Suspension or Dismissal

University Policy

College of Communication Policy

Undergraduate Policy

If a student does not meet the terms of Academic Probation, as outlined in the COM Academic Probation Contract, that student will be suspended for one academic year. The student may appeal to be reinstated two months prior to the end of their suspension after showing proof of progress. Students are allowed to take credits toward their degree program while on academic suspension, through another institution, if approved by the offering department(s) at BU and authorized by COM Undergraduate Affairs.

If a student is reinstated, the student will be reinstated on Academic Probation. The student must be registered for a full-time course load and receive a 2.0 GPI or higher and meet all of the Academic Probation contract requirements. If the student does not, they will be dismissed permanently from Boston University and the College of Communication.

Graduate Policy

Graduate students’ academic progress is reviewed at the end of each semester. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress and be in good academic standing (defined as a semester GPI [grade point index] of 3.0 and a cumulative GPA [grade point average] of 3.0) can result in Academic Probation, Suspension, or Dismissal.    

Academic Probation

A student is normally put on academic probation when the student earns a GPI and/or GPA below 3.0. At the discretion of the college, a student whose GPI/GPA is below a 3.0 may also be considered for suspension or dismissal. Students on probation may have their financial aid discontinued. Students are reviewed after one semester on Academic Probation. Those who earn a GPI and GPA of at least a 3.0 will return to good academic standing. Students who do not achieve good academic standing after the probationary semester will be subject to Academic Suspension, Dismissal, or an additional semester of Academic Probation as determined by the college on a case-by-case basis. Normally, a student can be on Academic Probation for no more than two consecutive semesters; however, the probation period is at the discretion of the department/division, in consultation with the college.

Academic Suspension

Students on Academic Probation face Academic Suspension or Dismissal when they have not achieved good academic standing after the most recent semester of Academic Probation. Students who, in the determination of the department and based on past academic performance, are not in a position to raise their GPA to the necessary level to graduate within the remaining courses of their program, will be dismissed from the program. Dismissal results in permanent separation from the University.

Appeals of Suspension or Dismissal are made, in writing, to the Associate Dean of the college, 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 Dean of the college. The decision of the Dean on cases of suspension or dismissal is final. 

Reinstatement after Academic Suspension

Students who have fulfilled their period of Academic Suspension must meet with the Graduate Affairs office in order to reestablish their standing.

The College of Communication defers to Boston University’s Academic Conduct Code on issues relating to Academic Misconduct and Boston University’s Student Lifebook on issues relating to ethical and professional behavior as a student.