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Academic Dismissal

Academic Dismissal is the end result of a pattern of multiple semesters of grades below the university’s standards for Good Standing (2.00 or higher GPA). Academic Dismissal only occurs after you have been warned about your academic performance through being placed on Academic Probation.

You will be academically dismissed if both your semester GPA and cumulative GPA are less than 2.00 at the end of any term when you are on Academic Probation.

Academically dismissed students must remain away from the university for the requisite break (see below, as well as the University Catalog section on Academic Dismissal) to reflect on and address the factors that led to poor performance. In addition to the breach of enrollment, certain colleges or programs at UT will not allow students to return to that particular program following a dismissal. Thoroughly reflect upon the Action Plan for Dismissed Students as you consider options.

  • 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.

Many students who are academically dismissed seek to appeal the dismissal and return to school immediately rather than remaining away from the university for the requisite amount of time. Pursuing an appeal is one option available to students, but before you appeal your dismissal, consider that students facing dismissal have underperformed for a sustained period of time, including at least one semester of probation where they were clearly alerted to the consequences (dismissal) of continued academic struggle. Students facing dismissal may have demonstrated that they need a break from school. Rather than rushing back to the classroom to immediately “fix things,” perhaps a wiser path would be to take the needed break, give time and attention to the issues challenging you, and return later when you are more grounded and better positioned for success.

If you decide to appeal your dismissal, you are requesting an exception to university policy and seeking immediate reinstatement to the university. Using this dismissal appeal application, you will note the required essay and documentation, and that your appeal must meet one of the following criteria for appeal: Personal or family emergency; Unanticipated, serious physical health difficulty (excluding chronic conditions—students are responsible for properly balancing work with known chronic conditions); Serious mental health difficulty; or Issues pertaining to a recently diagnosed disability or other disability-related extenuating concerns.

Dismissal appeals are reviewed by the Appeals Committee, which serves as a standing subcommittee of the Undergraduate Council. Comprised of faculty, staff, and students, this committee is charged by the council to represent the highest level of shared governance with authority over most undergraduate academic appellate matters. An opinion rendered by the Appeals Committee is considered to be a fair, thorough, and final. Academic dismissal is the end result of a pattern of multiple semesters of grades below the university’s standards for Good Standing (2.00 or higher GPA). Academic dismissal only occurs after you have been warned about your academic performance through being placed on Academic Probation.

 

Summer or Fall 2025 Return

Students dismissed at the end of the Spring 2025 semester who are seeking reinstatement for Summer or Fall 2025 must submit the online dismissal appeal application by the firm deadline listed below:

Key Dates:

  • Summer 2025 Return: Tuesday, May 27, at 11:59pm EDT

  • Fall 2025 Return: Friday, June 13, 2025 at 11:59pm EDT

If you have been previously dismissed from UT, you will need to apply for readmission by the established deadlines. These firm, early deadlines position you for success because they allow time for proper advising and preparation for the upcoming term. If you are returning to UT following a second academic dismissal, you must:

  • Complete 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;
  • Meet with the Undergraduate Council Appeals Committee to present evidence that you are capable of performing at the level required to meet university academic standards and can complete all degree requirements within a reasonable length of time; and
  • Contact the Academic Success Center at 865-974-6641 two semesters prior to your proposed date of return, to discuss the timing for the appeals committee meeting.