Academic Probation/Suspension

Academic Probation

Any student who fails to achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 shall be placed on academic probation.  Once on academic probation, a student shall remain on academic probation until the student has a cumulative GPA of 2.0.

During this probationary period, the student's advisor counsels the student to repeat those courses in which the student earned less than a "C" in order to improve the student's grade point average and to enrol in COL 103, provided that the student has not previously completed COL 103 successfully.  Academic advising, individualized career counselling and referrals to appropriate educational services will also be provided to help the student succeed.

Repeating a Course:  A student may repeat any course.  The complete academic record including all grades is reflected on the transcript, but only the highest grade earned in a course taken more than once is calculated in the GPA.

The Veteran's Administration, federal student assistance and SC Need Based Grant will not pay educational benefits for repeating a course for which the student previously received credit with an exception to programs that require a minimum grade to successfully complete the program being sought.

In addition to the term and cumulative GPA requirements, certain academic programs may have additional academic standards that must be met.  Program probation is determined by the particular program.  Support programs such as Financial Aid, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)/One-Stop, and Veterans' benefits require the student to meet specific academic standards to continue receiving benefits.

Academic Suspension

If a cumulative GPA of 2.0 is not achieved for two consecutive semesters (excluding Summer Term), after having been placed on academic probation, the student shall then be academically suspended from the College for a period of one full semester (excluding Summer Term).  Upon readmission to the College, the student shall remain on academic probation until that student achieves a cumulative GPA of 2.0.  Upon readmission to the College, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 must be achieved within two semesters (excluding Summer Term).

If a student is not removed from academic probation after readmission and two semesters (excluding Summer Term), the student shall be academically suspended from the College for a period of two full semesters (excluding Summer Term).

Students placed on Academic Suspension are automatically placed on Federal Financial Aid suspension.

Appeal of Academic Suspension

An academic suspension of one semester may not be appealed.

A student who disagrees with the second academic suspension may request a hearing by submitting an appeal in writing to the Registrar within two weeks of grades being posted to WebAdvisor.

The Student Appeals Committee will hear the appeal.  A student who disagrees with the decision of the Appeals Committee may appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs by submitting an appeal in writing to the Registrar within two weeks of notification of the committee's findings.

Academic Renewal Policy

Academic Renewal is only available to students who meet the criteria below and have been accepted into a certificate, diploma, or associate degree program. 

•  Two years must have elapsed since the end of the semester after readmission to the college. 
•  Academic Renewal will only be awarded once. 
•  Academic Renewal will only be awarded after the student has completed at least sixteen (16) non-development credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Eight (8) non-developmental credit hours for certificate and diploma program. 
•  The prior academic record will remain a part of the students transcript, but it is not carried forward as part of a new program GPA. 
•  Students granted Academic Renewal are not guaranteed acceptance into a specific program. 
•  Students will not be eligible for academic renewal if any of the courses taken was used toward a prior certificate, diploma, or degree. 
•  Granting Academic Renewal does not change a student's financial aid status. 

Grade Point Average

The College operates on a semester-hour credit system. Semester-hour credits represent the number of hours completed with a passing grade. Grade points are determined by the grade earned. Each grade is assigned on a "grade point equivalent" in grade points for each semester hour scheduled. All grades for attempted courses are shown on the student's permanent record. Credit hours and points are computed in the student's Grade Point Average (GPA).

Please see the registrar for additional information and application.  registrar.fdtc.edu