Academic standing is based on the overall GPA and is reviewed at the end of each semester. Students who have not made satisfactory progress are placed on academic probation for the next semester.

A student on academic probation may register for a maximum academic load of 13 semester credit hours. Students with declared majors in Applied Technology programs may register for a maximum of 15 semester credit hours.

A student on academic probation is suspended at the end of the semester when the overall GPA remains below acceptable standards and the semester GPA falls below 2.0.

• First suspension: One full calendar year from the date of suspension. A student may appeal the first suspension to the Admissions and Academic Standing Committee.
• Second suspension: May not be appealed. The student must serve one full calendar year and then contact the Registrar’s Office as part of the readmission process.
• Subsequent suspension: The student must serve a full two calendar year suspension without any right to appeal.
• Reinstatement: Students who are reinstated re-enter WNMU on academic probation.

Graduate students are in good standing when both the cumulative GPA and semester GPA are 3.0 or higher. If either falls below 3.0, the student is placed on academic probation.

Graduate students are disqualified if both the cumulative and semester GPA are below 3.0, or if the semester GPA falls below 3.0 while the student is already on probation.

• First disqualification: One full semester from the date of disqualification. A student may file an Appeal for Readmission for Academic Disqualification.
• Second disqualification: May not be appealed. The student must serve one full semester.
• Subsequent disqualifications: The student must serve a full one calendar year disqualification without any right to appeal.
• Readmission: Students serving disqualification must contact the Office of the Registrar for readmission after the disqualification period.
• Reinstatement: Disqualified students who are reinstated re-enter WNMU Graduate Division on academic probation.

What to Include in an Undergraduate First-Suspension Appeal

Undergraduate students appealing a first academic suspension should prepare a thoughtful, well-presented personal statement. It is to your benefit to address the following topics:

1. What factors or circumstances contributed to your poor academic performance?
2. Have these factors been resolved? If so, how?
3. What are your educational goals?
4. Why do you wish to return to Western New Mexico University?
5. In what ways are you more prepared to return to school at this time?
6. What activities have you engaged in since suspension that relate to your readiness to return, such as employment, training, tutoring, treatment, or other preparation?

Submit supporting documentation with your petition. Information disclosed to the Admissions and Academic Standing Committee is kept confidential.

What to Include in a Graduate Disqualification Appeal

If you are appealing a first academic disqualification, your written appeal should be clear, honest, and specific. Be sure to address the areas below and include supporting documentation.

1. Describe the circumstances that led to your disqualification.
2. Explain what remedial actions you will take to improve your academic work if allowed to return.
3. If you have already addressed the issue or issues, explain what has changed and how you have prepared to succeed.
4. Include a current unofficial transcript.
5. Append any supporting documentation that helps explain your circumstances or demonstrates readiness to return.
6. Be prepared for the possibility that readmission is not automatic and may include conditions if your appeal is approved.

Important: Graduate appeals begin with the student’s program or department, not with the Graduate Division.