This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2026-2027 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

To be in good academic standing in graduate studies, a student must:

  • Maintain a graduate program GPA of 3.0 or better in all graduate courses
  • Maintain reasonable satisfactory academic progress toward graduate degree and graduate program requirements

Probation 

Students whose program GPA falls below 3.0 are subject to review for possible academic probation or dismissal from the program. Specifically, students may not present courses receiving less than a C for fulfilling degree requirements. Be advised that the graduate program may set more stringent grading requirements, and students are encouraged to refer to their student handbook for specific program information.

Further grounds for academic probation may include:

  • Failure to meet the conditions of admission
  • Failure to secure a major adviser, failure of comprehensive exams, lack of progress on or unsuccessful defense of a thesis/dissertation
  • Multiple program grades of C or grades of D or F
  • Receipt of a substandard grade in a course that was retaken under an approved historical repeat
  • Although the grade of U is not included in the calculation of the graduate program GPA, graduate students who receive two grades of U must be reviewed for academic probation. Students receiving three U grades will be considered for possible academic dismissal from the program.
  • Students who have completed all program minimum degree requirements but are out of compliance with minimum graduation requirements (i.e., 3.0 or better graduate program grade point average, 50 percent 500-600 level course work, graduate program handbook requirements, if applicable).
  • Discontinuous enrollment
  • Exceeding the degree time limit
  • Violation of the Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
  • Professional misconduct

Graduate programs will review all students at the end of each semester to assess satisfactory academic progress and identify any other progress-related concerns as outlined above. An academic probationary hold will be placed on the accounts of degree-seeking students whose program GPA falls below 3.0 or otherwise identified above, which may restrict certain privileges such as course registrations, assistantship eligibility or approval for graduation until good academic standing is regained. To register for subsequent course work, the student must meet with their adviser or program director to review progress. The hold will remain in effect until registration authorization is submitted via a Special Action Form to the Graduate School.

Academic probation does not apply to graduate non-degree seeking students.

Students will have up to one academic year--as determined by their academic program--to regain compliance with SAP requirements. At the end of that time, if students are still out of compliance, they should be evaluated for academic dismissal from the program for lack of academic progress.

Revised 5/10/2011; 5/10/2016; 10/5/2016; 12/9/2025
University Graduate Council