Gateway Student Success Center
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Academic Difficulty

Students may struggle in their classes for a variety of reasons, including:

  • family issues
  • homesickness
  • roommate/family issues
  • illness/injuries
  • poor time management
  • too many extracurricular activities
  • unreported disabilities
  • course difficulty
  • course instruction methods
  • lack of feeling challenged in courses

In addition to the following information, students who are struggling academically should review the Fundamental Areas for Academic Success, On-Campus Resources, and Strategies for Increasing Your GPA.

Academic Standing

Your academic standing is always available for review in LOUIE by viewing either your unofficial transcript or your degree progress. The standing for each term is posted beneath the line of your cumulative GPA.

"Good"

"Good" indicates you have maintained NAU’s minimum cumulative GPA, which is always 2.0 after the completion of 30 units. There is a sliding scale in effect for students with less than 30 units.

Credit Units Earned

GPA Warranting Probation

0–14

less than 1.8

15–29

less than 1.9

30 or more

less than 2.0

"Probation"

indicates you have not maintained the minimum cumulative GPA. Any NAU student on probation is afforded a "second chance" and may still enroll in courses at NAU with the following two restrictions:

  1. Course enrollment limited to 13 units
  2. Term GPA requirement of 2.0

You may continue on probation for as many terms as it takes to raise your cumulative GPA back up to 2.0 as long as your term GPA is never below the minimum 2.0.

If your term GPA drops below a 2.0 while you are on probation, you will be academically suspended.

"Suspension"

indicates that your cumulative GPA and a subsequent term GPA have both dropped below the 2.0 requirement, and you are subject to the following three restrictions:

  1. Cancellation of enrollment in the next term. You can request a full refund of unused tuition and fees already paid by contacting the Bursar’s Office at (928) 523-3122.
  2. Cancellation of university housing in the next term. If you are a campus resident, you must contact the Office of Residence Life at (928) 523-3978 to officially check out of your hall and receive any refund due.
  3. Unable to enroll in any NAU courses.

Retroactive Withdrawal from a term

A documented, severe, extenuating circumstance (such as prolonged illness, injury, or a death in the family) that negatively affected your academic performance, may be eligible for retroactive withdrawal.

Retroactive withdrawals are not automatic. Guidelines of retroactive withdrawal:

  1. Applies to all classes taken in the term. All classes will be designated with a “W” for that term, regardless of the grades earned in individual classes. You will receive a “W” even for the classes you passed.
  2. Academic standing reverts to the term before. This could help you avoid probation or suspension. In the instance of suspension, a successful retroactive withdrawal will allow you to continue on probation status and allow you to enroll in classes at NAU for an upcoming term.
  3. Requests for retroactive withdrawal require supplemental documentation and are submitted to
    • The Office of the Registrar if you are requesting withdrawal from the most recent active term offered by the university.
      Example: It is June 2008 and you want to withdraw from the Spring 2008 term.
      Note that you will be using the Withdrawal from NAU form even though you are not withdrawing entirely from the university. Click here to access the Registrar’s Office forms.
    • The Academic Standards Committee (ASC) if you are requesting withdrawal from any term prior to the most recent active term.
      Example:It is June 2008 and you want to withdraw the Fall 2007 term.
      Please make note of the ASC meeting calendar. Click here to visit the ASC website.

Notification of Changes to Academic Standing

Each term you are on probation, you will receive an official notice from the Registrar’s Office. However only the first term you are suspended, will you receive an official notice from the Registrar’s Office.

Receipt of notice is not a requirement for restrictions to begin. While you are an active student your academic standing is your responsibility and is always available for review in LOUIE by viewing either your unofficial transcript or your degree progress.

Returning to NAU after Suspension

Academic suspension may occur at the end of the fall, spring, or summer term. You may not return to the university for at least one full term (fall, spring, or summer) after the suspension.

File a Reinstatement Appeal

Reinstatement Appeals are due in writing by the deadline for the term you wish to return. Click here Adobe PDF File for appeal deadlines and processes. Click here MS Word Doc for the reinstatement appeal form.

Late appeals

Late appeals will not be reviewed for any reason; the deadline is already determined by the last possible date that an appeal can be processed and sent to committee members for review before the committee meeting.

Documents must be received, not postmarked, in the Gateway Student Success Center by the end of the business day for the date listed. Appeals can be mailed, faxed, or delivered in person.

If you use a carrier other than the post office, do not use the PO Box address, you must provide the physical address.

Undergraduate Academic Continuation Committee (UACC) Approval

Approval of your appeal by the UACC is required to return to NAU. Missing a deadline or failing to secure a successful reinstatement will result in your being out for more than one term.

Reinstatement is never automatic and requires a majority vote of the Undergraduate Academic Continuation Committee.

You have the strongest possibility of reinstatement if you can present documented proof of your academic seriousness that justifies the committee’s approval to remove your suspension. The committee will consider the following:

  1. 12 units of documented academic coursework completed at another college or university with at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average
  2. 12 units of documented academic coursework in progress at another college or university that, when completed, show at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average
  3. A documented explanation of extenuating circumstances that resulted in your past poor academic performance and evidence that those circumstances have been resolved.
    • If you have sufficient documentation of extenuating circumstances, you should first pursue a retroactive withdrawal

Notification of UACC decisions

all notifications regarding UACC decisions are sent by mail from the committee chair

If your appeal is approved, the following will apply:

  1. You must satisfy each condition of the UACC as identified in your reinstatement letter including, but not limited to: meeting with an academic advisor, meeting with other relevant university personnel, providing requested documentation
  2. You will return to NAU with an academic standing of probation and the restrictions described in Academic Probation

If your appeal is denied, your letter will include suggestions to better prepare for the next reinstatement appeal cycle.

If your appeal is received late, you letter will prompt you to notify the chair of the UACC if you want your late appeal to be moved forward to the next reinstatement appeal cycle.

Readmission Requirement

Readmission is required for undergraduate students who have not been enrolled for three consecutive fall spring terms

If you have not attended NAU for three consecutive terms, complete the "Application for Readmission Form" located on the Registrar's website.

Do not apply for admission using the Undergraduate Admissions website. There is not a fee and you are not required to attend orientation when filing for readmission.

Strategies for Increasing your GPA

GPA Calculator

Reduce your Course Load…

A reduced load will give you more time to devote to each course in which you are enrolled and will increase your chances of doing well.

Repeat course in which you have received a “D” or “F”…

Repeating courses is the best way to improve your cumulative GPA. Be aware that you may not repeat a course at another institution to replace a grade earned at NAU. For the most updated and detailed information on grade replacement, go to the undergraduate catalog and search "Course Repeat Policy."

Reduce your non-academic activities…

Work, club activities, skiing, and social activities can cut into time needed for study.

Improve your study habits and skills…

Review the Fundamental Areas to Academic Success or contact the Learning Assistance Center at (928)523-5524 for information about programs and services to improve your study habits and skills.

Review your academic and career goals...

Career & Academic Advising Services can assist you in determining major and/or occupational paths. Contact the Gateway Student Success Center at (928)523-4772 for more information.

     
 

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