University Catalogues

Academic Performance Standards

Students whose academic performance is below standard are strongly urged to maintain close contact with their academic advisors and Academic Services. While Bentley academic and administrative staff are dedicated to helping students attain their collegiate goals, students are ultimately responsible for their own success at the university.

Students with an overall grade point average (GPA) below a 2.0 are placed on academic probation. Students with a semester GPA below a 2.0 will receive an academic warning the first time their semester GPA is below a 2.0.

A newly admitted First Year or transfer student will be automatically reviewed by the Academic Performance Committee for possible suspension or dismissal if the student’s GPA is below a 2.0 during the first semester of enrollment.

Students are also placed on academic probation, regardless of overall GPA, if two or more courses taken under a full-time load (or accumulated equivalent) receive F grades. In addition, members of varsity athletic teams must maintain a minimum overall GPA set by the NCAA to remain eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Students with a satisfactory overall GPA will receive an academic warning if they have earned at least one of the following in the most recent semester:

  • A semester GPA below a 2.0
  • More than one “F”, “W” or “I”.

A student who has earned F’s in six or more distinct courses is subject to dismissal.

Students on academic probation are subject to review by the Academic Performance Committee. Committee actions can include reducing course loads, requiring attendance in a study skills course, suspension and, ultimately, permanent dismissal from the University.

Students subject to such action are contacted individually and must follow the Committee’s directives to improve their academic performance. Continued inadequate academic performance can also jeopardize students’ eligibility for federal financial aid.

Students who are suspended (normally for a one-year period), may petition for re-admission in writing to the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education. The deadline for re-application is March 15 for a fall or summer term re-entry and October 15 for a spring term re-entry. Students who wish to re-enter should be prepared to accept a reduced course load and other conditions outlined by the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education