The Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences (CDS) adheres to the Boston University policy on Academic Standing for Undergraduate Students in Full-Time Programs.

Good Academic Standing

CDS full-time students maintain good academic standing when they achieve all three of the following:

• Earn at least 12 academic units in the term just completed;
• Earn a term grade point index (GPI) of at least 2.00; and
• Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.00.

In addition to this policy, students should review the Satisfactory Academic Progress information from Boston University Financial Assistance.

Academic Probation

A student is placed on Academic Probation when they are in danger of not making sufficient academic progress toward their degree. Students will receive electronic notification from CDS informing them of the details of their probationary status. Students who have been notified that they are on Academic Probation must request an appointment with their CDS advisor for consultation.

Academic Suspension

A student faces Academic Suspension when they have spent one or two terms on Probation and have not achieved Good Standing as defined in the Boston University policy on Academic Standing, following the most recent term of Academic Probation. Specifics regarding the duration and terms of the Academic Suspension will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Students will receive electronic notification from CDS informing them of the details of their Academic Suspension. Students who have been notified that they are on Academic Suspension must request an appointment with their CDS advisor for consultation.

Reinstatement after Academic Suspension

Students who have fulfilled their period of Academic Suspension must meet with their CDS Academic Advisor for reinstatement. Students are reinstated to a probationary standing.

Dismissal

A student faces Dismissal if they have spent one or two terms on Probation and have not achieved Good Academic Standing in the most recent term of Academic Probation.

A student also faces Dismissal if they have spent at least one term on Suspension and have not fulfilled the terms of the Suspension.

Appeals for Suspension or Dismissal

Appeals of Suspension or Dismissal are made, in writing, to the CDS Director of Undergraduate Studies, within a timeline outlined in the written notice. The student will be notified in writing of the decision. A final appeal may be made to the Associate Provost of the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences. The decision of the Associate Provost on cases of suspension or dismissal is final.

The academic progress of every graduate student is reviewed at the end of each term. Failure to make satisfactory progress and remain in Good Standing can result in Academic Probation, Suspension for a stated time or until stated conditions are met, or Dismissal, as detailed below.

Grades of C+ or lower for PhD students are interpreted as failures.

Good Standing

Students maintain good academic standing when they:

• Earn a term GPA of at least 3.30 (students enrolled only in Pass/Fail courses are exempt from the term GPA standard); and
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30.

Academic Probation

A student is put on Academic Probation when they earn a term or cumulative GPA below 3.30. Students on Academic Probation may have their financial aid discontinued. In the event that the term or cumulative GPA is below a 2.00, a student may be dismissed from the program.

Students are reviewed after one term on Academic Probation. Those who earn a term and cumulative GPA of 3.30 or above will return to Good Standing. Those students who do not achieve Good Standing (as defined above) after the probationary term will be subject to Academic Suspension, Dismissal, or an additional term of Academic Probation as determined by the unit on a case-by-case basis.

Academic Suspension or Dismissal

A student on Academic Probation faces Academic Suspension or Dismissal when they have not achieved Good Standing (as defined above) after the most recent term of Academic Probation. Specifics regarding Dismissal or the duration and terms of the Academic Suspension will be determined by the unit on a case-by-case basis. Dismissal results in permanent separation from the University. Appeals of Dismissal or Suspension are directed to the Associate Provost for CDS.

Reinstatement after Academic Suspension

Students who have fulfilled their period of Academic Suspension must meet with their academic advisor or Academic Programs Manager and must also reestablish their standing in the unit by contacting the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The federal Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy states that, “An institution must establish a reasonable satisfactory academic progress policy for determining whether an otherwise eligible student is making satisfactory academic progress in his or her educational program and may receive assistance under the title IV, HEA programs.”

SAP minimum requirements mirror the standards required by the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences for a graduate student to maintain Good Academic Standing. These requirements state that a student must maintain a 3.30 cumulative grade point average. For PhD candidates, grades of C+ or lower are considered failing.

Any letter grade received for a course, including a ‘W’ for Withdrawals and an ‘I’ for Incompletes, is considered an ‘attempted course’ and may impact a student’s eligibility for financial assistance.

If a student receiving federal financial assistance does not meet the minimum requirements, the student will be placed on a ‘Financial Aid Warning’ status. The student will still be eligible for that term to receive federal financial assistance. If the student continues not to meet the SAP minimum standards for a consecutive term, the student becomes ineligible for financial assistance, including federal and unit-based educational loans. All anticipated federal financial assistance will be canceled and returned to the lender.

Students who are denied federal financial assistance because their academic performance falls short of SAP progress standards can appeal the decision to the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences.