Probation - Dismissal

Students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00. For students who fail to achieve a cumulative 2.00 grade point average, the following shall apply.

  1. Scholastic Dismissal - Upper Level J.D. Students

    A student who has completed more than two regular semesters (fall and spring) or admitted as a transfer student with advanced standing and fails to maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average at the conclusion of any regular semester will be dismissed from the Law College. However, the student may petition the Faculty Academic Standards Committee for permission to continue his/her studies. Upon a finding of compelling circumstances that rebuts a presumption against readmission, the Committee may grant the student's petition. If the student's petition is granted, the student shall be placed on academic probation (see below).

  2. Scholastic Dismissal - First-year J.D. Students

    1. A first-year student who earns a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.00 but at least 1.80 at the conclusion of his/ her first two regular semesters will be dismissed from the Law College. However, the student may petition the Academic Standards Committee for permission to continue his/her studies. Upon a finding that the student's petition and any other information the Committee deems relevant to the readmission decision demonstrate that the student has a reasonable likelihood of succeeding in law school, the Committee may grant the student's petition. If the student's petition is granted, the student shall be placed on academic probation (see below).
    2. A first-year student who earns a cumulative grade point average of less than 1.80 at the conclusion of his/her first two regular semesters will be dismissed from the Law College with no right of appeal.
    3. The Academic Standards Committee may impose any conditions of probation on the student, such as achieving a specified GPA in the probationary semester, retaking courses, obtaining professional treatment, or any other conditions that would improve the student's likelihood of succeeding in law school.
    4. The student who is dismissed from the Law College may apply for admission as a new student two years after the original date of dismissal from the Law College with no guarantee of admission. The student is required to demonstrate, by the nature of interim work, activity or studies, a stronger potential for the study of law.

  3. Scholastic Dismissal – Graduate Students

    Graduate students who fail to maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average at the conclusion of any regular semester or summer session will be dismissed from the Law College. However, the student may petition the Faculty Academic Standards Committee for permission to continue the student’s studies. Upon a finding of compelling circumstances that rebuts a presumption against readmission, the Committee may grant the student’s petition. If the student’s petition is granted, the student shall be placed on academic probation (see below).

  4. Appeal to the Dean

    Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Academic Standards Committee may appeal to the Dean. Such an appeal must be in writing; no personal appearance shall be permitted. A decision of the Academic Standards Committee shall not be overturned except for clear error.

  5. Academic Probation

    A student who is placed on academic probation shall be on probation during the next regular semester. During the probationary period, the student shall take required or bar exam related courses only unless the student has satisfactorily completed or is currently enrolled in all required and bar exam related courses. The student's schedule must be approved by the Assistant Dean for Student and Academic Affairs prior to registering.

    Except for Global Food Law Program students, a student on academic probation is not eligible to attend summer school. If the student is enrolled in a summer school course or courses at the time he/she is placed on academic probation, the student automatically will be dis-enrolled by the Law College and will receive a full refund of his/her summer school tuition.

    Upon the completion of the probationary semester and satisfaction of the conditions imposed by the Academic Standards Committee, the student shall be considered to be in good standing and may continue his/her studies without academic restrictions. Any student who fails to achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 at the conclusion of the probationary semester will be dismissed from the Law College with no right of appeal.

Adopted: November 14, 2007

Amended: May 11, 2016

Updated: July 21, 2021

Student Handbook