Academic Standing: Warning and Suspension

Students at the University of Minnesota must be in good academic standing to meet the minimum degree requirements for graduation. Good academic standing is defined as having a cumulative (overall) and term grade point average (GPA) at or above 2.0. 

CLA places a student on Academic Warning when either their term GPA or their cumulative GPA is below 2.0. Being placed on Academic Warning can have negative impacts on your overall degree progress and financial aid eligibility. After a student's Academic Warning semester, if both their term GPA and cumulative GPA fall below 2.0, then CLA places the student on suspension. Consult the overview of UMN academic warning and suspension policy.

The College of Liberal Arts knows that every student has the potential to succeed. Navigating academic challenges is a normal part of the college experience. Being placed on Academic Warning is a signal to reassess and adjust your approach to your studies. If you are struggling personally or academically, your CLA college advisor can help you identify your needs and develop a holistic support plan.

  • Good academic standing means a term GPA and cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • If either GPA falls below 2.0, CLA places you on academic warning.
  • If both GPAs (term and cumulative) fall below 2.0 after your warning semester, CLA places you on suspension.
  • Academic warning can affect degree progress and financial aid.

Read the University’s full policy on academic warning and suspension 

When you are placed on warning:

  1. Academic Warning Hold
    • A “PB” hold is added to your record.
    • You must meet with your CLA advisor to temporarily inactivate the hold to allow for registration.
  2. Required Steps
    • Complete the Academic & Personal Self-Assessment.
    • Schedule your first appointment with your advisor before the end of week 2 of the semester.
    • Schedule a second appointment with your advisor before your registration queue date for the next term.

Appointments: z.umn.edu/claappt or call CLA Student Services at 612-625-2020
 

First Appointment (Weeks 1–2)

  • Complete the Academic & Personal Self-Assessment beforehand.
  • Bring questions about academic warning and campus resources.
  • Be ready to set realistic, attainable goals for the semester.

Second Appointment (Before Registration Queue Date)

  • Reflect on your classes:
    • What is working?
    • Which classes are fun or challenging?
    • How are your study habits?
  • Consider self-care and connections with instructors.
  • Review your progress toward the goals you set earlier.
  • Know your current grades and estimate your end-of-semester GPA.

At the end of the semester, your record is reviewed.

Result of Review Outcome

Term greater than or equal 2.0 AND Cumulative greater than or equal 2.0

 Returned to good academic standing and the warning hold is removed.
Term less than 2.0 OR Cumulative less than 2.0 Continued on academic warning and must repeat the academic warning program next semester.
Term less than 2.0 AND Cumulative than 2.0 Suspension from the University.
  • Suspension occurs if both term and cumulative GPAs are below 2.0 after your warning semester.
  • You will be dropped from future courses and can appeal to return from suspension after one year.
  • Meet with your CLA advisor for guidance on next steps and possible readmission.

Study Skills and Writing Support

Mental Health and Physical Health 

Diversity and Equity

Multilingual Resources – International Support

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