standards for the program in which they are enrolled. Failure to maintain these standards may result in academic suspension and possible dismissal or withdrawal from MBU.
A student who is suspended from their program may not re-enroll before a year has elapsed. After one year, the student desiring to re-enroll must apply through the admissions process in place at the time of reapplication and must meet all admissions criteria in place at that time. Students must provide evidence that problems that led to suspension have been mastered. Readmission is not guaranteed.
Students may appeal a program suspension decision and after a student’s appeal, the college may, at its sole discretion, allow the student to return on probation.
Immediate Suspension
Students whose semester GPA is 1.0 or below may be subject to immediate suspension from Mary Baldwin University, without having spent the usual period on probation. Such suspensions are for one semester or a full year.
Summary Suspension
Pending action of the program's Honor Council, other administrative body, or civil courts, the status of a student should not be altered or their right to be present on campus and to attend classes suspended except for reasons relating to the safety and well-being of students, faculty, or university property. If such a threat to safety and well-being exists, MBU may summarily suspend the student until resolution by the appropriate body is achieved.
Dismissal
A student readmitted following a suspension or program dismissal may be dismissed from MBU if the student’s work requires academic probation or the student has made unacceptable progress toward raising their GPA to the required levels. The Office of the University Registrar will note the dismissal on the student's academic record.