Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Section I:  Introduction

This policy applies to all graduate students within the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences (NCIAS).

Graduate students are expected to make consistent progress toward the completion of their degree. To remain in good standing in NCIAS, students must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress. This document outlines the criteria for “satisfactory academic progress” and “good standing,” and details the consequences of failing to meet these standards.

In addition to the requirements in this document, all NCIAS graduate students must comply with relevant University policies, including but not limited to the ASU Academic Integrity Policy, Student Code of Conduct, and Graduate College policies.

Section II:  Academic Performance Requirements

College faculty and staff regularly evaluate student progress. Any academic record indicating insufficient progress may result in academic probation or permanent dismissal from the program.

To remain in satisfactory academic standing, students must:

Maintain a minimum 3.00 grade point average (GPA) on all GPA’s:

• Cumulative GPA: Cumulative ASU GPA represents all courses completed in the graduate career at ASU.
• Overall Graduate GPA: The Overall Graduate GPA is based on all courses numbered 500 or higher that appear on the transcript after admission to a graduate program or graduate non-degree.  This includes shared coursework if in an approved accelerated bachelor's/master’s program. 

• iPOS GPA (Plan of Study): The Plan of Study GPA is based on all courses that appear on the iPOS (with the exception of Law & transfer coursework)

   

Program Specific Guidelines: Required Courses:
In addition to GPA minimums, programs may require specific minimum grades in required coursework (non-elective and non-culminating experience courses) listed on the ASU Degree Requirements page. Refer to Section III for Culminating Experience expectations.

Master’s Programs:

• Biological Data Sciences: Grade of “C” or higher
• Communication Studies: Grade of “B-” or higher
• English: Grade of “B-” or higher
• Forensic Psychology: Grade of “C” or higher
• Forensic Science, MS: Grade of “C” or higher 
• Forensic Science, PSM: Grade of “C” or higher  
• Interdisciplinary Studies / Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance: Grade of “B-” or higher

• Psychology (all tracks):

   

  • Students pursuing a Thesis or Applied Project: “B-” or higher

  • Students pursuing a Capstone Course: “C” or higher or higher 

     

• Social Justice and Human Rights: Grade of “C” or higher
• Social Data Science: Grade of “C” or higher

Doctoral Program:

• Law and Psychology: Grade of “B” or higher

Graduate Certificate Programs:

• Behavioral Data Science: Grade of “C” or higher
• Biological Data Science: Grade of “C” or higher
• Human Factors in Forensic Science: Grade of “C” or higher
• Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Grade of “C” or higher
• Social Justice and Human Rights: Grade of “C” or higher

Students who receive a grade below the required minimum in any non-culminating course listed on their iPOS must retake the course in a regularly scheduled class (not individualized instruction). Each course may be repeated only once. Failure to earn the required grade upon the second attempt may lead to a recommendation for dismissal. All attempts are factored into the ASU Graduate and Cumulative GPAs.

Section III: Culminating Experience Requirements

• A grade of “B” or higher is required for all graded (A–E) culminating experience courses (e.g., Applied Project, Capstone). A “B-” is not considered passing. 
• Students are allowed a maximum of two graded attempts. Failure to earn a “B” or higher on the second attempt may result in a dismissal recommendation.
• Two-Part Culminating Experiences (e.g., LSC 585/586, FOR 592/593):
  A “B” must be earned in the first part before a student may proceed to the second. If a “B” is not earned after two attempts in the first part, the student may be recommended for dismissal.
• Grades of Incomplete (“I”) or Withdrawal (“W”) in non-thesis culminating courses are not considered satisfactory progress. Students with three or more combined “I” or “W” grades may be recommended for dismissal.
• Thesis/Dissertation:
  Achieve “Y” (pass) grade must be earned in all 599 or 799 courses. 
• Multiple grades of “I” or “W” may be interpreted as insufficient academic progress.

Section IV: Academic Probation for Unsatisfactory Academic Progress

Students may be placed on academic probation if they exhibit any of the following deficiencies. Students on probation are allowed to register for the next term but may be restricted from enrolling in their culminating experience until progress is made. The terms of probation will include a timeline to address deficiencies listed in Section II.

If a student fails to demonstrate improvement, the Program Director may recommend dismissal (see Section VI).

A student is considered in violation of satisfactory academic progress if any of the following apply:

• iPOS GPA below 3.0
• Overall Graduate GPA below 3.0
• Cumulative ASU GPA below 3.0
• Failure to meet required course grades outlined in Section II
• Failure to meet culminating experience requirements in Section III

Section V: Removal from Academic Probation and Reinstatement to Good Standing

To return to good standing, students must:

• Improve academic performance to meet the standards in Section II within the specified timeframe.
• Participate in any required meetings related to academic progress.
• Follow advising recommendations on course sequence and rotation  

Section VI:  Dismissal and Appeal Process

A student may be recommended for dismissal for any of the following reasons:

• GPA in iPOS, Cumulative ASU, or Overall Graduate categories falls below 3.00
• Failure to meet all degree requirements
• Failure to earn required grades in courses as outlined
• Not following the program’s course sequencing or progression requirements
• Exceeding the six-year time limit for completing a master’s program
• Failing comprehensive/qualifying exams or proposal/prospectus defenses
• Not passing the culminating experience and, if applicable, its defense
• Having a Cumulative Graduate GPA of 1.0 after the first semester
• Failing to maintain continuous enrollment

Appeal Process:

The student has the right to appeal a recommendation for dismissal.  Dismissal recommendations are reviewed by the Program Director, School Director, and Associate Dean.

1. The student is notified that a dismissal recommendation is being forwarded to the Graduate College.
2. The student has 10 business days to submit a written appeal to the Program Director. 
   1. If the appeal is received, the student will be notified in writing that the appeal was received. 
   2. If no appeal is received, the student will be notified in writing that they are being recommended to the ASU Graduate College for dismissal.
3. An appeal will be reviewed by the Program Director, School Director, and Associate Dean.
   1. If the appeal is granted by any level of review the student will be notified and work with the academic advising team to determine next steps. 
   2. If all levels deny the appeal, the dismissal recommendation—along with supporting documentation—is forwarded to the ASU Graduate College, which makes the final decision.