Academic Dismissal
Been dismissed? What now?
Academic dismissal is the end result of a pattern of multiple semesters of grades that were below the University’s standards for good academic standing (C or better average). Academic dismissal only occurs after you have been placed on Academic Probation. You will be academically dismissed if you earn a term GPA of less than 2.0 during a semester in which you are on Academic Probation.
Unsatisfactory grades generally result from serious deficiencies in preparation for college, poor learning and study skills, ineffective work habits, inability to cope with personal and family issues, lack of motivation, or inappropriate choice of major. Academically dismissed students must remain away from the university for the requisite break (see box below, and the Catalog section on Academic Dismissal).) to reflect on and address the factors that led to poor performance.
| First Academic Dismissal | Second Academic Dismissal | Third Academic Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| A student dismissed for the first time may not be readmitted until after a full semester (not including summer) has elapsed. | A student dismissed for the second time may be readmitted after one calendar year has elapsed and after completing a minimum of 12 semester credits of academic coursework with at least a 2.50 cumulative grade point average from accredited institution(s) of higher education. Students who have been dismissed twice are required to meet with the Undergraduate Council Appeals Committee. Students may be readmitted only when they present evidence that they are capable of performing at the level required to meet university academic standards and completing all degree requirements within a reasonable length of time. | After a third dismissal, a student is ineligible to attend the university and may not apply for readmission. |
• First Academic Dismissal
A student dismissed for the first time may not be readmitted
until after a full semester (not including summer) has
elapsed.
• Second Academic Dismissal
A student dismissed for the second time may be readmitted
after one calendar year has elapsed and after completing
a minimum of 12 semester credits of academic coursework
with at least a 2.50 cumulative grade point average
from accredited institution(s) of higher education. Students
who have been dismissed twice are required to meet with
the Undergraduate Council Appeals Committee. Students
may be readmitted only when they present evidence that
they are capable of performing at the level required to meet
university academic standards and completing all degree
requirements within a reasonable length of time.
• Third Academic Dismissal
After a third dismissal, a student is ineligible to attend the
university and may not apply for readmission.
If you have been academically dismissed, you are not able to enroll in any classes, either full-time or part-time at the University of Tennessee (including correspondence and on-line courses). You are also not permitted to live in University housing, and no longer have the privileges provided through your UT student identification card.
While you are eligible to apply to return to UT after the requisite period away, it may not be in your best interest to do so, particularly if you have a high number of deficiency points. Follow this Action Plan to consider your best course of action to reposition yourself for academic success and degree attainment.