Failure of a Course

When a student incurs a failing grade, the Student Assessment and Promotions Committee (SAPC) reviews that student’s entire academic record in detail and may impose remedial action as described in the “Student Remediation” section.  Receipt of a failing grade, regardless of the course or reason (knowledge, skills, behavior), will result in a change in academic standing to "Academic Probation". Refer to the section labeled “Academic Standing and Probation.”   

 Each failed course may be remediated and retaken one time only. A third attempt at the same course or any additional remediation for that same course is not permitted. A second failing grade in the same course (initial failure, plus one retake/remediation failure) will result in a recommendation for dismissal.    

 Decisions about remediation and promotion will be made in consideration of multiple factors (refer to Figure 1 "SAPC Review Process" within the Student Dismissal section), including but not limited to: 

• The number of courses failed in a given semester.
  • e.g., ≥2 course failures in a single semester. 

• The number of competencies in which expectations were not met as outlined in the course syllabi.
  • e.g., multiple competencies unmet in more than 1 course 

• The types of competencies that require remediation.
  • e.g., knowledge deficits vs. skill or behavioral deficits 

• Professionalism concerns.
  • e.g., documented discussions around expected behaviors 

• The learner’s ability to proactively seek out resources.
  • e.g., consulting with Course Director(s), meeting with faculty advisors, seeking a tutor, if needed.  

 The SAPC’s role is to apply established policies and processes equitably.  

 Students may submit additional documentation during a formal appeal. See “Student Rights – Rights for Appeals” for timelines and process (appeals must be filed within five (5) business days). New documentation submitted after the SAPC’s initial academic performance review will not be considered by the SAPC in their initial review but may be considered if properly raised in a timely appeal per the Student Rights section.