Academic Standards

Vernon College degrees and certificates require that students have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher for graduation. Academic standard criteria are designed to monitor students’ progress so that students and college staff can intervene and explore options to assist students who have difficulty meeting minimum requirements for successful course or program completion.

Good Standing – Cumulative GPA at 2.0 or above.

Academic Probation – Academic Probation occurs when the cumulative GPA has fallen below 2.0. A student on academic probation is required to meet with a Student Success Specialist prior to registration and will be enrolled in an academic improvement program. A student on academic probation will be allowed to re-enroll if a 2.0 semester GPA or higher is earned in each subsequent semester. A student will remain on probation until the cumulative GPA reaches 2.0 or higher.

Academic Suspension – Academic Suspension occurs after academic probation when a student has a continuing history of low academic performance and their semester and cumulative GPA has fallen below 2.0. Students on suspension are denied enrollment and must sit out for one long semester* before re-enrolling.  A student on suspension for a second time will not be allowed to attend VC for a full academic year. Academic suspension may be appealed by written petition to the Admissions Committee if a student feels extenuating circumstances, beyond the student’s control, were responsible for the suspension.
* One long semester can either be the Fall 16 week, Spring 16 week, or Summer 10 week semester.

Academic Dismissal – A student placed on academic suspension for a third time will be academically dismissed. Students who are academically dismissed cannot enroll in Vernon College for a period of three years. Academic dismissal may also be appealed by written petition to the Admissions Committee if a student feels extenuating circumstances, beyond the student’s control, were responsible for the dismissal.

Semester Grade Point Average (GPA) – Includes all grades earned in all courses at Vernon College (includes developmental courses).

Cumulative GPA – Includes grades earned in all college level classes at Vernon College (does not include developmental courses).

Students can confirm semester and cumulative GPA online by the unofficial transcript in MyVC, by obtaining a transcript from the Office of Admissions and Records, or by seeing a Student Success Specialist.

Due to the structure of some specific programs, scholastic standards may vary from the above guidelines. Students should review departmental handbooks for specific requirements.