Academic Progress and Graduation

University Policy

Graduate Medical Sciences Policy

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

In accordance with the Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy 34 CFR 668.34, students enrolled in GMS are expected to adhere to the GMS Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy and guidelines from matriculation through graduation. All degree candidates’ academic records will be reviewed at the end of each semester by the programs in which they are enrolled to ensure that they achieve SAP. A student who fails to achieve SAP may be subject to academic action, including academic probation and/or dismissal. Further, students who fail to maintain SAP will not be eligible for the University certification to apply for federal and private educational loans.

The following criteria will be used to determine SAP at the GMS level. However, individual degree programs may have additional and/or varied academic standards that must also be met to remain in compliance.

GPA Requirement

• The minimum cumulative GPA requirement for graduation is 2.70.
• A student who has a cumulative GPA of 2.69 or below and/or has not met program-specific academic standards will require a specific learning plan and will be put on Academic Probation for the duration of one (1) semester. Learning plans must be developed in consultation with a student’s faculty advisor and/or program director and should be monitored closely as the semester progresses.
• A student who is receiving federal and/or private financial assistance must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.70. A cumulative GPA of 2.69 or below will result in suspension of federal and/or private financial assistance.
• If remedial work is imminent (i.e., prior to start of the following semester), then the financial assistance suspension will be placed on hold until results from the remedial work is incorporated into the cumulative GPA. Otherwise, the financial assistance will be suspended.
• A student whose federal/private financial assistance has been suspended due to a failure to meet the GMS SAP has an opportunity to appeal the suspension by submitting the following documents to the GMS Financial Administrator.
  • A detailed letter of explanation for the low academic performance.
  • A detailed plan to improve the academic performances and a timeline to successfully complete the program.
  • A letter of support from their Program Director supporting the plan for academic improvement and a timeline for successful completion of the program.

Pace of Academic Completion

In order to complete the degree requirements within the recommended timeline for program completion, students must complete a minimum of 67% of all courses attempted per semester.

Maximum Time of Completion

MA and MS candidates have a maximum of five (5) academic years from matriculation to complete their degree unless otherwise specified in program requirements. Doctoral candidates have a maximum of seven (7) and five (5) academic years for post-bachelors’ and post-masters’ doctoral programs, respectively, from matriculation to complete their degree. A student requiring additional time beyond the maximum time of completion must submit a petition to the Associate Provost for GMS with a support letter from their graduate program director or chair at least six (6) months prior to the deadline. An extension will only be allowed in extenuating circumstances.

Certified Full-Time Form

Students who submit the Certified Full-Time Form must include study and/or research goals for the semester, including number of research hours per week. Failure to achieve the stated goals may result in denial of certified full-time status in subsequent semesters.

Residency Requirement

Students must be registered in the semester in which the degree requirements are completed and in the preceding semester. Students should check with the GMS registrar for specific registration guidelines.