Academic Good Standing at NMU is a 2.00 Overall NMU Grade Point Average (GPA). The Overall NMU GPA only includes grades from NMU courses and does not include transfer, advanced placement, or any other grades from non-NMU sources. "NMU GPA" denoted in the remainder of this section refers to the Overall NMU GPA described above.

There are two types of probation for students whose Overall NMU GPA falls below 2.00. Please read the following descriptions carefully and direct any questions to your advisor or the Student Success Office. 

Warning Probation

If a student's NMU GPA falls below 2.00, but is at least 1.70, the student is placed on Warning Probation (WP). While on WP, the student cannot be Academically Suspended. Depending upon subsequent academic performance and GPA, the student will:

  • attain Academic Good Standing if the NMU GPA increases to 2.00 or higher,
  • remain on WP if the NMU GPA is between 1.99 and 1.70, or
  • be placed on Academic Probation if the NMU GPA falls below 1.70.

Academic Probation

If a student's NMU GPA falls below 1.70, the student is placed on Academic Probation (AP). Depending upon subsequent academic performance and GPA, the student will:

  • attain Academic Good Standing if the NMU GPA increases to 2.00 or higher,
  • be placed on WP if the NMU GPA increases to between 1.99 and 1.70;
  • remain on AP if the NMU GPA remained below 1.70, but the required Semester GPA is attained; or
  • be Academically Suspended if the student fails to attain the required Semester GPA).

If on AP, and the student fails to meet the required Semester GPA, they will be Academically Suspended from the university for one calendar year. If the student was previously academically suspended from NMU, and are currently on AP, and the student fails to meet the required Semester GPA, they will be Academically Dismissed and must:

  1. Wait one calendar year to appeal the dismissal.
  2. Have the appeal granted by the appeal body, the Admissions and Academic Policies Committee of the Academic Senate, to return to NMU.

Academic Proficiency Standards

The academic proficiency policy defines the academic standards students must meet to be considered academically successful at NMU. Poor progress toward a degree can sometimes impact eligibility to remain at NMU and possible financial aid resources. Students with an NMU GPA at or above 2.00 are considered in Academic Good Standing. Students with a GPA below this level will be placed on probation and may have to meet certain semester GPA requirements to remain at NMU. Students are asked to sign a Warning or Academic Probation Agreement Form that further outlines the details of their probation.

Students are notified of their academic status in their MyNMU grade report at the end of each semester. Any questions regarding academic proficiency should be referred to the Academic and Career Advisement Center.

Good Standing Students with a minimum overall NMU GPA of 2.00 or higher are considered to be in good standing. The NMU GPA only includes grades earned in NMU classes and does not include transfer, advanced placement, or other Non-NMU grades.

Warning
Probation

Students with an NMU GPA that falls below a 2.00, but is at least 1.70, will be placed on Warning Probation. Students who fail to attain good standing may remain on Warning Probation or be placed on Academic Probation.
Academic Probation Students with an NMU GPA that falls below a 1.70 will be placed on academic probation and must meet certain semester GPA requirements to remain enrolled at NMU (view chart). Students who fail to meet these requirements will be suspended from the university. Students remain on Academic or Warning Probation until they attain good standing (2.00 overall GPA).
Immediate Academic Suspension New freshman and transfer students who have 8 or more credit hours and a GPA of 0.00 in their first semester of enrollment will be suspended immediately.
Academic Suspension Any student on academic probation who fails to attain specific semester GPA requirements (view chart) will be suspended from the university.
Academic Dismissal Students who have previously been academically suspended from NMU, re-enter, and do not meet specific semester GPA requirements (view chart) again, will be dismissed from the university.

NOTE: If a student is suspended or dismissed, and subsequently returns to NMU, the student will not be placed on WP; if the student’s NMU GPA remains below 2.00, they will be placed on AP, regardless of the GPA.

Length of Suspensions/Appeals

All academic suspensions from NMU are for one calendar year. Suspended students have the right to appeal to return early. 

Students who are academically dismissed from NMU may not appeal for one calendar year from the date of their dismissal and an appeal must be approved by the Admissions and Academic Policies Committee before the student may re-enter the university.

All appeals are presented to the AAPC by the academic proficiency officer in the Academic and Career Advisement Center, who can be reached at 906-227-2971. It is important for students to discuss their appeal with this staff member.

Read the following information carefully: A student at Northern Michigan University is academically removed from attendance in one of three ways:

  1. a new freshman or transfer student who earns a 0.00 Grade Point Average (GPA) in their first semester of enrollment (eight credits or more) is academically suspended
  2. a student on academic probation who does not meet specific GPA requirements is academically suspended
  3. a student who returns to NMU after being academically suspended previously then fails to meet specific GPA requirements, is academically dismissed.

Note: Typically, all state-funded four-year colleges and universities honor the terms of academic suspensions and dismissals; a student suspended or dismissed from one Michigan four-year institution will usually not be allowed to enroll at another Michigan four-year institution.
 


Pre-registered courses will be dropped for students who have been Academically Suspended or Dismissed.
 


For important information on suspensions/dismissals go to: 

If you feel that an error has been made in recording the grade for one or more of your classes, you should contact the instructor(s) directly to pursue any appropriate grade change(s) or the Records Office at (906) 227-2258.  Unless there is an error, your suspension/dismissal remains in effect.


Length of Suspensions and Dismissals

  • Academic Suspension – A student is academically suspended for one calendar year. After one calendar year, the student may, after completing the appropriate re-entry procedure, re-enroll at NMU. If a student feels they have extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness) that may have affected their ability to achieve a required GPA, the student has the option to appeal the length of the suspension and may return earlier than one calendar year, if the appeal is granted.
  • Academic Dismissal – A student that is academically dismissed is indefinitely removed from NMU and may not appeal their dismissal for one calendar year. The student can only re-enter NMU after being granted an appeal.

Appeal Procedures

Students may appeal the length of an academic suspension to be allowed to re-enter earlier than one calendar year and may, after one calendar year, appeal to return to NMU after being dismissed. Appeals for students suspended or dismissed are heard by the Admissions and Academic Policies Committee (AAPC) of the Academic Senate. The decision of the appeal body is final. To file an appeal, students must:

  • Fully complete all sections of the Academic Suspension/Dismissal Appeal form; a paper copy is available upon request. Incomplete appeals, including those lacking appropriate documentation, will not be considered.
  • Include extenuating circumstances leading to the suspension/dismissal, detailing how the problem has been resolved.
  • Include any supporting documentation, letters of support (letters of support from relatives will not be included in the appeal), transcripts of coursework completed elsewhere since leaving NMU, etc.

Academic Suspension or Dismissal Appeal Form

Send, mail, e-mail or deliver the completed form and any supporting documentation to:

Academic Proficiency Officer
Northern Michigan University
Academic and Career Advisement Center
1401 Presque Isle
Marquette, MI  49855
acac@nmu.edu
phone: 906-227-2971
fax: 906-227-1751

For questions or further information, please feel free to contact the Academic and Career Advisement Center.


Appeal Deadlines and Meetings - No appeals submitted after the established deadlines will be considered.

NOTE: The AAPC conducts regularly-scheduled meetings throughout the fall and winter semesters. Appeals submitted, therefore, during the academic year may be reviewed at one of the regular meetings instead of being heard as listed below.

Suspension/Dismissal Appeal Deadlines
If you wish to return for the...Complete and submit your appeal, with documentation,
by close of business on...
Your appeal will be
heard between…
Winter 2024 Semester
(starting January 16)
January 6, 2024January 9 – 13, 2024
First Summer 2024 Session
(starting May 20)
May 11, 2024May 13 - 17, 2024
Second Summer 2024 Session
(starting July 1)
June 22, 2024June 26 - 30, 2024
Extra Summer Appeal HearingJuly 20, 2024July 22 - 26, 2024
Fall 2024 Semester 
(starting August 26)
August 17, 2024August 19 - 23, 2024

*A student suspended in August (at the end of the summer session) may not be able to meet the appeal deadline for the fall semester as outlined above.


Important Financial Aid Information

Appeals approved by the Admissions and Academic Policies Committee (AAPC) for students suspended or dismissed under the Grade Point Average standard will be accepted as approved for financial aid eligibility.* If a student does not successfully appeal the length of their suspension and returns to NMU after the conclusion of their one year suspension period, they must successfully appeal through the Financial Aid Office to again receive financial aid.

*In the event a student has lost financial aid eligibility due to Credit Hour Pace or Maximum Credit Hours, an AAPC or GPC appeal will not automatically reinstate a student’s financial aid eligibility. An Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal will also be required.

Probation Solutions

Set goals Academic and Career Advisement Center Confidential academic and career advisement, specialized undeclared and probationary advising, declaration/change of major, informal degree audits and academic skill assistance.
  Counseling and Consultation Services Provides free, confidential and professional personal counseling to NMU students. Also available are individual and group therapy sessions, substance abuse education, social skills training, assertiveness training and a variety of personal skills workshops.
Check Priorities  Academic and Career Advisement Center Confidential academic and career advisement, specialized undeclared and probationary advising, declaration/change of major, informal degree audits and academic skill assistance.
  Counseling and Consultation Services Provides free, confidential and professional personal counseling to NMU students. Also available are individual and group therapy sessions, substance abuse education, social skills training, assertiveness training and a variety of personal skills workshops.
  Study Group Join a study group through the Tutoring Center. Check Web site availability at: All Campus Tutoring
"Just say no!" Academic and Career Advisement Center Confidential academic and career advisement, specialized undeclared and probationary advising, declaration/change of major, informal degree audits and academic skill assistance.
  Counseling and Consultation Services Provides free, confidential and professional personal counseling to NMU students. Also available are individual and group therapy sessions, substance abuse education, social skills training, assertiveness training and a variety of personal skills workshops. 
Seek time management help Study Group Join a study group through the Tutoring Center. Check Web site availability at: All Campus Tutoring
  Workshops

Time Management
Goal Setting
Study Skills
Note-taking
Career Decision Making
Test Prep
Other: ___________________ (you suggest)

Use a to-do list Workshops

Time Management
Goal Setting
Study Skills
Note-taking
Career Decision Making
Test Prep
Other: ___________________ (you suggest)

See a financial planner
See Financial Aid about loans Financial Aid Attain information regarding Fin. Aid programs available, loan options, the satisfactory progress requirement and assistance in completing the FAFSA and submitting it electronically.
Seek part-time employment Career Services Referrals for full-time, part-time or internship jobs, student employment, individual advising regarding job search strategies and placement workshops.
Take CLEP exams to earn credit
Find a different job Career Services Referrals for full-time, part-time or internship jobs, student employment, individual advising regarding job search strategies and placement workshops.
Change positions within job
Reduce hours of work
Quit job
Speak with academic adviser Academic and Career Advisement Center Confidential academic and career advisement, specialized undeclared and probationary advising, declaration/change of major, informal degree audits and academic skill assistance.
Visit with your AP/RA Academic and Career Advisement Center Confidential academic and career advisement, specialized undeclared and probationary advising, declaration/change of major, informal degree audits and academic skill assistance.
Stress management help All Campus Tutoring Peer tutors offer walk-in, and group tutoring for many Liberal Studies courses and many other 100- and 200-level courses.
  Workshops

Time Management
Goal Setting
Study Skills
Note-taking
Career Decision Making
Test Prep
Other: ___________________(you suggest)

Personal counseling Counseling and Consultation Services Provides free, confidential and professional personal counseling to NMU students. Also available are individual and group therapy sessions, substance abuse education, social skills training, assertiveness training and a variety of personal skills workshops.
Group counseling Counseling and Consultation Services Provides free, confidential and professional personal counseling to NMU students. Also available are individual and group therapy sessions, substance abuse education, social skills training, assertiveness training and a variety of personal skills workshops. 
Visit the Health Center Health Center Primary and non-emergency medical care for students and their dependents, health and nutrition information, confidential sexually transmitted disease testing and counseling and a full service discount pharmacy.
Take EN101 course
Read self-help book
Join club or organization NMU Volunteer Center The NMU Volunteer Center links individual students and student organizations with a wide variety of volunteer opportunities in the local area.
  Center for Student Enrichment Provides information on the 180+ academic, cultural, programming, social, service and Greek student organizations on campus, The Student Leadership Fellowship Program, Leadership Library and the Skill Builders! Workshop series.
Talk to a clergy person Center for Student Enrichment Provides information on the 180+ academic, cultural, programming, social, service and Greek student organizations on campus, The Student Leadership Fellowship Program, Leadership Library and the Skill Builders! Workshop series.
Step out for a semester Dean Of Students Assistance with problems, complaints, or University procedures including complete withdrawals. Programs and services include Commuter Student Services, the Student Conduct Program, the Student Rights and Responsibilities process, Disability Services, tenants’ rights information, car pool networking, etc.
Seek diversity support Student Equity & Engagement Center Personal, social, and academic support services to prospective and enrolled Asian-American, African-American, Latino/Hispanic, and Native American students to assist in their enrollment and retention at the university. Gay/Lesbian/Bi-sexual students can also find assistance through this office.
Speak with instructors
Speak with academic adviser Academic and Career Advisement Center Confidential academic and career advisement, specialized undeclared and probationary advising, declaration/change of major, informal degree audits and academic skill assistance.
Take a study skills inventory Academic and Career Advisement Center Confidential academic and career advisement, specialized undeclared and probationary advising, declaration/change of major, informal degree audits and academic skill assistance.
Visit with your AP Academic and Career Advisement Center Confidential academic and career advisement, specialized undeclared and probationary advising, declaration/change of major, informal degree audits and academic skill assistance.
Use All-Campus Tutoring All Campus Tutoring Peer tutors offer walk-in, and group tutoring for many Liberal Studies courses and many other 100- and 200-level courses.
Use the Writing Center Writing Center

111G Harden Hall
906-227-2683

Offers writing assistance to any student enrolled in any class. Especially helpful for students taking the required composition courses (EN 111 and 211). Walk-ins are welcome.
Use the Math Lab

Math Lab

3810 West Science
906-227-1612

Offers assistance to any student taking math classes at NMU.
Take EN 101 course
Take EN 102 course
Attend study skills workshop Center for Student Enrichment Provides information on the 180+ academic, cultural, programming, social, service and Greek student organizations on campus, The Student Leadership Fellowship Program, Leadership Library and the Skill Builders! Workshop series.
  Workshops

Time Management
Goal Setting
Study Skills
Note-taking
Career Decision Making
Test Prep
Other: ___________________(you suggest)

Utilize study skill strategies Academic and Career Advisement Center Confidential academic and career advisement, specialized undeclared and probationary advising, declaration/change of major, informal degree audits and academic skill assistance.
  Center for Student Enrichment Provides information on the 180+ academic, cultural, programming, social, service and Greek student organizations on campus, The Student Leadership Fellowship Program, Leadership Library and the Skill Builders! Workshop series.
  Workshops

Time Management
Goal Setting
Study Skills
Note-taking
Career Decision Making
Test Prep
Other: ___________________(you suggest)

  Study Group Join a study group through the Tutoring Center. Check Web site availability at: All Campus Tutoring
Change study environment Study Group Join a study group through the Tutoring Center. Check Web site availability at: All Campus Tutoring
Form a study group All Campus Tutoring  Peer tutors offer walk-in, one-on-one appointments, and group tutoring for most Liberal Studies courses and many other 100- and 200-level courses.
  Study Group Join a study group through the Tutoring Center. Check Web site availability at: All Campus Tutoring
Drop a course Academic and Career Advisement Center Confidential academic and career advisement, specialized undeclared and probationary advising, declaration/change of major, informal degree audits and academic skill assistance.
  Student Services Center Provides assistance with registering/droping/adding classes, student loan deferment forms, obtain FAFSA, apply for emergency loans, change address/name/marital status, request privacy restrictions, scholarship applications, pay tuition/fees, overage checks, request transcripts, review student account, payroll deductions and financial aid information.
Seek help with Disability Student Services Disability Services Provides support services for enrolled students with documented disabilities, including arrangements for and implementation of accommodations; advising, counseling and advocacy services are also available.
Explore careers Academic and Career Advisement Center Confidential academic and career advisement, specialized undeclared and probationary advising, declaration/change of major, informal degree audits and academic skill assistance.
Visit with a career counselor Academic and Career Advisement Center Confidential academic and career advisement, specialized undeclared and probationary advising, declaration/change of major, informal degree audits and academic skill assistance.
Attend a career workshop Workshops

Time Management
Goal Setting
Study Skills
Note-taking
Career Decision Making
Test Prep
Other: ___________________(you suggest)

Complete an internship/job shadow Academic and Career Advisement Center Confidential academic and career advisement, specialized undeclared and probationary advising, declaration/change of major, informal degree audits, academic skill assistance, graduate pre-professional testing and veterans educational benefits.
  Career Services Referrals for full-time, part-time or internship jobs, student employment, individual advising regarding job search strategies and placement workshops.
Personal counseling Counseling and Consultation Services Provides free, confidential and professional personal counseling to NMU students. Also available are individual and group therapy sessions, substance abuse education, social skills training, assertiveness training and a variety of personal skills workshops.
Change major Academic and Career Advisement Center Confidential academic and career advisement, specialized undeclared and probationary advising, declaration/change of major, informal degree audits and academic skill assistance.
Visit with Career Services  Career Services Referrals for full-time, part-time or internship jobs, student employment, individual advising regarding job search strategies and placement workshops.

You are strongly encouraged to seek services from professionals in the Counseling and Consultation Services office, a personal physician, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any student whose overall NMU grade point average is below 2.0 is placed on academic probation (AP). 

At the end of the semester, once grading is complete and grades become official, you will see your academic status online with your grades. If you are a student new to academic probation, you will receive an e-mail stating your academic standing and requesting you to complete the academic probation agreement.

The academic probation agreement is a form you are asked to sign either online or in paper form in the Academic and Career Advisement Center, Hedgcock 3302. You are asked to sign it to:

  • acknowledge your AP status; and
  • be aware of the academic standards you must attain for the semester to prevent suspension.

If you do not sign the academic probation agreement, there is a hold that will remain on your account preventing any future course registration. You will be held to the terms of the agreement, even if you do not sign it.

Absolutely not. It is your warning that you need to turn things around or you will be unable to graduate from NMU.

Other than your academic adviser and selected University staff, the only one who knows that you are on AP is you and anyone you tell. It is also unlikely that the faculty teaching your courses will know--unless you tell them.

That is completely up to you. Once a student attains/regains at NMU GPA of 2.00 or above, they will be released from probation.

Once your overall NMU GPA is above a 2.0 (C average), you will be considered in good standing.   

Overall Earned Credit Hours
(at the end of the semester)

Semester GPA Required
to Remain at NMU

Less than 28 credit hours

1.70 semester GPA or higher

28 to less than 56 credit hours

1.80 semester GPA or higher*

56 or more credit hours

2.00 semester GPA or higher

* If enrolled in only one course, the student must attain a 2.00 Semester GPA or higher (1.80 GPA can only be achieved through an average of grades from more than one course).

If you fail to earn the required Semester GPA (based on your number of GPA credits at the end of the semester) you will be suspended. If you have already been suspended once, you will be dismissed.

Academic suspensions usually last for one year.  Students with extenuating circumstances that caused them to be suspended can appeal to the Admission and Academic Policy Committee (AAPC) for the right to return early. Unless these circumstances are clearly beyond the student’s control, the student’s situation has completely changed, or the student has spent successful time at community college, appeals are rarely granted. After a first suspension, a student is able to return after one year by filling out a re-entry update form and then meeting with the academic proficiency officer.

Community college and/or gainful employment are the recommended choices for dismissed students looking to return to NMU. Being granted an appeal is the only way you will be allowed to attend NMU again.

A complete appeal requires the following: 

  • a completed appeal form answering all questions;
  • relevant documentation of any circumstances noted in the appeal (doctors report, death certificate, newspaper clippings, etc.);
  • any letters of support you can secure from professors, advisers, supervisors, etc; and
  • transcripts from any school in which you were enrolled since leaving NMU.

Incomplete appeals will not be presented to the AAPC.

The AAPC’s job is to make tough decisions on situations like yours. If your appeal is denied,  it is not meant to be a punishment; the AAPC wants to make sure that you will be successful, since if you are suspended again, you will be finished as a student at NMU. Unless there is new documentation, new and different circumstances not considered previously, etc, all decisions made by the AAPC are final.

Academic and Career Advisement Center
3302 C.B. Hedgcock
Phone: 906-227-2971      
Email:  acac@nmu.edu