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Graduate School of Library and Information Studies

Academic Standing & Scholastic Probation

GSLIS Policy

Academic Standards for Matriculating MLIS Students: A student shall be placed on scholastic probation (provisional status) if the student's cumulative scholastic average falls below a 3.00. If the student is unable to achieve a cumulative average of 3.00 at the end of the next semester, or if the student's cumulative average falls below 3.00 again in a subsequent semester, GSLIS will recommend to the Graduate School that the student be dismissed from the MLIS program for academic reasons.

For purposes of determining dismissal of part-time students, an accumulation of nine (9) attempted credits will be considered as the minimum standard for one semester's work. Therefore, a matriculated student shall be recommended for dismissal for scholastic reasons if he or she earns a cumulative average of:

  • Less than 2.5 for the first 6 attempted credits
  • Less than 2.7 for the first 9 attempted credits
  • Less than 2.75 for the first 12 attempted credits
  • Less than 2.8 for the first 15 attempted credits
  • Less than 3.0 for the first 18 attempted credits, or at any subsequent point in the program

In addition, no course for which a student earns less than a C shall be counted toward graduation. A student earning less than a C in a required course must take the course again for program credit; a student earning less than a C in an elective may substitute a different course for program credit.

A course with a failing grade that has been retaken or replaced will be considered taken for no plan credit but must remain on the student's transcript and be included in calculating the quality point average. If the course is retaken and a satisfactory grade achieved, it may then be used to satisfy degree requirements. In all cases any failing grade (a grade of C- or lower for 500- 600 level, a grade of B- or lower for 400 level courses) must be included in the grade point average and appear on the transcript.

When a student receives a report of "incomplete" (I) or when no grade is reported, the student's standing shall be calculated from the remainder of the student's work.

Notification: A student whose grade point average falls below 3.00 is notified by the Graduate School (see attached sample letter from the Associate Dean of the Graduate School). The Director of the Library School will request that the Graduate School attach an additional letter from GSLIS, explaining the above criteria for academic dismissal, and that the student be dismissed if the criteria are met.

Procedure for Appealing Dismissal: The Director of GSLIS, in consultation with the Dean of the Graduate School, will notify any student who is subject to academic probation or dismissal.

Students recommended for dismissal shall have the right to appeal to the Director within five business days of the date of notice by filing with the Director a written statement explaining the extenuating circumstances and stating the reasons why the dismissal action should not prevail.

A scholastic standing committee shall be established for GSLIS. The membership shall comprise the Director and two or more GSLIS faculty members. This committee shall review the student's appeal and confirm the recommendation for dismissal, or recommend continuing the student on probation. The recommendation from the Scholastic Standing Committee will be forwarded to the Graduate School for review and determination of student status.

The Scholastic Standing Committee shall meet as soon after the end of each final grade period as is practicable.

Reinstatement of Matriculating Students: The GSLIS Admissions Committee may recommend a student who has been dismissed for reenrollment after a period of one academic year. The student seeking reinstatement shall submit a written request to the Admissions Committee. If in the Committee's judgment, incorporating the evidence from any LIS work or course work taken elsewhere, the student may reasonably be expected to do satisfactory work, it shall forward its recommendation for reenrollment to the Graduate School.

Appeal of Grades: Faculty members bear responsibility for the evaluation of students and their professional judgment in this regard is to be respected.

  1. GSLIS students who object to a recorded grade in a course should discuss the matter initially with the instructor.
  2. If the issue remains unresolved, students should make their case in writing to the GSLIS Director. If the Director thinks the appeal has merit, she/he should so inform the instructor.
  3. If this still fails to produce resolution, the Director should refer the matter to the GSLIS Scholastic Standing Committee for a recommendation. (For petitions concerning grades, the Scholastic Standing Committee shall include a faculty member from a closely allied department or discipline.)
    1. If, after investigating the appeal, the committee concludes that compelling reasons exist to modify a grade, it will give the instructor a written explanation of its decision and ask that person to make the change.
    2. If the instructor still declines, he/she must provide the committee with a written explanation of the reasons for refusing.
    3. If, after considering the instructor's explanation, the committee agrees unanimously that it would be unjust to let the original grade stand, it shall direct the Director that the grade be changed over the instructor's objection. The Director will then initiate the change, notifying the instructor, the student, the instructor's dean, the student's dean, and the Office of Student Affairs of this action.

The only exception to these guidelines shall be in cases where the instructor can no longer be consulted (e.g., that person has died or moved to an unknown address). In these circumstances, the Director shall act in the stead of the absent instructor and modify a student's grade if a departmental or college appeals committee unanimously recommends such action in writing. In general, grades under appeal should not be considered when evaluating students for continuance in an academic program or for scholarship eligibility. The filing of the appeal must occur within two semesters following the issuing of the grade.