Graduate Student Academic Dismissal Process
The University of Louisville has set up a formal process to ensure fairness and academic standards are upheld if a student is dismissed from graduate school. It's crucial to follow these guidelines to maintain the integrity of our academic community and protect everyone's interests. Please familiarize yourself with this procedure to ensure a fair resolution in such regrettable circumstances.
There are four reasons for possible dismissal from Graduate Studies. They are:
- Academic Dishonesty (as defined by the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities)
- Continuing on academic probation for more than one semester.
- Failure to pass the Qualifying/Comprehensive Exam.
- Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
New graduate academic record service indicators (As of Oct. 2019)
- DP – Dismissal from Program {Decision made by the Unit Dean or designee}
- DA – Dismissal from Academic Unit {Decision made by the Unit Dean or designee}
- DU – Dismissal from University {Decision made by the Provost}
- GACA – Graduate Academic Hold. Prevents student from registering for classes. Only the Graduate School has the authority to place and remove this hold.
Notation on students’ record for the GACA hold: “An academic hold has been placed on your record. Contact the Graduate School at graduate@louisville.edu for further information.”
Dismissal Process from the Degree Program and/or Unit:
- Recommendation from the program (DGS or Chair) to dismiss a student is sent to the Unit Dean’s Office.
- Unit Dean (or designee) reviews the request and makes the final decision to dismiss. The dean has the authority to dismiss a student from the program or from the unit.
- Unit Dean (or designee) sends an official letter notifying the student of the dismissal action. A copy is sent to the Graduate School and Registrar’s Office. Student is made aware of right to Academic Grievance process.
- GACA-hold will be placed on the student’s academic record and the student’s record will be coded to indicate the level of dismissal (DP or DA).
Process for Dismissal from the University
- Recommendation from the program (DGS or Chair) to dismiss a student is sent to the Unit Dean’s Office.
- Unit Dean (or designee) reviews the request and makes the final decision to dismiss.
- Unit Dean (or designee) sends an official letter to the Vice Provost of Graduate Affairs/Dean of the Graduate School requesting the student be dismissed from the University.
- VP/Dean reviews the requests and forwards a recommendation to the Provost.
- Provost (or designee) makes the final decision and, if approved, sends a letter notifying the student of the dismissal action. A copy is sent to the Unit Dean, Dean of Students, Graduate School and Registrar’s Office. Student is made aware of right to Academic Grievance process.
- GACA-hold will be placed on the student’s record and the students record will be coded to indicate dismissal from the university (DU).