Academic Standing

Standards for Academic Success

The WCTC Standards for Academic Success define the requirements students must meet to maintain satisfactory academic progress for those students enrolled in associate degree and/or technical degree programs AND who have enrolled in 6 credits or more during the term. These standards also establish a formal process to identify, notify and provide assistance to students who fall below satisfactory academic standards.

WCTC calculates a student’s academic standing twice a year: after the end of the fall semester and the end of the spring semester. This calculation includes semester grade point average (GPA) based on coursework completed at WCTC during the semester being evaluated.

Good Academic Standing

To remain in good academic standing with the College, a student must maintain a minimum semester GPA of 2.0.

Students who fail to meet this academic standing requirement will be subject to the following:

Academic Warning

  • Students who begin the semester in good academic standing, complete six or more credits and fail to meet a semester GPA of at least 2.0 are placed on academic warning.
  • Students placed on academic warning receive an email notification from the registrar.
  • A registration hold is placed on the student’s account, which prevents the student from registering for classes.
  • Students enrolled in six or more credits must achieve a minimum 2.0 semester GPA to avoid being placed on academic probation.
  • Students are required to meet with their academic advisor to develop an academic plan and to have the registration hold removed.
  • Students on academic warning who complete six or more credits and achieve a minimum 2.0 term GPA will return to good academic standing.
  • Students may not appeal their academic warning status.

Academic Probation

  • Students who begin the semester on academic warning, complete six or more credits and fail to meet a semester GPA of at least 2.0 are placed on academic probation.
  • Students placed on academic probation will receive an email and written notification from the registrar.
  • A registration hold is placed on the student’s account, which prevents the student from registering for classes.
  • Students are required to meet with their academic advisor to develop an academic plan and to have the registration hold removed.
  • Students on academic probation who take six or more credits and achieve a minimum 2.0 term GPA will return to good academic standing.
  • Students may not appeal their academic probation status.

Academic Dismissal

  • Students who begin the semester on academic probation, complete six or more credits and fail to meet a semester GPA of at least 2.0 are placed on academic dismissal.
  • A registration hold is placed on the student’s account, which prevents the student from registering for classes. If the student is registered for the upcoming term, the classes will be dropped. Additionally, they are dropped from their current program(s), if necessary.
  • Students placed on academic dismissal will be notified in writing from the Vice President of Student Services and provided information about the appeal process.
  • Students who are academically dismissed from WCTC may not re-enroll in credit classes for one academic year, but may be considered for reinstatement if an appeal is submitted and approved.

Re-enrollment after Academic Dismissal

  • Students who are dismissed and wish to re-enroll after one year must meet with the program advisor prior to re-entry.
  • Following dismissal of one year, the student may apply for admission (or readmission) to a program or register as a non-declared student.
  • Upon re-enrollment, a student will be placed on academic probation.
  • Students on academic probation who take six or more credits and achieve a minimum 2.0 term GPA will return to good academic standing.
  • Failure to make required academic progress after re-enrollment will result in academic dismissal.

Appeal Process

If the student believes extenuating circumstances prevented them from maintaining satisfactory academic progress, a student may appeal their academic dismissal by submitting an appeal, which includes the following:

  1. An explanation of why the student did not maintain academic progress and what has changed in the student’s situation to enhance future academic success.
  2. If applicable, include third-party documentation to support the reasons given for not maintaining academic progress.
  3. Steps taken to remedy these impediments and to prevent them from occurring again.
  4. Identify any WCTC resources available to help maintain academic progress.
  5. A personal plan of action to ensure academic progress will be met in future semesters.

Following receipt of the appeal:

  • The appeal will be reviewed by the College appeals committee.
  • The student will be notified of the decision in writing.
  • If an appeal is granted, the student will be placed on academic probation. Successful appeal of an academic dismissal does not guarantee reinstatement of financial aid, if applicable.
  • Deadlines for submitting an appeal and review of all appeals will occur prior to the beginning of the semester. The appeals committee decision is final.

Graduation Requirements

Please note, a passing grade is required in each program course, and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required to meet graduation requirements in associate degree and technical diploma programs. Additional individual program requirements must be met for graduation, which may include a minimum of 2.0 course grade in certain courses as well as the cumulative grade point average requirements. Students are advised to contact their academic advisor for specific information regarding course and program grade point average requirements.