Probation, Dismissal and Reinstatement at Seaver College

The discussion of academic probation and related issues is not among the most pleasant. We hope that the information on this page will help you not only understand the policies at Seaver College, but that they will help empower students in academic jeopardy. We want this page to be a starting point for you, one that will inspire you to contact our office for individualized academic support.

We believe that probation is transitory and that with the proper attention and support, students on probation can regain satisfactory standing. We are committed to working with all students to help them realize their full potential.

If you are concerned about your academic status, please contact your academic advisor. S/he is ready to meet with you to help you address your unique challenges and come up with a plan of action to ensure your success at Pepperdine. Whether you are just starting to feel concerned about how your semester is going or you are already on probation, we want to hear from you.

Probation policy

Students falling below a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 will be placed on academic probation. Any student on probation who (1) does not earn a minimum term GPA of 2.0 in the next term of enrollment or (2) fails to clear probation within one calendar year is subject to dismissal and must sit out at least one term before requesting readmission. Registration will be cancelled for any student who is dismissed after having registered in advance for a subsequent term.

Definition of terms

Credits Committee - Seaver College's exception committee made up of a faculty member from each academic division. This committee reviews all requests for exception to stated catalog policies and also oversees the probation, dismissal and reinstatement policies.
Probation - Academic status of students whose GPA falls below a 2.0.
Continued Probation - Academic status of students whose GPA is below a 2.0 for two consecutive terms.
Dismissal - Academic consequence whereby students are no longer eligible to enroll due to a failure to clear probation within one year and/or lack of progress.

How Probation Affects Student with Financial Assistance

Full-time undergraduate students must complete a minimum of twelve units per semester with an average GPA of 2.0 or better, and must clear probation within one term in order to retain their aid. That is, students on continued probation (see above) who are receiving financial aid, will lose all aid as a result. In addition, the Credits Committee and Office of Financial Assistance will review eligibility of students with "Incomplete" ("I") grades once all of the grades have come in. This may affect students on potential or actual probation. For example, a student with a 2.0 GPA and one "I" might remain above a 2.0 if the "I" grade is a C or higher. If it isn't, the student will be on probation for the term in which she registered in the class. If the student remains on probation for a second term, s/he will lose eligibility for financial assistance. For this reason among others, we strongly caution any probationary student from requesting "I" grades.

Academic Dismissal

Seaver College will notify by certified letter and email all students whose lack of progress has resulted in dismissal. Dismissed students must sit out one term before they may request readmission. During that time, in order to maintain progress and demonstrate potential for success at Pepperdine University, students must complete a full load* of substantive courses at another regionally-accredited institution and earn A's and B's.

Readmission Policy

A student who has been absent from Seaver College for more than two terms but less than two years and who was on probation at the time of last attendance, must submit both a petition to the Credits Committee requesting approval to return and a readmission form to the Office of Student Information & Services. If the student has been absent for more than two years, s/he must submit a petition requesting permission to reapply as well as work with the Office of Admission to reapply.

The Credits Committee will not consider readmitting a dismissed student for a minimum of one semester. Dismissed students must complete a full load* of substantive courses at another regionally-accredited school and earn A's and B's. The dismissed student must petition the credits committee for reinstatement and furnish an official transcript of work completed as part of the petition process.

All students who need to petition the Credits Committee as part of the readmission process should do so at least four weeks before the start of the desired term of reentry.

* Once enrolled, Seaver students can transfer at most twelve units from another school. However, students who transfer in classes as a condition of reinstatement may transfer a total of sixteen units. Regardless, students should work with their academic advisors to select appropriate courses.