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/Institutions/Gallaudet-University/json/Current/Graduate-Catalog.json

Graduate Catalog > Registration and Policies > Graduate Policies > Academic Dismissal

Academic Dismissal

Academic Dismissal

The dismissal of a student from a graduate program is a very serious action. Dismissal is reserved for situations when students have violated Graduate School policies, have not made satisfactory progress towards degree completion, or have not satisfied the conditions of academic probation. 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.

Students may contact the associate 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.

Procedures for Academic Probation and Dismissal

Stakeholders in academic probation and dismissal are expected to follow the procedures below. These procedures provide opportunities for participants to discuss a concern regarding academic standing, as well as outline procedures for how students may elevate a conversation to ensure fairness. In considering the timelines below, participants should be mindful of the potential impacts that delays can have on students, including preventing registration or extensive delays over breaks. When possible, participants are encouraged to adjudicate concerns in a timely manner.

1. Program Director - For the purpose of this policy, we use the terms program director, program coordinator, and department chair interchangeably. The program director is responsible for discussing the matter with key stakeholders and those who are responsible for advising the student about progress in the program. The program director is also responsible for communicating the decision to recommend probation or dismissal. This is the beginning of the formal conversation between students and the university. Program directors will meet with the student to discuss the concern, listen to the student’s perspective, and explain the next steps in the process. Program directors will send the recommendation along with a brief description within 5 school days of that meeting to the student and the school director. In this communication, the program director should clearly explain what options are available to the student and the timeline for responding to the recommendation. Students may prepare a signed or written response to the school director to address concerns raised in the program director’s recommendation and share their perspective and experience in the program within 5 school days of the program director sending the recommendation.
2. School Director - School directors receive the recommendation for probation or dismissal from the program director, review the student’s response, and are responsible for making the decision regarding probation or dismissal. After receiving the recommendation, the school director will remind students of when they may submit a response. The school director will contact the student within 5 school days of receiving the program director’s recommendation or the student’s response, if available, to schedule a meeting. School directors will send a decision letter to students outlining the decision and the reason for the decision within 5 days of the meeting. Students may prepare a signed or written response to the school director’s decision within 5 school days of the school director’s decision by sending the Graduate School Review form to the Associate Dean of the Graduate School. In this response, the student should explain how the process was unfair or did not adhere to the graduate school catalog.
3. Graduate School - The Associate Dean of the Graduate School is responsible to review the process within the school for fairness and adherence to Graduate School policies. The student requests a review by submitting the Graduate School Review Form, including a response to the decision and a statement of the desired outcome. This form must be filed within 5 school days of the school director’s decision. Upon receipt of the student's response, the Graduate School has 10 school days to review the student's documentation and statement. On rare occasions, the Graduate School may appoint individuals to offer guidance. The Graduate School will determine the final outcome of the review and inform the student of the decision with an official letter via email. The decision of the Graduate School is final, and no further review is possible.