Academic Standards and Reinstatement

Community Colleges of Spokane's Academic Standards Policy is intended to support a successful learning experience for all students. Students enrolled in degree or certificate programs are expected to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress as defined by the following three general policy requirements:

• Minimum Grade Point Average: A degree-seeking student or student enrolled in a certificate program must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in all coursework. Students are encouraged to consult with instructors, counselors or faculty advisors, and student services staff for assistance in achieving their academic goals and objectives. A student whose GPA falls below 2.0 is notified of progressive action - to include warning, probation, and suspension.
• Credits Earned/Credits Attempted: A student in a degree or certificate program must successfully complete at least 75% of attempted credits. Repeated courses and courses in which the student receives a Special Withdrawal (Z), a Withdrawal (W) or an Incomplete (I) are included in the total of attempted credits. A student receiving these alternative grades may not meet credit completion requirements. A student who fails to complete 75% of attempted coursework is notified of progressive action - to include warning, probation, and suspension.
• Degree/Certificate Completion: A student who is enrolled in a degree or certificate program must complete the program in at least 125% of the program's credit requirements. A student in a degree or certificate program may not take college-level courses in excess of 150% of the credits needed to complete the degree or certificate. For the purposes of this policy, 90 credits will be assumed to be the program length unless otherwise indicated. To assist the student in meeting this standard, the college will monitor local college-level credits leading to degree/certificate completion. A student who does not meet this standard will be subject to corrective actions.

Community Colleges of Spokane recognize the unique and diverse backgrounds and needs of students, and while all students are held to the same level of academic excellence, students with special circumstances may petition for special consideration. Students enrolled in special programs are also required to follow the requirements specified by their funding agency. In addition, students receiving federal and/or state financial aid must follow the Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Policies (as revised 11-16-04).