Academic Probation

This portion of your Graduate Student Handbook is designed to help you understand the universities Academic Probation Policy. Provide you with information on how to calculate your grade point balance and additional steps that must be followed. Please review the academic probation information below (Sections I - IV).  It is critical to your success in the program that read all the information provided.

I. What is Academic Probation

A graduate student enrolled in the graduate degree program in the Mihaylo College of Business & Economics will be placed on academic probation and notified of academic deficiency if a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 (B) for the approved plan of study is not maintained.  The probation will commence with the fall or spring semester following the session in which the cumulative grade-point average failed to meet the 3.0 (B) standard. It is the student's responsibility to become familiar with and understand the Academic Probation Policy.

Graduate students in the Mihaylo College of Business & Economics will be allowed two semesters, excluding summer terms, on academic probation.  However, students are subject to disqualification if they are unable to improve their academic situation or if their academic situation worsens at the end of their first semester on probation.  

 II. Disqualification

The Office of Graduate Studies approaches the subjects of student probation and disqualification very seriously and methodically.  We follow the requirements of both state law and CSUF university policy, as outlined in the University Catalog.  In addition, we consult with the graduate program advisor or chair of the department involved and conduct an in-house discussion of each potential disqualification case.

The Associate Vice President, Academic Programs, in consultation with the Mihaylo College of Business, may disqualify a graduate student who is on probation if the student does not, or cannot raise the study plan and cumulative grade-point average to 3.0 by the completion of the second regular semester following the semester in which the grade-point average fell below the minimum 3.0 standard.  In addition, if at anytime it becomes mathematically impossible to raise a your GPA to a 3.0 (B) average you will be removed from the program regardless of the number of semesters you have been on probation.

III. Grade Point Balance System

The Grade Point Balance system is a system that is used to show you your relative position to a 3.0 GPA.  A positive value indicates a GPA above 3.0, a negative value indicates less than 3.0, a zero grade point balance indicates a GPA of exactly 3.0.  You are on probation whenever there is a negative number in either the all university GPA or Cal State Fullerton GPA.  To get off probation, you need to receive enough positive grade points (A grades) to offset the negative grade points (C, D, or F grades).  B grades will not change your grade point balance. 

The attached chart shows how grade point balance values are determined for whole grades.  Pluses and minus change the grade point values.  For example, a B+ in a three unit course is actually +0.9, a B- is -0.9.

NOTE: 

Ö         All 400 & 500 level courses will have an impact on your overall GPA even if the course is not included on your Study Plan.

Ö         Pre-classification courses such as Math135, ISDS265, ISDS513, & BUAD501 may not be used to improve your study plan GPA.

Ö         Courses that are 100, 200, or 300 level will not have an impact on your overall or study plan GPA.  Note: students who have 300 level accounting pre-requisites as part of their program must maintain a 3.0 in this area.

Ö         Students in the MS Accountancy, Ms Taxation, & MS Information Systems must maintain a 3.0 in four separate areas the foundation, study plan, overall and if required Accounting / ISDS pre-requisite areas of the study plan.

IV. What is the next step in the process?

Students who go on Academic Probation for the first time must follow Five Steps that have been created to help you successfully remove yourself from probation.