Getting into American University was no easy task, and you should feel proud of how far you've come! But now that you're here, it's time to focus on the road ahead. It might be tempting to relax after tackling the whirlwind of high school and college applications, but the real academic challenges are just getting started. From juggling course loads to meeting GPA requirements and staying on track for graduation, things can get overwhelming – especially if you hit a rough patch along the way.
If you're feeling the pressure of academic progression at American University, don't worry – you're not alone. Understanding the university's policies, available support, and what happens if things don't go as planned is key to staying on course.
The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law firm can help you navigate the ups and downs of academic life at American University. Whether you're facing academic probation, struggling to meet GPA requirements, or just feeling unsure about your path, we can help. Get in touch today by calling 888.535.3686 or filling out our contact form.
Academic Progression Requirements at American University
At American University, your academic standing is determined by several factors, including your GPA, completion of course requirements, and satisfactory progress toward your degree. While specific requirements may vary between undergraduate and graduate programs, the core principles are the same: keep up your grades and stay on track to graduate within the allotted time.
For undergraduates, you'll need to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA to stay in good standing. If your GPA falls below this threshold, you could face academic probation, suspension, or even dismissal, depending on the severity and duration of the issue. The good news is that American University offers a range of academic support services, such as tutoring and advising, to help you stay on course.
Students have up to six years to complete their degree, offering some flexibility for those who need to take a lighter course load or pause their studies for personal reasons. However, it's important to maintain consistent progress, completing a minimum of 120 credits, including both core and major-specific courses, to meet graduation requirements.
Graduate students have a bit of a different setup, with most programs requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and sometimes stricter deadlines for finishing the degree. Typically, master's degree students must finish their program within six years, while PhD candidates have up to nine years. Failing to meet these standards can result in academic probation or suspension, and graduate students may face additional consequences related to their financial aid or assistantships if they fall behind academically.
Decision Process
If a student at American University isn't making progress toward their degree, they may receive an academic warning, but it won't appear on their transcript. However, if a student's cumulative GPA drops below 2.0, they'll be placed on academic probation by the Office of the University Registrar. Part-time students must follow these rules once they've attempted 12 credit hours.
Students on academic probation will be notified in writing and given specific conditions they must meet, like achieving minimum grades or completing certain courses. While on probation, students may face restrictions on their course load, be ineligible to hold office in student organizations, and, if they are Division I athletes, lose eligibility for intercollegiate competitions after their second semester. However, athletes may be allowed to finish their current season with their academic unit's approval.
SAP Standards
American University's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy outlines what you need to do to keep your financial aid. It's not just about your GPA – though that's important – but also about how many credits you successfully complete. Undergrads need to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, pass two-thirds of their attempted credits, and finish their degree within six years or 180 credits. Graduate students have similar expectations but must keep a 3.0 GPA.
The financial aid office reviews your progress every year, usually right after the spring semester ends. If you're not meeting the SAP requirements, you could lose your aid. However, if you've faced challenges – whether personal, medical, or academic – you can file an appeal explaining what went wrong and how you plan to fix it. If the appeal is accepted, you'll get another semester of aid while they keep an eye on your progress.
Even if your appeal is denied, it's not a dead end. You can regain your eligibility by improving your grades or completing more credits on your own. There are always ways to recover and keep moving forward.
Premier Education Law Team
Many students assume that once they enter college, they're on their own when it comes to handling any challenges that come their way – especially academic ones. It's easy to feel like if you run into trouble with grades or progress, you're expected to figure out how to fix it all by yourself. But now, you know that's not the case.
There are plenty of resources and people available to help you navigate academic hurdles. Whether it's probation, struggling to meet GPA requirements, or needing support with academic progression, you don't have to go through it alone. With the right guidance, you can tackle these issues and get back on track.
The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has represented hundreds of students in academic progress cases. We know the ins and outs of university processes and can provide valuable advice on how to navigate them to your benefit. If you or your child is facing academic dismissal or has already been dismissed, it's important to understand your options. We are here to help. To learn more, contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or use our online form.
