Academic Dismissal

Dismissal of a student from a graduate program is a very serious action. Dismissal is reserved for situations when students have failed to successfully satisfy the conditions for lifting academic probation or did not make satisfactory progress towards degree completion (for example, earning two C’s in the same course). In most cases, programs will have offered prior academic advice to support student progress in the program and the recommendation for dismissal should contain written documentation of this support.

A program director who recommends academic dismissal to the Dean of the Graduate School will send the student a letter notifying them of the recommendation. The Dean will review the recommendation from the program director and communicate a decision to the student, program director, and school director.

Students may contact the assistant dean for graduate education for general information about the academic dismissal policy or the Office of the Ombuds for additional resources.

Dismissal from a program constitutes dismissal from the university, unless the student is actively enrolled in two programs simultaneously.

Disciplinary actions or dismissals for non-academic reasons are handled under the direction of the Provost. Appropriate department and campus officials will be notified of any dismissal.

Veteran Students

Veterans and other eligible persons under CFR §21.4253 who are dismissed from the University will no longer be eligible for certification by Gallaudet University for VA Education Benefits.