Important Information
NOTICE TO ALL DSU STUDENTS
Every enrolled student will have access to personalized assistance (an appropriate academic advisor) and information (an official University catalog) related to their academic program, thus ensuring the student will be able to complete their degree within a reasonable length of time. While the University guarantees that every student will have access to this type of valuable information and guidance, it is each individual student’s responsibility to carefully review the specific degree requirements of their academic program and the general graduation requirements of the University indicated in the catalog.
CHANGING MAJORS OR ADVISORS
A student may, at any time, change their major and/or academic advisor. Students will need to complete a Change of Major/Advisor Form located in Campus Connection.
STUDENT CLASS LOAD
The normal credit load for a semester is 16 credit hours (summer session, 12 hours). Students can enroll for a maximum of 18 hours without an advisor signature. Enrollment for credits beyond 18 credit hours (19-21 credit hours, summer session 13-15 credit hours) requires signatures of the advisor and the appropriate department chair/s, and a recommended minimum GPA of 3.00.
Students should not take more than 21 credit hours in a regular semester (15 summer session). Waiver of restrictions (hours/GPA) can be granted by the college dean if recommended by the department chair up to 23 credit hours for a regular session course and up to 16 credit hours for summer session.
CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are expected to attend scheduled classes and labs as published in the official class schedule. Deviation from this general policy must be approved by the instructor and respective dean. Student excuses fall in the following categories:
- If the student is ill, it is their responsibility to contact instructors regarding absence(s). Student Health will not give excuses for missing class.
- Academically related (field trips) and institutionally sponsored activities (athletics, tours, etc.) will be excused. The advisor or coach will notify the campus community of the student travel.
All other absences must be cleared by each instructor. It is the instructor’s decision to determine if the absence is excused or unexcused.
Students have the responsibility of personally contacting their instructors concerning missing work for any absence from class.
ACADEMIC PROBATION AND SUSPENSION
Students may be placed on probation or suspension if they do not meet the minimum GPA requirements listed below.
- Probation: Students who do not maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 will be placed on probation and will remain on probationary status until a 2.00 (or higher) cumulative GPA is achieved. Students must have attempted a minimum of 12 credit hours within the semester.
- Suspension: Students who have attempted at least 24 semester hours of credit and do not maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 1.60 may be suspended from DSU for a minimum of one regular term (fall or spring semester). Students receiving all Fs for a term may also be suspended. Any student who is suspended following the spring semester will not be permitted to enroll for the following summer session.
After being suspended, a student may submit a written appeal of the suspension to the Vice President and/or Provost. After students have completed their suspension, or successfully appealed, they may re-enroll. However, if the student does not earn a minimum term GPA of 2.00 for the first term following the suspension, the student may be placed in suspension status again.
Transfer students entering DSU with a GPA below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation at the time of enrollment. The institutional probation and/or suspension policy will apply at the end of the transfer student’s first term (excluding summer session). For further information, contact the Office of Academic Records at dsu.records@dickinsonstate.edu.
CANCELLATION/WITHDRAWAL FROM THE UNIVERSITY
A student who finds it necessary to cancel or withdraw from the University must complete the Cancellation/Withdrawal Form online in Campus Connection following these steps: Cancellation/Withdrawal Form Instructions.
A student may cancel from the University until the first day of classes.
A student may withdraw from the University through the 12th week of the semester according to SBHE Policy 406. If the completed electronic cancellation/withdrawal form has not been submitted for processing before 4:30pm on the last day of the 12th week of the semester, the withdrawal will not be processed.
Medical or family emergency withdrawals may be allowed after the 12th week of the semester; appropriate documentation is required. Please contact the Office of Academic Records for more information at dsu.records@dickinsonstate.edu.