COMMITTEE REPORT OF ADOPTION OF POLICY RECOMMENDATION
DATE:
second submission: December 6, 2007
TO:
Jennifer Matos, Faculty President
FROM:
Shannon Morgan, Chair of Educational Policies Committee
BY:
Cynthia Rawitch, Executive Secretary
(Original document must include the signature of the Executive Secretary.)
Name of proposed policy: Requirements that must be met by academically disqualified
students who have been readmitted to the University
At its meeting on September 12, 2007, the Committee adopted a policy recommendation by passing
the following motion:
MSP:
EPC approved the 2.00 GPA Probationary Students Policy [see Attachment IIG1, p. 5-6]
Disqualification]
Current policy or catalog copy:
Catalog p. 32. The specific policy for which a change is proposed is shown in bold, large font.
“Renewal” Semester: Beginning with the Spring 2006 semester, undergraduate students who have received a first disqualification
from Cal State Northridge will be allowed an additional semester of enrollment to improve their academic performance. This
applies only to the semester (Fall or Spring) immediately following the first disqualification. This additional semester will be
known as the “renewal” semester. Enrollment for subsequent semesters will be permitted only if continued
improvement in academic performance is demonstrated (i.e., an increase of 0.05 or more in the
GPA). Students who fail to make measurable improvement during the renewal semester will be unable to enroll for a minimum
of one semester and will be required to reapply. If this occurs, the student will be charged with a second disqualification.
Note: Nowhere does the current catalog specifically set any requirements for students who have two
disqualifications or who elect not to take the “renewal” semester.
Proposed policy or catalog copy:
Overview of Proposed New Catalog Copy That Includes New Policy Language
Discussion at the first reading of the policy at Faculty Senate and by the Senate Executive
Committee indicated a need for greater clarification not only of the of the existing policy, but the
existing campuses practices that employ this policy. The attached Proposed New Policy and
Clarification of Existing Campus Practices shows the proposed catalog copy. It seeks to provide
clear information about Academic Status for the students. This section takes bits of information
currently in different parts of the undergraduate section of the catalog and places them it all into a
new section entitled: ACADEMIC STATUS: GOOD STANDING, PROBATION, AND
DISQUALIFICATION. In the current catalog, the definition of Good Standing (p. 33) is separated
rev. 11/15/07
1
from the definition of probation and disqualification (p. 32), the definition of GPA (p. 33) comes
after minimum GPA requirements are cited for probation and disqualification (p. 32), and maximum
unit limits are given for probation students on p. 32 and for students in good standing on p. 35.
Citation of New Policy Language in the Proposed New Catalog Copy
The following are excerpts from the proposed catalog policy that relate directly to the removal of
the 0.05 increase and the insertion of the new criteria that the students who have been academically
disqualified, but readmitted to the University. Only the new requirements are shown in bold large
font. It should also be noted that most Colleges already enforce the third requirement.
Proposed Catalog Copy p. 2-3
Students who are Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement can enroll in courses through the regular
enrollment process, even though they have been previously academically disqualified. The following regulations apply
to all students in this status, whether they have one or two disqualifications. Students who are Readmitted under
Academic Performance Agreement must fulfill all of the following requirements until they reach Good Standing: 1)
earn a minimum 2.00 semester GPA, 2) enroll in classes each semester, and 3) have in place a signed
Academic Performance Agreement that details the academic progress that must be achieved to move
the student toward completion of the baccalaureate degree within a designated period of time.
Proposed Catalog Copy p. 3
First Disqualification: Students who receive a first disqualification have the opportunity to be automatically readmitted
to the University if they elect to enroll in classes in the semester immediately following their disqualification (not
including summer). Those who elect to take this opportunity are subject to all of the regulations described above in the
section entitled Regulations for Students in Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement. Students
who fail to earn a minimum 2.00 semester GPA will receive a second disqualification.
Second Disqualification: Students who receive a second disqualification are not permitted to continue to enroll in
CSUN courses through the regular enrollment process for at least one semester. They must reapply to the University and
be Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement in order to be eligible to enroll in classes through the regular
enrollment process. Readmitted students are subject to all of the regulations described above in the section entitled
Regulations for Students in Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement. Students who fail to earn
a minimum 2.00 semester GPA will receive a third disqualification.
Summary of Supporting Reasons:
The 0.05 increase cannot always be determined by the student because the increase compares the
GPA calculated at semester’s end to the stored GPA, found only on the audit transcript. The stored
GPA is the GPA that existed before adjustments that affect GPA where made after the end of the
semester (e.g., repeat action, finalization of Incompletes). Students cannot access audit transcripts.
The most compelling reason, however, is that the current 0.05 increase policy leads to inequities
based on the student’s total number of CSUN units attempted. Consider the following two cases.
CASE 1: A Senior with 96 units earns a first DQ by falling to a GPA of 1.93 ast the end of the
semester. The next semester, the student enrolls and earns 12 units of all C+ grades. This raises the
student’s GPA to only 1.97, missing the 0.05 increase, so the student will receive a second DQ.
FYI: If the student was allowed to continue and again earned 12 units if C+, he or she could
graduate with 120 units and a GPA of 2.0. In this example, the student earned a 2.3 semester GPA,
not a 2.0, but students this close to graduation have a lot of time and money invested and WANT to
earn their degree. Maybe it will take three, not two semesters to reach the 2.0 as long as they get no
lower than 2.0, but the almost all of these students will earn their degrees.
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CASE 2: A freshman gets a first DQ at the end of second semester with a GPA of 0.7 and 12 units
attempted. Many freshmen take 0xx courses and have low UA totals. The following table charts the
student’s progress.
sem cum units sem GP
cum GP
sem GPA
CSUN GPA increase
units
12
8.4
0.7
FIRST DQ
12
24
9.9 (3D, 1 D-)
18.3
0.825
0.76
0.06
12
36
12 (4 D)
30.3
1.0
0.84
0.08
12
48
12.9 (3 D, 1 D+)
43.2
1.08
0.90
0.06
12
60
15.6 (4 D+)
58.8
1.3
0.98
0.08
12
72
15.6 (4 D+)
74.4
1.3
1.03
0.05
12
84
15.6 (4 D+)
90
1.3
1.07
0.04 2nd DQ
The point here is that students who are DQed early with few units and low GPAs can continue to
perform at a semester GPA level of significantly less than 2.0 and not be disqualified for many
semesters. These students have NO chance of ever earning a degree. These students need a short,
sharp wake-up call early on, not the reward of being allowed to continue to take classes. In too
many cases, Financial Aid is wasted and significant debt is accumulated.
Bottom line: The 2.0 semester GPA is a more clearly understood criterion than the 0.05 increase
and is more equitable because it does not depend on the number of units that a student has.
 The 0.05 increase sets the bar high for students with a high number of units and GPAs close
to 2.0. Most of these students have motivation to do well in their remaining classes and earn
their degrees.
 The 0.05 increase sets the bar low for students with a low number of units and very low
GPAs. They have little invested in their education and can accumulate major debt and never
earn a degree.
rev. 11/15/07
3
COMMITTEE REPORT OF ADOPTION OF POLICY RECOMMENDATION
DATE:
second submission: December 6, 2007
TO:
Jennifer Matos, Faculty President
FROM:
Shannon Morgan, Chair of Educational Policies Committee
BY:
Cynthia Rawitch, Executive Secretary)
(Original document must include the signature of the Executive Secretary.)
Name of proposed policy: Reinstatement after the Third Disqualification policy
At its meeting on September 12, 2007, EPC adopted a policy recommendation by passing the
following motion:
MSP:
Reinstatement after the Third Disqualification policy. [Attachment IIG2, p. 5-6]
Current policy or catalog copy:
Page 33:
Undergraduate students and second baccalaureate degree candidates are restricted to a maximum of two reinstatements from
disqualification. Students who receive a third disqualification may no longer matriculate at CSUN. After a third
disqualification, no courses taken through the Roland Tseng College of Extended Learning may be used to meet degree
requirements.
Proposed policy or catalog copy, p. 4:
Third Disqualification: Students who receive a third disqualification are not eligible to seek readmission to the
University for a minimum of five years after the final day of the semester during which they received the third
disqualification.
Academic Reinstatement to the University after a Third Disqualification
Five years from the final day of the semester during which the student received a third disqualification, the student may
reapply to the University during the appropriate application filing period. The student must provide evidence that
demonstrates acquired skills or achievements that support a successful return to the University. Reinstated students are
Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement and are subject to all of the regulations that apply to students in
this status. Students who fail to earn a minimum 2.00 semester GPA will receive a final disqualification and will be
given no further opportunities for readmission.
Summary of Supporting Reasons:
Many people make mistakes while they are young, but make more mature choices later in life. This new policy will
keep hope alive. Students admitted for a fourth time must wait a minimum of five years and must present evidence of
achievement during their disqualification period that demonstrates a strong probability of success. Once readmitted, the
student must maintain a 2.00 GPA at all times. The 4th readmission is final. Only two other CSU’s beside CSUN
(Channel Islands and East Bay) limit the number of DQs a student can receive.
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Attachment IIG2: 2.00 GPA PROBATIONARY STUDENTS POLICY
Current and Proposed Student Academic Standing Policies and Timeline
(Italics indicate language that will be eliminated. Underlined text indicates new policy language).
Good Academic Standing
Students must achieve and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher to be in Good Academic
Standing.
Probation
Students with less than a GPA of 2.0 are on Probation.
Removal from Probation
Students are removed from Probation when they achieve a Cumulative GPA and CSUN
GPA of 2.0 or above.
Basis for Disqualifications
In the semester following a student’s placement on probation, the student will be
disqualified according to units earned and GPA as follows:
Freshman 1-29 units earned 1.50 or Less
Sophomore 30-59 units earned 1.70 or Less
Junior 60-89 units earned 1.85 or Less
Senior 90 or above units earned 1.95 or Less
Renewal Semester First Disqualification
Beginning with the Spring 2006 semester, undergraduate students who have received a first
disqualification from Cal State Northridge will be allowed an additional semester of
enrollment to improve their academic performance. This applies only to the semester (Fall
or Spring) immediately following the first disqualification. This additional semester will be
knows as the “renewal” semester. Enrollment for subsequent semesters will be permitted
only if continued improvement in academic performance is demonstrated (i.e. an increase of
0.05 or more in the GPA). Students who fail to make measurable improvement during the
renewal semester will be unable to enroll for a minimum of one semester and will be
required to reapply. If this occurs, the student will be charged with a second
disqualification.
Students who receive a First Disqualification are allowed to re-enroll for the semester
immediately following the semester during which they received the disqualification. During
this semester, they must demonstrate improvement in academic performance by earning a
2.00 GPA or higher. These students will be advised to complete certain support activities to
increase their chances for academic success. They must continue to earn a 2.00 GPA or
higher each term while on probation. Failure to do so will result in a second
disqualification.
Second Disqualification
Students who fail to demonstrate a 0.05 GPA improvement in their academic performance
will be required to leave the University for a minimum of one semester and must reapply to
the University by established deadlines.
Students will receive a Second Disqualification if they (1) fail to earn a 2.00 GPA in any
semester after a First Disqualification or (2) achieve Good Academic Standing after a First
Disqualification, but return to probation and subsequently lower their GPA below the
thresholds defined by the number of units earned. These students will be required to leave
the University for a minimum of one semester and must reapply to the University by
established deadlines to be considered for readmission.
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5
Third Disqualification
Students who are readmitted to the University after a Second Disqualification and fail to
achieve a .05 GPA improvement while on probation will be disqualified and will never be
able to reenroll at the University.
Students who are readmitted to the University after a Second Disqualification will receive a
Third Disqualification if they (1) fail to achieve a 2.00 GPA in any semester while on
probation after a Second Disqualification or (2) achieve Good Academic Standing after a
Second Disqualification, but return to probation and subsequently lower their GPA below
the thresholds defined by the number of units earned. Students who receive a Third
Disqualification are not eligible to seek readmission to the University for a minimum of five
years.
[Attachment IIG1] REINSTATEMENT AFTER THE THIRD DISQUALIFICATION POLICY.
Academic Reinstatement to the University after a Third Disqualification
After five years, a student who has been disqualified for the third time may elect to reapply
to the University. The student will have to provide evidence that demonstrates acquired
skills or achievements that would support a successful return to the University. These
students will be required to achieve a GPA of 2.00 or higher each term while on probation,
and will be given no further opportunities for readmission.
Presented to EPC September 12, 2007
6
Proposed New Policies and Clarification of Existing Campus Practices
ACADEMIC STATUS: GOOD STANDING, PROBATION, AND DISQUALIFICATION.
Academic status is defined by the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA). The GPA is calculated by
dividing the number of grade points earned in courses that assign letter grades by the number of
units attempted. Courses in which grades of CR, NC, I and W are assigned are not used in GPA
calculation. The following policy refers to undergraduates only. The policy concerning graduate
students can be found in the Graduate Programs section.
A student’s academic status takes into account both the (1) Cumulative Total GPA, which includes
coursework transferred from other institutions as well as coursework taken at CSUN, and (2) the
CSUN GPA, which only includes coursework taken at CSUN.
There are four categories of undergraduate academic status as defined below:
Good Standing: Students are in Good Standing at the conclusion of any matriculated term in which
they have both a Cumulative Total GPA and a CSUN GPA of 2.00 or higher.
Probation: Students are placed on Probation if either their Cumulative Total GPA or CSUN GPA
falls below 2.00 at the conclusion of any term. Students remain on Probation until they either regain
Good Standing or are placed in Disqualified Status.
Disqualified Status: Students who were on Probation the previous semester are placed in
Disqualified Status if, at the end of the next semester, their Cumulative Total or CSUN GPA falls
below the GPA listed for each class level in the table below.
Class Level
GPA at the Time of Disqualification
Freshman (1-29 units earned)
1.50
Sophomore (30-59 units earned)
1.70
Junior (60-89 units earned)
1.85
Senior (90 + units earned)
1.95
Note: Units of developmental coursework are included in determining class level.
Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement: Students who have been academically
disqualified, but who are readmitted to the University under terms of a special type of probation are
classified as Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement.
Readmission of Previously Disqualified Students
Students in Disqualified Status who are interested in returning to the University for a subsequent
semester must reapply to the University. Exceptions to this are given to students who receive a first
disqualification and elect to enroll in classes the semester immediately following the semester of
disqualification. These students are automatically readmitted to the University.
Students in Disqualified Status seeking readmission must submit: (1) a formal application for
readmission through CSU Mentor (http://www.csumentor.com/), (2) official transcripts of course(s)
completed at another college or university during the period in which the student has been in
Disqualified Status, and (3) a Previously Disqualified Student Questionnaire. These documents
must be filed in the Office of Admissions and Records by the posted deadline before campus review
can begin. For admission deadlines, consult http://www.csun.edu/a&r?AdmissionStatus.html or the
Schedule of Classes Enrollment Guide (http://www. csun.edu/a&r/soc/). The section entitled
rev. 11/15/07
7
Readmitted Students in Appendix A of the Catalog also provides information on procedures
governing readmission.
Regulations for Students in Good Standing
Students in Good Standing are eligible to enroll in the University through the regular enrollment
process. Students can enroll in a maximum of 15 units in a semester or summer term during the
Registration by Appointment period and up to 19 units thereafter. To request enrollment in more
than 19 units, students must complete the Extra Unit Authorization form and obtain the signature
of the Department Chair or Department Graduation Coordinator.
Regulations for Students on Probation
Students on Probation are eligible to enroll in the University through the regular enrollment
process. However, they receive registration holds and are not able to register for classes until they
have received advisement. During advisement, the student and advisor will review progress toward
improving the student’s academic status; and the advisor will then remove the registration hold.
Declared majors will typically receive advisement from the SSC/EOP Satellite in their college.
Undecided students will receive advisement in the Advising Resource Center/EOP.
Students on Probation can enroll in a maximum of 13 units in a semester or summer term. To
request more than 13 units, students must complete the Extra Unit Authorization form and obtain
the signatures of the Director of their College Student Services Center/EOP satellite and the
Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Students on Probation will be disqualified if their Cumulative Total GPA or CSUN GPA falls below
the GPA listed for each class level in the chart above under “Disqualified Status.”
Regulations for Students in Disqualification Status
Students in Disqualified Status are not eligible to enroll in University through the regular
enrollment process. They can enroll in CSUN courses only through the Tseng College of Extended
Learning. Students seeking to enroll in courses should consult the Extended Learning website
(http://www.tsengcollege.csun.edu) or talk to a staff member of this College. Only 24 units of
course credit earned in Extended Learning can be counted toward a CSUN degree.
Before students in Disqualified Status can be readmitted under an Academic Performance
Agreement, they must demonstrate acquired skills or achievements that support a successful return
to the University. Such evidence may include successful completion of courses in the student’s
degree program at another institution or through Tseng College of Extended Learning with grades
that demonstrate the student can achieve Good Standing in a reasonable time frame if readmitted to
CSUN. Students are strongly urged to meet with their CSUN academic advisor to discuss the
requirements that must be completed in order to be readmitted to the University. When all
requirements have been met, students may apply to the University for readmission. See the section
above entitled Readmission of Previously Disqualified Students.
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Regulations for Students in Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement
Students who are Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement can enroll in courses
through the regular enrollment process, even though they have been previously academically
disqualified. The following regulations apply to all students in this status, whether they have one or
two disqualifications. Students who are Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement must
fulfill all of the following requirements until they reach Good Standing: 1) earn a minimum 2.00
semester GPA, 2) enroll in classes each semester, and 3) have in place a signed Academic
Performance Agreement that details the academic progress that must be achieved to move the
student toward completion of the baccalaureate degree within a designated period of time.
Students who are Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement, but do not maintain
continuous enrollment in classes each semester, revert back to Disqualified Status. They must
reapply and be readmitted to the University as a previously disqualified student in order to be
eligible to enroll in classes through the regular enrollment process. See section above entitled
Readmission of Previously Disqualified Students.
Students who are Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement receive registration holds
and are not able to register for classes until they have received advisement. During advisement, the
student and advisor review the Academic Performance Agreement, examine the student’s progress
toward improving academic status and set goals for the next semester. Declared majors will
typically receive advisement from the SSC/EOP Satellite in their college. Undecided students will
receive advisement in the Advising Resource Center/EOP.
Students who are Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement can enroll in a maximum of
13 units in a semester or summer term. To request additional units, students must complete the
Extra Unit Authorization form and obtain the signatures of the Director of their College Student
Services Center/EOP satellite and the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Academic disqualification is a permanent notation in a student’s academic record and has serious
consequences that can impact attainment of a baccalaureate degree. The consequences of academic
disqualification depend upon whether it is the first, second, or third disqualification that the student
receives.
First Disqualification: Students who receive a first disqualification have the opportunity to be
automatically readmitted to the University if they elect to enroll in classes in the semester
immediately following their disqualification (not including summer). Those who elect to take this
opportunity are subject to all of the regulations described above in the section entitled Regulations
for Students in Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement. Students who fail to earn
a minimum 2.00 semester GPA will receive a second disqualification.
Second Disqualification: Students who receive a second disqualification are not permitted to
continue to enroll in CSUN courses through the regular enrollment process for at least one semester.
They must reapply to the University and be Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement in
order to be eligible to enroll in classes through the regular enrollment process. Readmitted students
are subject to all of the regulations described above in the section entitled Regulations for Students
in Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement. Students who fail to earn a minimum
2.00 semester GPA will receive a third disqualification.
rev. 11/15/07
9
Third Disqualification: Students who receive a third disqualification are not eligible to seek
readmission to the University for a minimum of five years after the final day of the semester during
which they received the third disqualification.
Academic Reinstatement to the University after a Third Disqualification
Five years from the final day of the semester during which the student received a third
disqualification, the student may reapply to the University during the appropriate application filing
period. The student must provide evidence that demonstrates acquired skills or achievements that
support a successful return to the University. Reinstated students are Readmitted under Academic
Performance Agreement and are subject to all of the regulations that apply to students in this status.
Students who fail to earn a minimum 2.00 semester GPA will receive a final disqualification and
will be given no further opportunities for readmission.
10