SSU enforces stricter policies on academic disqualification

 Sonoma State is now taking a tougher stance on academic disqualification.  An already existing policy states that any student whose cumulative grade point average falls below a 1.0 at the end of the semester will be disqualified from attending SSU. 

Previously, the university would instead place those students on academic probation for a semester to allow them to raise their grade point average while still in attendance.  Now those students will be immediately disqualified. 

"We are doing this so that we are in compliance with CSU executive orders," said University Registrar Lisa Noto. "We were allowing students with a grade point average below 1.0 to go on probation and continue an additional semester, now we are not allowing this."

Instead, those students will have to continue studying at another institution, where they can raise their GPA in hopes of admission back to Sonoma State. 

While the new standard hasn't been in place for a long time, it has gained a lot of attention in the last semester.  

 "This new practice started in spring 2009," said Director of EOP and Testing, Bruce Peterson. "I think it is being noticed now because we had a higher number of students disqualified last semester." 

This new practice is most likely to affect first semester freshman since the system is based off of a cumulative GPA. This doesn't leave much cushion for freshman with only one semester on record. 

Rather than have students struggle through another semester at Sonoma State they are being disqualified after one semester with the hopes that they will continue their studies elsewhere and raise their GPA so that they may once again attend SSU. 

"Students should know that the same reinstatement rules still apply to this type of disqualification," said Peterson. 

Reinstatement is possible for students who have been separated from the university for at least one semester. After this time they may apply to the University Standards Committee for reinstatement. 

Lower division students are expected to complete enough transferable college-level course work elsewhere to raise their cumulative average to at least 2.0 before reapplying. 

In the case that a student is unable to meet the expected grade point average of 2.0 they may still reapply, but the University Standards Committee may outline certain requirements that the student must meet to avoid being disqualified a second time.

Disqualified students who are reinstated will continue to be on a probationary basis and are expected to meet requirements outlined by the University Standards Committee until all grade point deficiencies have been removed or until they are again disqualified.

Admissions & Records located on the second floor of Salazar and Career Services located on the first floor of Salazar may also be able to answer any other questions pertaining to Academic Disqualification.