Academic Standing
Q: How does the College review my son's progress towards graduation?
A: (1) The College of Arts and Sciences monitors each student's academic performance every semester through the Academic Standing process. The minimum satisfactory academic achievement for full-time students is defined as 10 hours for students in their first semester (with fewer than 14 hours of transfer credit), and 12 hours for all other semesters. Students not meeting the minimum standard will be placed on academic probation or suspension.
(2) The Conservatory of Music also reviews the academic progress of Conservatory students, including Double-Degree students, at the end of every semester. Conservatory students are expected to be enrolled full time in the Conservatory in each semester of study, to pass a minimum number of course credit hours, and to be working toward completion of one or more Conservatory majors at a rate suggested by the recommended distribution of requirements for each major. Double-Degree students are expected to be enrolled full time in both divisions in each semester of study, to pass a minimum number of course credit hours, and to be working toward completion of majors in both divisions.
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions about my son's academic standing?
A: Contact Kathryn Stuart, Dean of Studies, if you have questions or concerns about Academic Standing in the College of Arts and Sciences. Contact the Associate Dean of the Conservatory if you have questions about the Academic Standing process in the Conservatory.
Q: What are the consequences of probation?
A: If a student is placed on probation, it means that the respective Academic Standing Committee has reviewed his/her case and is expressing its official concern on behalf of the faculty. A student will be placed on continued probation if he/she fails to achieve the minimum academic standard in a second semester.
Q: What is academic suspension? What are the consequences of suspension?
A: Two consecutive semesters of under-achievement in hours will be regarded more seriously – academic suspension is a likely consequence. Academic suspension is possible even if a student has not previously been on probation if less than half of the required minimum number of hours is earned in any semester. A student may be asked directly by a graduate or professional school or prospective employer whether he/she has ever been on probation or suspension.
Q: My daughter was suspended for two semesters. Can she appeal to return after one semester of suspension?
A: Yes, students can appeal the suspension decision by following a well-defined appeal process within certain deadlines. Please contact Kathryn Stuart, Dean of Studies, for details.
Q: My son was suspended for two semesters. It's time for him to return now, what does he need to do?
A: Suspended students must submit a Readmission/Reinstatement form to the Registrar's Office for readmission to Oberlin. Under some circumstances, students are asked to submit additional materials prior to action on their applications. Appropriate forms and materials must be received by August 1 for fall semester and by January 2 for spring semester. Students must be cleared for readmission/reinstatement by August 15 for fall semester or January 15 for spring semester in order to enroll for that semester. No exceptions are made.