Open

NOTE:  This procedure is legally required.  Local practice may be inserted below, but it should address the minimum requirements in the following examples. 

 Standards for Dismissal 

A student who is on academic probation shall be subject to dismissal if the student has earned a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.0 in all units attempted in each of three consecutive semesters (five consecutive quarters).  [ NOTE:  Title 5 Section 55033 subdivision (c)(3) permits the District to establish a minimum of fewer than three consecutive semesters ].  A student who has been placed on probation shall be subject to dismissal if the percentage of units in which the student has been enrolled for which entries of “W,” “I,” “NC,” and “NP” are recorded in at least three consecutive semesters (five consecutive quarters) reaches or exceeds 50 percent.  [ NOTE:  Title 5 Section 55033 subdivision (d) permits the District to establish a minimum percentage of units of less than 50 percent. ] 

 Dismissal Letter 

The letter notifying the student that he/she/they is subject to dismissal will cover, at a minimum, reference to this procedure, explanation of what dismissal means, procedure for reinstatement, and procedure to appeal the dismissal. 

 Appeal of Dismissal 

The student has the right to appeal a proposed dismissal action if the student feels that facts exist that warrant an exception to the dismissal action.  The student must file the written petition of appeal [ identify where petition is filed ] within [ time limit ] after the dismissal letter was mailed.  If the student fails to file a written petition within the [ time limit ], the student waives all future rights to appeal the dismissal action.  It is the student's responsibility to indicate on the petition a clear statement of the grounds on which continued enrollment should be granted and to provide evidence supporting the reasons.  Petitions will be reviewed by [ identify who reviews petitions ]. 

 The student will be continued on probation until the [ designate authority ] decides on the student's appeal. 

 The decision of the [ designate authority ] will be communicated to the student in writing by the [ designate authority ].  The [ designate authority ] will notify the student of its action within [ time limit ] of receipt of the student's appeal.  The student may appeal the decision of the [ designate authority ] in writing to the [ CEO or designee ], within [ time limit ] working days of the date of notification of the decision of the [ Appeals Committee].  The decision of the [ CEO or designee ] is final. 

 If the dismissal appeal is granted, the student will be continued on probation for an additional semester.  At the end of the additional semester, the student’s academic record will again be evaluated to determine whether the student may be removed from probation, should be dismissed, or should be continued on probation. 

 NOTE:  The following standards are suggested as good practice. 

 Fall Dismissals 

Special circumstances exist for dismissals after the Fall semester due to the fact that students traditionally enroll before Fall grades are available.  Subject to dismissal letters will be sent no later than [ month ] informing students that:  

• If they are enrolled in the Spring semester, they will be permitted to continue on probation. Dismissal status will be reevaluated at the end of the Spring semester. 

• If they are not enrolled in the Spring semester, they have the right to appeal dismissal in accordance with the appeal process. 

 Procedure for Fall Dismissal Appeals 

Appeals for students subject to dismissal as a result of the fall grades must be filed following notification during the Spring semester.  The following conditions apply:  

• Students who are enrolled in the Spring semester will not be required to file an appeal but will be allowed to continue on probation and have their dismissal status reevaluated at the end of the Spring semester. 

• Students who have not enrolled in the Spring semester will be dismissed unless an appeal is granted in accordance with procedures set above.  

 Standards for Evaluating Appeals 

Dismissal appeals may be granted under the following circumstances:  

• If the dismissal determination is based on the academic record for one semester in which the record does not reflect the student's usual level of performance due to accident, illness, or other circumstances beyond the control of the student.  Verification should be submitted with the appeal. 

• The student enrolls in a corrective program designed to assist him/her/them in improving academic skills, such as obtaining academic counseling, or limiting course load. 

• When there is evidence of significant improvement in academic achievement. 

 Re-Admission after Dismissal 

In considering whether or not students may be re-admitted after a dismissal and two semesters absence, the following criteria should be considered:  

• Documented extenuating circumstances (considered during appeal). 

• Marked improvement between the semesters on which disqualification was based. 

• Semesters on which disqualification was based were atypical of past academic performance. 

• Formal or informal educational experiences since completion of semesters on which disqualification was based. 

• Improved GPA as a result of grade changes, fulfillment of incomplete courses, or academic renewal. 

 Revised 8/06, 2/08, 10/13, 4/23 

References: Title 5 Sections 55033 and 55034

Disclaimer:  This document is provided as a benefit to Community College League of California’s Policy & Procedure Service subscribers and cannot be shared outside of their district.  The information contained within is a sample only and is not designed to address each district’s specific and unique issues, internal rules or practices, or governing documents that might be in place at each district.  Districts should always consult with local District legal counsel prior to implementation.