Academic Warning
Maintaining adequate progress for a degree is defined by meeting a 2.00 cumulative GPA (CGPA). Students who do not maintain a 2.00 CGPA move into a status of Academic Warning. While on Academic Warning you will have a registration hold for future semesters and must meet with an Academic Advising Liaison to discuss your academic recovery plan. All notifications concerning the hold will be sent to your Penn State email address.
If you have been placed on Academic Warning, you will be temporarily assigned to an Academic Advising Liaison, who you will work with until you move back into good academic standing. You will receive an email from your Academic Advising Liaison requesting that you schedule an appointment to discuss your academic recovery plan. Prior to your appointment, you'll need to complete and submit the Academic Warning Recovery Plan to your Academic Advising Liaison. This step is required by the University before the Academic Warning hold can be removed. For assistance scheduling your appointment or if you have questions, you can contact the advising office at 814-863-3283 or by using the Academic Advising Contact Form.
Meeting with Your Academic Advising Liaison to Release Your Academic Warning Hold
Academic Warning is not a punishment or the end of your academic career. The hold is a notification that it is time to seek help in taking an active approach to improve your academics. During the required meeting, you may be asked to:
- Reflect on challenges that led to warning
- Discuss World Campus resources
- Understand GPA, grades, and policies
- Develop a plan for success
- Schedule follow-up meeting(s) during the next semester
Academic Suspension
You will be academically suspended from the University if you earn less than a 2.00 semester grade-point average while on Academic Warning. Academic Suspension prevents enrollment at Penn State for a minimum of two consecutive semesters.
If you have been placed on Academic Suspension, a staff member will reach out to you to schedule an appointment with you and your Academic Advising Liaison. Prior to your appointment, you will need to complete and submit the Academic Suspension Recovery Plan to your Academic Advising Liaison. When you meet with your Academic Advising Liaison, you will review your self-reflection and action plan for your future success. For assistance scheduling your appointment or if you have questions, you can contact the advising office at 814-863-3283 or by using the Academic Advising Contact Form.
The ability to request a petition for a reduction in the length of the suspension or to request a Stay of Academic Suspension requires all of the following conditions to be met:
- The student must have 15 or fewer recovery points.
- Extenuating circumstances must have affected the student's academic performance. (Please note that petitions must include supporting documentation for extenuating circumstances.
- The student was actively engaged in their recovery plan while in Academic Warning.
Petitions will not be automatically granted.
Meeting with Your Academic Advising Liaison to Release Your Academic Suspension Hold
When you are placed into academic suspension, a hold will be added to your LionPATH record and will designate the semester in which you are able to return. You will be assigned to work with an Academic Advising Liaison during the suspension and until you return to good academic standing. During the required meeting with the Academic Advising Liaison, before the hold will be lifted, you may be asked to:
- Reflect on challenges that led to suspension
- Discuss areas for change and develop a plan for success
- Complete re-enrollment and plan courses for your next semester (re-enrollment must be completed at least four weeks prior to the start of the returning semester).
- Schedule follow-up meeting(s) with the Academic Advising Liaison during the next semester
Academic Dismissal
If you have been placed on academic suspension and earn less than a 2.00 semester GPA once you return, you will be academically dismissed. After a period of four calendar years, academically dismissed students may seek re-enrollment to the University by completing a re-enrollment form and requesting academic renewal.
The ability to request a petition for Stay of Dismissal requires all of the following conditions to be met.
- The student must have 18 or fewer recovery points.
- Extenuating circumstances must have affected the student's academic performance. (Please note that petitions must include supporting documentation for extenuating circumstances.)
- The student was actively engaged in their academic recovery plan while in Academic Warning.
Petitions will not be automatically granted.
Making the Most of World Campus Resources
We offer support throughout your time with Penn State World Campus. Learn more about the Student Services departments for each step along the way.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is closely tied with academic progress. If you received financial aid, we encourage you to have a conversation with a financial aid counselor to understand exactly how your aid is impacted.
Contact Us
Call (814) 863-3283 or use the Academic Advising Contact Form to schedule an appointment with your major’s Academic Advising Liaison.