Separation From The College

Academic Probation. A Guilford College student will be placed on academic probation if her/his cumulative grade point average is below the level of 2.00 required for graduation.

Students placed on academic probation are not allowed any unexcused absences from classes. A student’s eligibility to continue at Guilford is contingent upon earning at least a C (2.00) average during each term that she/he is on academic probation. Earning a C average during a given term may not remove a student from academic probation, but it will assure eligibility to continue at Guilford. Failure to meet these conditions of academic probation will result in suspension or dismissal from the College.

Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or greater to graduate from Guilford. Students cannot graduate from the College while on academic probation.

Academic probation is not considered a punitive measure, but rather an indication that the student needs to find a better strategy for academic success. Students on academic probation are encouraged to consult with her/his academic advisor, the staff of the Learning Commons, or the Campus Life staff to help surmount difficulties that might lead to suspension or dismissal.

Academic Suspension or Dismissal. If, while on academic probation, a student records a semester grade-point average between 1.75 and 1.99, inclusively, the student will be academically suspended. Suspensions from the college are nominally for at least one calendar year. If, while on academic probation, a student records a semester grade-point average below 1.75, the student will be academically dismissed.

If a student begins a semester in good standing but ends the semester with a cumulative grade-point average of 1.00 or less and a semester grade point-average between 0.75 and 1.00, inclusively, the student will be academically suspended from the college without a probationary period. Suspensions from the college are nominally for at least one calendar year. If a student begins a semester in good standing but ends the semester with a cumulative grade-point average of 1.00 or less and a semester grade point-average less than 0.75, the student will be academically dismissed from the college without a probationary period.

To be reinstated as a student at Guilford, dismissed and suspended students must reapply and be readmitted to the college following the guidelines in the Student Handbook. Readmission, though, is not guaranteed. A student who has been academically suspended from Guilford College may, however, apply to take summer courses at Guilford. If readmitted to Guilford for attendance in summer school, an academically suspended student would be required to work with the Academic Advising Liaison (traditional-age students) or the Student Success and Persistence Coordinator (adult (CCE) students) to select and enroll in two approved four credit academic courses. During the summer, students would be required to obtain the approval of the Academic Advising Liaison (traditional-age students) or the Student Success and Persistence Coordinator (CCE students) before the student could make any changes in her/his summer course registration. A student who earns a “C” average (summer term GPA greater than or equal to 2.00) would qualify to continue her/his study at Guilford as a full-time student at Guilford beginning that fall semester.

Voluntary Withdrawal. All students who wish to withdraw from the College during a semester or at the end of a semester must indicate their intentions through completion of an official withdrawal form. Withdrawal forms can be obtained through the Office for Campus Life for traditional students or at the Center for Continuing Education for adult students. All students who withdraw must complete and submit applications for readmission if they wish to re-enroll. If an official withdrawal form is not completed, it could result in "F" grades causing academic probation, suspension, or dismissal. Students who voluntarily withdrawal after the last day to drop a course with a W will receive a W (grade), reflecting the grade at the time of withdrawal, i.e. "WP" or "WF."(Traditional Student Withdrawal Form) (CCE Student Withdrawal Form)

Medical Withdrawal. When illness, injury, or psychological/psychiatric disorders occurs while a student is enrolled, a student or guardian may request a medical withdrawal from school. The Dean of Students must approve all medical withdrawals. Documentation of the illness, injury, or psychological/psychiatric disorder from a medical professional (employed by Guilford College or not) is required prior to this approval. Medical documentation supporting a request for a medical withdrawal must be submitted within 30 days of the last attended class unless medical documentation is provided that satisfactorily explains a longer time period. Students who are granted medical withdrawals receive grades of W (withdrawn) in all courses in progress at the date of the medical withdrawal. Specific conditions for re-admittance are stipulated at the time of withdrawal. These conditions may specify a minimum period of time for the withdrawal and/or may require a letter of medical clearance from a physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist stating that in the professional expert's opinion the student is now capable of handling the academic and social demands of college.

Procedures for Involuntary/Administrative Withdrawal for Students with Medical, Mental/Psychological Conditions or Disabilities. If it becomes evident (through observed behavior or by report(s) from faculty, staff or students) that a withdrawal from the college may be in the best interest of a student and the college and the student (and/or his or her family) does not agree, then the following procedures will be engaged:

The Dean of Students will review all available information obtained from incident reports, conversations with students, faculty and staff, and the expert opinions of appropriate medical professionals.

The Dean of Students will engage in a determination on an individualized, case-by-case basis and will apply the direct threat analysis, taking into consideration the nature, duration and severity of the risk and the likelihood, imminence and nature of the future harmful conduct, either to the student or to others in the college community.

The Dean of Students will meet with the student (if possible), giving notice to the student of the meeting and providing an opportunity for the student (and his/her family if the student has a signed waiver indicating permission to share information) to provide evidence to the contrary and/or to make suggestions for reasonable accommodation(s) short of involuntary withdrawal from the college.

If, after conversation, the student chooses to withdraw voluntarily, a Withdrawal Form will be processed indicating that the withdrawal is voluntary and of a medical nature and setting appropriate conditions for the student’s return.

If, after conversation, the student maintains that s/he would like to remain enrolled, the dean for campus life will consult with appropriate medical professionals regarding the evidence presented by the student. [Failure by the student to sign the Consent to Share Information form so that medical/clinical professionals may be consulted will result in the involuntary withdrawal from the college as the college will have insufficient evidence to render an individualized determination]. The dean will also consult with the vice president for enrollment and campus life and other college officials as appropriate.

The Dean of Students will render a decision and present that decision to the student in writing. Should the decision be to withdraw the student involuntarily, appropriate conditions for return will be contained within the withdrawal letter. The college will not as a condition of return mandate that self-injurious behavior ceases unless that behavior continues to constitute a direct threat to the student or others. The college will require, as a condition for return, a signed release by the student for the Dean of Students and appropriate college officials to discuss the student’s readiness to return to college and assistance in developing reasonable accommodation(s) to mitigate any direct threat to self or others.

Should the student choose to appeal the Dean of Student’s decision, s/he will make such appeal to the president, who will render a final decision.

Leave of Absence. A traditional-age student in good academic and financial standing may apply for a leave of absence for one or two semesters. A leave of absence may be approved for students with financial, personal, or medical concerns, students participating in non-Guilford educational experiences, and students who need a break. Students considering this option need to meet with a member of the Campus Life staff who will provide full details and assist in working out specific arrangements related to the leave. All students who withdraw must complete and submit applications for readmission if they wish to re-enroll. (Leave of Absence Form)

Vacating Residence Halls. Students residing on campus who withdraw or take a leave of absence from the College are required to vacate residence halls within 24 hours of their effective date of withdrawal.

 

Readmission. All students receiving withdrawals or leaves of absence from Guilford who subsequently wish to return to Guilford as a student are required to reapply through the appropriate admission office (Center for Continuing Education, Early College, or traditional student). Academically suspended and academically dismissed students may apply for readmission after one calendar year. Applications for Readmission are available on the Guilford College Website.

After reviewing a student’s application for readmission, the appropriate admission office (Early College, Center for Continuing Education (CCE), Traditional) may, at its discretion, refer the application to the Associate Academic Dean for Advising (AADA) for her/his advice.

However, if an applicant that is applying for readmission is otherwise admissible but had been academically suspended or academically dismissed from the College or has a pending academic honor code charge, the admission office must refer the person’s application to the AADA for her/his approval before the person may be offered readmission. The AADA may either grant or deny such approval with or without soliciting advice from the Readmission Advisory Group.

If an applicant that is applying for readmission is otherwise admissible but had been suspended or dismissed from the College for judicial violations, has a pending judicial charge, or left the College with a medical withdrawal, the relevant admission office must first refer the person’s application to the Dean of Students before then forwarding the application to the AADA for her/his approval.

In considering an application for readmission, the AADA and the Readmission Advisory Group may use information provided by the Dean of Students, and any other appropriate college officials. For an application following a medical withdrawal, the AADA and the Readmission Advisory Group may also consult the Director of Student Health and/or the Director of Counseling Services.

Readmission is not guaranteed. If readmitted following academic suspension or dismissal, a student will be required to satisfy the conditions of academic probation explained above. A student who withdrew while on academic probation returns on academic probation. A student returning from academic suspension or dismissal may become eligible again for financial aid; the returning student must file an appeal with the Office of Student Financial Services. A readmitted student is permitted to resume athletic participation if he/she meets all athletic eligibility standards.

NonPayment of Tuition and Fees. Students must pay tuition and fees according to the schedule established by the Office of Student Accounts. Students who do not fulfill their financial obligations to the college according to this schedule, or who fail to make satisfactory arrangements with the Office of Student Financial Services to pay according to some other mutually agreed-upon schedule, may be dismissed from the college.