Standards of Academic Progress

Madison College has created standards of academic progress to help you as you reach for your educational goals. These standards and related procedures are designed to:

  • Recognize when you are making good or exemplary progress toward degree completion. If you've done well, we want to celebrate it with you.
  • Help you when you may be struggling with your classes. If you are not doing well, we want to provide the resources and assistance that can get you back on track.
  • Help you evaluate your educational choices. We want you to be certain you are in a Madison College program that suits you.
  1. Academic Standing Levels

    There are several levels of academic standing. These are based on your progress toward program completion in a minimum of six eligible-to-grade credits. The levels are:

    • Graduation with Academic Honors - This honor is awarded when you complete your program and maintain a 3.75 overall major grade point average (GPA) in the program. When you achieve this honor, a special designation is included on your diploma.
    • Dean's List - When you earn at least a 3.50 GPA and complete 67 percent or more of your enrolled courses within a semester, you are placed on the Dean's List.
    • ·   Perfect Honors: 4.0 GPA
    • ·   High Honors: 3.75 GPA – 3.99 GPA
    • ·   Honors: 3.50 GPA – 3.74 GPA
    • Academic Good Standing - You must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or above and complete 67% or more of your enrolled courses within a semester to remain in Academic Good Standing. 
    • Academic Alert - Once you fall below the standard for “academic good standing”, you will be placed on academic alert.
    • Academic Probation - If you fall below the standard for “academic good standing” for two consecutive semesters, you will be placed on academic probation.
    • Academic Suspension - If you fall below the standard for "academic good standing" for a third consecutive semester, you will be suspended from the college for one semester.

    Note: Programs may establish additional levels of standards of progress. These will be published in their program handbook and identified on the course syllabus. Additionally, if you receive financial aid, you must also comply with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid recipients. These may differ from the college standards.

    This policy will be in effect for the summer of 2017.

  2. Falling Below Good Standing

    If you find you are struggling with your classes, you can expect the college to be ready to help. Here is what we will do to help get you back on track.

    Academic Alert

    • You and your program director are notified.
    • You are provided information on academic and student support services.
    • You are referred to an advisor and are encouraged to develop an academic improvement plan.
       

    ​Academic Probation

    • You and your program director are notified.
    • You are provided information on academic and student support services.
    • You are required to meet with an advisor and to develop an academic improvement plan. This plan may include mandatory academic and student support services.
    • You are not allowed to register for classes until you meet with an advisor.
    • You may be limited in the number of credits you are allowed to take. 
       

    ​Academic Suspension

    • You and your program director are notified.
    • If you had previously registered for the upcoming term and your request for appeal is denied, your classes will be dropped with no penalty.
    • A hold will be placed on your record that prohibits enrollment. You may apply for re-admittance to the college for one semester after receiving approval from your counselor.
    • You will be limited in the number of credits taken when you return from suspension. This limit will be agreed upon by you and your counselor.
  3. Right to Appeal a Suspension

    You have the right to appeal a suspension for immediate readmission.

    When you are placed on academic suspension, you will receive a checklist item in your student center. Go to your student center to view and submit the suspension appeal. 

    A team of Madison College staff will review your appeal and make a determination. The decision of this board is final, and there is no further appeal.