Rutgers Academic Warnings: What You Need To Know

Academic probation and warnings are commonplace at universities, and Rutgers University is no exception. Students at Rutgers can be placed on academic warning or probation for various reasons, including low GPAs, failing grades, and poor attendance. The specific criteria for academic warning and probation can vary between schools within the university, such as the School of Engineering and the School of Business. Understanding the academic policies and procedures at Rutgers University is essential for both students and faculty members to ensure academic success and integrity.

Explore related products

GRAPHICS & MORE Rutgers Scarlet Knights Logo Home Business Office Sign

$24.49

Immigration and Refugee Law and Policy (University Casebook Series)

$305

Writing Public Policy

$47

Property: Principles and Policies (University Casebook Series)

$297.05

Fragile Elite: The Dilemmas of China's Top University Students (Anthropology of Policy)

$18.49 $26

How Policies Make Interest Groups: Governments, Unions, and American Education

$29.57 $34.99

A GPA of less than 2.0

At Rutgers University, a GPA of less than 2.0 after a previous semester of Satisfactory Standing (a GPA of 2.0 or higher) will result in a student being placed on Academic Warning. This is an opportunity for students to reflect on their academic performance and make improvements to return to Satisfactory Standing. Students on Academic Warning may be required to participate in programs designed to help them improve their GPA and may have a course and credit limit imposed, typically not exceeding 16 credits.

Students on Academic Warning must achieve a term average of 2.0 or higher to be removed from Academic Warning. Failure to comply with the conditions of Academic Warning may result in further consequences, such as restrictions on registration, Academic Suspension, or Academic Dismissal.

Academic Suspension and Academic Dismissal are based on a student's cumulative grade point average (GPA) and are determined by their recorded year of anticipated graduation and the number of completed semesters of enrollment. The Cumulative GPA is reviewed annually at the end of the Spring semester to ensure students are making consistent progress toward graduation standards.

Academic Suspension occurs when a student falls below the required cumulative GPA standard. Students with an Academic Suspension are guaranteed one attempt at completing Summer coursework to improve their academic standing. Academic Dismissal is a more severe consequence that must be addressed immediately following notification. Re-enrollment after Academic Dismissal is not guaranteed and is determined based on academic history and the viability of successful degree completion.

It is important for students to actively monitor their academic standing and seek assistance if they are experiencing difficulties. While a GPA of less than 2.0 can result in Academic Warning, it is an opportunity for students to receive support and make the necessary improvements to continue their academic journey.

Probation and dismissal

At Rutgers University, students are placed on academic warning when their term GPA falls below 2.00 after a previous semester of Satisfactory Standing (2.00 or higher). Failure to comply with the conditions of Academic Warning may result in further restrictions on registration or Academic Suspension or Dismissal.

Probation

Students are placed on academic probation when their GPA falls below 2.0 for more than two semesters. Students on probation are required to complete at least nine credits of STEM courses relevant to their major. To be removed from academic probation, students must bring both their cumulative and major GPA above 2.0. If a student's term GPA is 2.3 or higher but their cumulative and major GPA is still below 2.0, they will be on probation for another semester.

Dismissal

The Committee on Student Scholastic Standing can decide to dismiss students from the School of Engineering if any of the following occur:

• Cumulative GPA is less than 2.0
• Major GPA is less than 2.0
• The student does not improve during the probationary term
• The student doesn’t progress in the engineering curriculum even if they show progress in non-STEM courses

Students will also be dismissed from the School of Engineering after completing one more semester of non-engineering coursework, with or without being on academic probation in the previous semester. If a student's cumulative GPA is below 2.0, but their semester GPA is above 2.3, they can apply for a second non-engineering semester to improve their cumulative GPA. In all other cases, the student will not be allowed to continue at Rutgers in the next term and would need to go through the readmission process.

Credit limits

At Rutgers University, students are placed on academic warning when their term GPA falls below 2.00 after a previous semester of Satisfactory Standing (a GPA of 2.00 or higher). While on academic warning, students are restricted to a course and credit limit of 16 credits. This limit may be lower for students on academic probation. For example, one student reports that they were restricted to 12 credits after their first semester GPA of 0.6 placed them on probation.

Graduating seniors and students with extenuating circumstances related to Financial Aid Standards of Academic Progress may petition for an exemption to the credit limit. Students must earn a term average of 2.00 or higher to be removed from academic warning.

Students at the School of Engineering are reviewed by the Committee on Student Scholastic Standing after the fall and spring semesters. If a student's semester GPA, cumulative GPA, or major GPA is 2.0 or lower, the committee decides whether to give these students a warning, place them on probation, or dismiss them from the School of Engineering. Students placed on academic probation must complete at least nine credits of STEM courses relevant to their major.

Students on academic probation whose term GPA is 2.3 or higher but whose cumulative and major GPA are still below 2.0 will remain on probation for another semester. Students may be dismissed from the School of Engineering after one semester on probation if:

• Their cumulative GPA is less than 2.0.
• Their major GPA is less than 2.0.
• They do not improve during the probationary term.
• They do not progress in the engineering curriculum, even if they show progress in non-STEM courses.

Explore related products

Natural Resources Law and Policy (University Casebook Series)

$290

Criminology and Public Policy: Putting Theory to Work: Putting Theory to Work

$34 $37.95

International Environmental Law and Policy (University Casebook Series)

$305

A City and Its Universities: Public Policy in Chicago, 1892-1919

$5.29 $47.5

Public Policy Writing That Matters

$25.63 $26.95

Academic Capitalism: Politics, Policies, and the Entrepreneurial University (American Land Classics)

$30.62 $34

Mandatory advising

At Rutgers University, an Academic Warning is issued when a student's term GPA falls below 2.00 after a previous semester of Satisfactory Standing (2.00 or higher). Students on Academic Warning may be required to participate in programs designed to help them return to Satisfactory Standing. Failure to comply with the conditions of Academic Warning may result in further restrictions, including Academic Suspension or Dismissal.

The purpose of mandatory advising is not only to help students raise their grades but also to empower them with the skills and mindset needed to succeed academically. Advisors work closely with students to identify the reasons behind their low GPA and develop personalized plans for improvement. This may include assistance with time management, study strategies, note-taking techniques, and test preparation. Advisors also help students connect with relevant campus resources, such as tutoring services, writing centres, or mental health support, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.

The frequency and duration of mandatory advising sessions can vary depending on the student's needs and the policies of their specific school or department within Rutgers University. Some students may be required to participate in mandatory advising for a specified period, while others may continue until they have achieved Satisfactory Standing and demonstrated sustained academic improvement. Throughout the process, the goal is to provide a supportive environment that helps students develop the skills and confidence necessary to thrive in their academic pursuits.

Cheating and plagiarism

Rutgers University has a strict academic integrity policy that defines violations of academic integrity and outlines the potential penalties for such violations. The university uses Turnitin, a plagiarism-detection software, to check students' papers for plagiarism. If a student's work is flagged by the software, they may be accused of cheating and enter the university's disciplinary process. This process includes hearings, written appeals, and panels that judge the case.

Plagiarism and cheating are considered serious offenses at Rutgers University, and the university takes several steps to address these issues. The Office of Student Conduct administers the Rutgers University Academic Integrity Policy, which outlines the behaviors that constitute academic dishonesty and the procedures for resolving integrity violations. The university also provides an online reporting form for potential academic integrity violations.

Students accused of cheating or plagiarism may face various consequences, depending on the severity of the case. In some instances, students may be dismissed from the university, and these expulsion cases become a part of the student's and university's permanent records. Other cases are kept on file for ten years, and students can request to have their records expunged.

It is important to note that the majority of Rutgers students accept responsibility when accused of cheating. However, there have been instances where students have disputed the charges and tried to clear their names, even after graduating. For example, a former Rutgers student, Serpico, was accused of plagiarism and failed her "Argumentation" course. She maintained her innocence and hired a lawyer to help reverse the university's ruling, arguing that proper procedures were not followed. Despite her efforts, Rutgers officials refused to change their decision.

Maintaining academic integrity is crucial for students at Rutgers University. The university provides resources and policies to address cheating and plagiarism, ensuring the academic honesty and fairness expected of its students.

Frequently asked questions