Academic Warning

Maintaining adequate progress for a degree is defined by meeting a 2.00 cumulative GPA (CGPA). Students who do not maintain a 2.00 CGPA move into a status of Academic Warning. While on Academic Warning you will have a hold placed on the registration of subsequent semesters and must meet with a DUS Academic Recovery Specialist to remove the Academic Warning Hold. All notifications concerning the hold will be sent to your Penn State email address.

FAQ About Academic Warning

Academic Suspension and Dismissal

SUSPENSION: You will be academically suspended from the University if you earn less than a 2.00 semester grade-point average while on Academic Warning. Academic Suspension prevents enrollment at PSU for a minimum of two semesters.

DISMISSAL: A student who returns from academic suspension and does not achieve at least a 2.00 semester GPA is subject to academic dismissal and is no longer permitted to take courses at the University.

FAQ About Academic Suspension and Dismissal

Meeting with Your Academic Recovery Specialist to Release Your Academic Warning Hold

The Academic Warning hold is a notification that it is time to seek help in taking an active approach to improve your academics. You should continue to work closely with your assigned academic adviser.

Additionally, you will be assigned to a DUS Academic Recovery Specialist to work with.  An Academic Recovery Specialist is a university advisor who partners with students facing academic challenges to identify barriers, build effective study and success strategies, and create a clear, personalized academic recovery plan to help you get back on track and achieve your academic goals at Penn State.

During the meetings with your Academic Recovery Specialist, you may be asked to:

• Reflect on challenges that led to warning
• Discuss campus resources
• Plan a balanced schedule
• Understand GPA, grades, and policies
• Develop a plan for success
• Schedule follow-up meeting(s)

You may call (814) 865-7576 to schedule an Academic Recovery appointment with an Academic Recovery Specialist.

Making the Most of Campus Resources

 When you meet with the Academic Recovery Specialist, you will engage in self-reflection and develop an action plan for your future success. 

The offices listed below may be helpful as you begin to reflect and think about your goals:

• Learning Support: At University Park, Penn State Learning offers workshops and study groups for many subjects. Learning Centers are also available at all other Penn State campuses.
• Health Services: Managing health and wellness is essential for success. Please visit the University Health Services website to view information on services provided by their office.
• Disability Resources: Student Disability Resources is available to coordinate support services for students with disabilities.
• DUSuccess: This page includes tools and resources to help you achieve academic success while at University Park and in the Division of Undergraduate Studies.

Returning to DUS at University Park on Academic Warning or Suspension

If you are currently NOT enrolled at Penn State, here is the timeline for re-enrollment activities for each semester for students below a 2.00 cGPA at University Park. Each campus may have its own timeline for re-enrollment, so please check with your campus for that information.

Once you complete your re-enrollment through the Registrar's Office (see below), a DUS Academic Recovery Specialist will reach out to you within 5-8 business days.