Academic Advising
Continuing Enrollment Policy

Remaining Enrolled

To remain enrolled at Clemson University a student who has attempted fewer than 95 hours must meet a minimum cumulative grade point ratio (MCGPR) based on their credit level. A student with a credit level of 95 or more hours must have a cumulative GPR of 2.0.

Credit Level

Credit level is the sum total of all hours:

  • Attempted at Clemson (includes hours failed as well as earned).
  • Earned through transfer courses at other institutions.
  • Earned through approved examination programs such as: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, etc.

Credit Level and Required MCGPR

Students with a credit level lower than 95 hours must meet the standards set by the chart. Chart taken from page 23 of Reference Manual The values in this table are based on the following formula: MCGPR = 2.25 x (CL/(CL+12))

Exceptions

A student with a MCGPR lower than stated on the chart published in the University Announcements may remain enrolled if:

  • He or she earns a 2.2 during the same semester in which they fall below the standard and passes a minimum of 12 credit hours.
  • He or she attends any summer session (including Maymester) and brings the GPR up to the minimum stated for the new credit level.
  • He or she attends summer sessions (including Maymester) and earns an average cumulative GPR of 2.2 on all hours while passing a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Review of Undergraduate Grades

Students entering Clemson for the first time (freshmen and transfers) are reviewed after completing two semesters, fall and spring (and not necessarily consecutive enrollment).

Students returning from suspension or dismissal are reviewed for continuing enrollment at the end of their return semester. Failure to meet standards will result in inability to return for the following semester unless they meet one of the exceptions previously stated.

Suspension

The first failure to meet continuing enrollment requirements will result in suspension of a student for a period of one semester. The student will be allowed to return the semester or summer session following the suspension.

A student may appeal his or her suspension to the Appeals Committee on Continuing Enrollment.

Dismissal

A student who enrolls after suspension will be dismissed if he or she fails to meet the requirements of continuing enrollment. Dismissals are for a period of one year.

Readmission to Clemson after Suspension or Dismissal

A student is allowed to return to the university the semester or summer session immediately following the period of suspension.

A dismissed student may file a petition for readmission with the Appeals Committee on Continuing Enrollment after one calendar year. If the appeal is granted, the student may enroll at the beginning of the next academic session. If the appeal is denied, the student may appeal again after any academic session.

A student may enroll at another school while suspended or dismissed and transfer those hours to Clemson once readmitted, provided the courses are evaluated as Clemson equivalents by the teaching departments.

A dismissed student who fails to meet continuing enrollment standards will be dismissed again from the university and will not be allowed to appeal to continue.

Appealing Suspension or Dismissal

A student may challenge suspension or dismissal at the end of the spring or summer session(s) by submitting a written appeal to the Appeals Committee on Continuing Enrollment.

The Committee meets approximately one week after final exams following spring, fall, and second summer session. All materials must be received in the Office of Undergraduate Studies no later than three days prior to the Committee’s meeting.

An appeal should include:

  • A written explanation by the student detailing the circumstances that caused poor academic performance.
  • Verifiable documentation to the extent possible (medical documentation of illness, for example).
  • A strong letter of support from a faculty member or advisor who believes that the student should be allowed to continue.

A student whose continuing enrollment is in doubt can be referred to the Office of Undergraduate Studies for verification and advice about options.

Appeals are considered on a case-by-case basis and are granted only in extreme cases. A student who is successful on appeal is allowed to continue on appeal only once prior to dismissal.

An appeal for continuing enrollment is separate from an appeal to retain Financial Aid. Students should be directed immediately to the Financial Aid Office for information and advice about retaining scholarships, grants, loans or any other financial aid.

Academic Renewal

A student who has not been enrolled at Clemson for two years or more may appeal for the readmission under academic renewal. The appeal should meet the same criteria as mentioned previously for suspension or dismissal.

A student who re-enters Clemson under academic renewal will be viewed as a new freshman with no earned credits or GPR. Although the original record will still appear on a student’s permanent record and in the student database, no previous credits or grade points will be applied towards a degree.

This option offers a student who has matured while away, the chance to start over without having to dig out of an academic hole. A student who has attended another school prior to being readmitted under this policy may transfer courses taken provided they are evaluated as Clemson equivalents by the teaching departments.