Conditions that Alter Student Standing

The following conditions constitute grounds for possible alteration of a student's standing and will result in review of the student with the possibility of probationary action ultimately leading to possible dismissal from the PhD Program:

  • two consecutive quarters of below “B” (3.0) average work,
  • failing a required course twice,
  • failing any section of year-one comprehensive examinations twice,
  • failure to constitute a Supervisory Committee by the beginning of year 3,
  • failure to pass all components of the General Examination within 3 years of entering the program (includes the summer after year 3),
  • failure to complete dissertation within 3 years after reaching PhC status,
  • failure to maintain Standards for Essential Abilities and Attributes for Continuance in the School of Social Work as defined in the state code on  Standards of Conduct and Grievance Procedures and Important University and Social Work Policies.

Procedures for Disciplinary Action

When a student fails to meet the academic standards noted above, the Program Director will send a memo to the student noting the deficiency(ies), the expectations for resolution, and the time limit. If the expectations are not met within the timeline defined, the procedures outlined in Graduate School Memorandum 16 will be followed through Warning, Probation, Final Probation, and Dismissal. Students may appeal the change of status through a Graduate School process outlined in Graduate School Memorandum 33. 

In cases involving failure to maintain standards for essential abilities and attributes, the first step is for the student and their advisor or Committee Chair or the PhD Program Chair to develop a written collective plan of action with a determined time frame for achieving the goals/objectives of the plan. This step construes a warning within the Graduate School Memorandum 16 guidelines. If the action plan is not fulfilled by the end of the time period, the PhD Program Committee will review the issue(s) and make recommendations for probation or other appropriate action; this step typically will result in a designed probation plan. Alternatively, the PhD Program Committee may forward the issue to the Committee on Students for further review and action.

[Note: see sections above for on-leave and reinstatement procedures for students who have gone on leave or withdrawn from the program.]