All Bryant University students are responsible for complying with the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures contained in this publication, as well as those in other official University publications (e.g. Student Handbook) and announcements which may be issued from time to time.

Academic Regulations

Credit Hour

As an institution of higher education, Bryant University holds the responsibility for determining and upholding standards related to the awarding of credit hours for student work consistent with national standards. One credit hour is defined as follows:

• One hour (50 minutes) of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one term. 
• A least an equivalent amount of work as required outlined above for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work relating to the award of credit hours.

Bryant University ensures a minimum of 750 minutes of instruction per credit hour (2,250 minutes of instruction for a standard, three-hour course), regardless of mode of delivery. Winter and Summer terms offer accelerated courses, and the schedule is adjusted to meet the above standard.

Grading System

The grading system is shown below. To calculate GPA

1. Multiply the point value of the letter grade by the number of credit hours. The result is the quality points earned.
2. Total the credit hours for the term.
3. Total the quality points for the term.
4. Divide the total quality points by the total credit hours.
5. The result is the GPA for the term.
6. Final GPA is truncated (not rounded) to the hundredths (i.e., two decimal places) for all official university records, academic standing, honors, etc.

Grading System

grade	gpa	description
A	4.0	Excellent
A-	3.7
B+	3.3
B	3.0	Good
B-	2.7
C+	2.3
C	2.0	Satisfactory
C-	1.7
D+	1.3
D	1.0	Unsatisfactory
F	0	Failing
I		Incomplete (because of extenuating circumstances, the instructor has allowed additional time, usually two weeks, to complete the course.) The Incomplete is not included in calculating the GPA. If the Incomplete is not finished before the midterm of the next regular term (i.e., Fall or Spring terms), the grade will automatically be converted to an F. For purposes of this policy, “midterm of the next regular term” shall be interpreted to mean the date which the institution has identified when midterm grades for the term must be submitted.
AU		Audit grade. Grade not included in calculation of GPA.
P		Pass grade. Grade not included in calculation of GPA
W		Student is allowed to withdraw from a course through the tenth week of the semester (see relevant academic calendar for the exact date). The recorded grade of “W” does not enter into GPA calculations. If a student does not formally withdraw from a course, the instructor will submit the final grade earned and that grade will appear on the student’s transcript. In cases of academic dishonesty, the student will not be permitted to withdraw if an F grade penalty is assigned or if an academic dishonesty case is pending.
WD		Student may be allowed to withdraw from a course after the Week 10 deadline due to extenuating circumstances. In cases of academic dishonesty, or if an academic dishonesty case is pending, a student will not be allowed to withdraw from the course in question.

In those cases where the instructor fails to meet the deadline date for submission of grades, the grade report will reflect the symbol NA, which means “Not available at time of processing of grade reports. Student must check with instructor for grade.”

Courses attempted at Bryant University are permanently recorded and appropriately calculated in the grade point average.

Add/Drop Policy

During the fall and spring terms, students may add courses for one (1) week after the first day of classes. Students have two weeks to drop classes after the first day of classes. Students must submit an online add/drop form. Students will be admitted upon faculty approval.  Refer to the Office of the Registrar web page for add and drop deadlines for the winter and summer terms.

Grade Replacement Policy

Undergraduate students may have the option of replacing a grade in a course by retaking the identical course number. The grade replacement policy is subject to the following conditions:

•   For any one course this grade replacement option may be used only once; that is, while a student may retake a course multiple times, only one instance of a repeated course may receive credit.

•   This policy can be applied to a maximum of four different courses.

•   For purposes of GPA calculation, the grade earned during the first course enrollment will stand until the recording of the final grade in the second enrollment is completed. When the second enrollment is completed, the higher of the two grades will become the grade used in all GPA calculations. The invalid instance will be marked with an X during the time a student is enrolled.  

•   Students will not be allowed to apply the grade replacement policy to a course in which there has been documented academic dishonesty that has not been reversed on appeal.

•   The grade from the first attempt will continue to stand for those students who withdrew from the course during the second attempt.

A student who wishes to apply for grade replacement should meet with their advisor prior to enrolling to retake the course. The advisor will work with the student to ensure that retaking the course does not negatively affect progress toward degree completion.

Academic Grievance Procedures

Students who have academic grievances are entitled to have their dispute reviewed by a formal and systematic process. The student must initiate the grievance process by obtaining a form in the Office of the Registrar that outlines the steps to be taken for this review. The deadline for students to initiate an academic grievance is the middle of the next regular term. For purposes of this policy, “middle of the next regular term” shall be interpreted to mean the date that mid-term grades are due.

The Academic Grievance process should begin with a good-faith effort for resolution between the student and professor. In the event that an issue cannot be resolved between the student and professor, the student may subsequently take up the review with the appropriate Department Chair, then the Associate Dean and then the Dean of the respective college. If the issue cannot be resolved by the aforementioned steps, the student may request a hearing with the Undergraduate Student Academic Grievance Committee.

The Undergraduate Student Academic Grievance Committee shall hold hearings on academic grievances asserted by undergraduate students. The Committee shall meet only when the student has not been able to resolve the grievance through the faculty member, the Department Chair, and the Dean's level review. The Committee shall have the authority to make recommendations for disposition of grievances to the Provost. The Provost shall consider the recommendation but shall not be bound by the recommendation; and his/her decision on the grievance shall be final. At each stage in the grievance process a written record that summarizes each party’s understanding and disposition is expected.

Academic Honesty Policy

A student’s education is the result of individual initiative and industry. A student indisposed to such an academic commitment will not gain an education at Bryant University. Students submitting any assignment certify that any and all class submissions, assignments, reports, etc. are their own original work. Each Bryant student, accordingly, understands that to submit work that is not his or her own is not only a transgression of University policy but a violation of personal integrity. A high standard of conduct in academic experiences is expected of each student.

The academic community, therefore, does not tolerate any form of “cheating” – the dishonest use of assistance in the preparation of outside or in-class assignments. Such violations, which include forms of plagiarism, are subject to disciplinary action.

To preserve its commitment to the high standards of intellectual and professional behavior, Bryant University rewards intellectual excellence and expects intellectual honesty.

Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to:

• plagiarism (including self-plagiarism) in any form;
• copying from another student’s examination, term paper, homework or lab report or any other class submission;
• intentionally missing an exam to gain an unfair advantage;
• submitting the same or substantially similar paper or assignment in more than one course without permission of the instructors;
• The unauthorized use of AI-writing tools or programs, and/or the permitted use of such tools without appropriate attribution or citation;
• falsification or invention of data;
• unauthorized access to or the use of the work of others;
• misappropriation of examination materials or information;
• giving illicit aid on exams, papers, or projects or any other class submissions.

Lack of knowledge of the above is unacceptable as an excuse for dishonest efforts.

Procedures and Penalties

A student must be informed of any accusations of alleged academic dishonesty from any member of the Bryant community. The procedure for handling academic dishonesty incidents is as follows:

1. For cases involving conduct in a particular class:

Professors have the explicit responsibility to take action in alleged cases of academic dishonesty if the incident occurs with respect to a particular course. The faculty member may penalize the student up to and including failure in the course and consequent expulsion from the class. The professor must inform the student in person or in a synchronous virtual meeting of the academic dishonesty incident and any penalty imposed in a timely manner. The professor must file a written report with the department chair and the undergraduate advising office (through the Banner system or equivalent) detailing the nature of the academic dishonesty incident and any penalty imposed.

If a potential incident occurs in the Academic Testing Center (ATC), information about the behavior suggesting a violation of the academic honesty policy will be provided by the staff of the ATC to the faculty member teaching the relevant course. The faculty member will assess whether a violation has occurred and, if so, follow the procedures outlined in the previous paragraph.

The student may appeal the professor’s decision to the appropriate Department Chair (or equivalent), then to the Dean of the respective college (or equivalent). This appeals process must begin within one week of faculty member informing the student of the incident.

This chair and dean appeal process can result in any of the following outcomes:

• To sustain the instructor’s decision.
• To overturn the professor’s finding of academic dishonesty and/or penalty.
• To impose additional sanction beyond those imposed by the faculty member, including, but limited to, placing the student on probationary status, or recommending to the Provost that the student be suspended or dismissed from the university.

If the student accepts the decision of the chair or dean, the chair or dean will file a report with the undergraduate advising office detailing the final disposition of the incident.

If the issue cannot be resolved by the aforementioned steps, the student may request an appeal hearing with the Academic Integrity Board.

2. In all other cases, any member of the Bryant University community may report an alleged violation of the academic honesty policy directly to the Dean of the respective college, or equivalent.

Record keeping:

A record of all academic dishonesty incidents shall be maintained by the undergraduate advising office. If the same student is involved in multiple instances of academic dishonesty (which have been sustained if appealed), these incidents will also be included in the student’s conduct record maintained by the Student Affairs Division.

Incremental sanctions for multiple instances of academic dishonesty

In the event that the same student is involved in more than one incident of academic dishonesty (which have been sustained if appealed), the undergraduate advising office will inform the Associate Provost (or his/her designee) of the multiple incidents and a disciplinary review by the Academic Integrity Board will occur. These disciplinary reviews for multiple instances of academic dishonesty can result in incremental sanctions up to and including expulsion from the university and may include disclosure of academic dishonesty incidents on the student’s transcript.

Academic Integrity Board:

Composition:

a. Five faculty members appointed by the Provost (with no more than 3 faculty members from any college, school, or equivalent).

b. Two students appointed by the Provost based on nominations (including self-nominations) from the student body. Students not in good academic standing, and those with previous academic dishonesty incidents or with a disciplinary record are not eligible to serve.

c. A representative from Student Affairs appointed by the Vice President of Student Affairs.

d. The Associate Provost or his/her designee as a non-voting member.

A quorum of the committee consists of at least three voting members.

The committee charge is three-fold:

1. To hear appeals from students accused of academic dishonesty who are unsatisfied with their initial appeals to the department chair and dean.
2. To review multiple academic dishonesty incidents by the same student for potential incremental sanctions.
3. To meet at least once per semester to review the nature and prevalence of academic dishonesty incidents and to consider any appropriate changes to the University’s policies.

a. For student appeals:

The board will follow the procedures outlined in the student handbook (Article IV (A) (4)) for disciplinary board hearings, with “Chair of the Academic Integrity Board” substituted for “Assistant Dean of Community Standards”

The appeal process could result in one of the following outcomes:

•           To overturn the instructor’s decision and remove any penalty imposed.

•           To sustain or amend the instructor’s findings and/or sanction.

•           To place the student on probationary status, which can include exclusion from award eligibility, and/or activities such as study abroad, honors societies and programs, and athletics.

•           To note the instance of academic dishonesty on the student’s transcript.

•           To suspend the student from the University for a period of time.

•           To recommend expulsion of the student from the University to the Provost.

b. Triggered review for multiple violations:

An automatic review of the student’s conduct is triggered when the same student is involved in more than one instance of academic dishonesty (which have been sustained if appealed), This review will occur as expeditiously as possible, but no later than the second week of the semester following the second (or more) violation.

The Academic Integrity Board will consider whether the facts and circumstances of the multiple instances warrant further sanction. In making this determination, the board will also consider the student’s disciplinary record (if any) maintained by the Division of Student Affairs.

The committee may impose incremental sanctions as follows:

•           To require the student to complete university-approved education related to the violations.

•           To place the student on probationary status, which can include exclusion from award eligibility, and/or activities such as study abroad, honors societies and programs, and athletics.

•           To suspend the student from the University for a period of time.

•           To note the instances of academic dishonesty on the student’s transcript.

•           To recommend expulsion of the student from the University to the Provost

Students will be informed that the committee is reviewing their record and invited to appear before the committee before further sanctions are imposed.

The multiple academic dishonesty incidents will also be reported to the Student Affairs division for inclusion in the student’s conduct record.

Appeals of decisions of the Academic Integrity Board

1. A decision reached by the Academic Integrity Board may be appealed by the student(s) to the Provost within five (5) business days of the decision. Such appeals shall be in writing.

2. Unless the appeal is on the basis of new information, an appeal shall be limited to a review of hearing (and/or disciplinary review for multiple academic dishonesty incidents) and supporting documents for one or more of the following purposes:

a. To determine whether the Academic Integrity Board Hearing (and/or disciplinary review for multiple academic dishonesty incidents) was conducted fairly in light of the charges and information presented, and in conformity with prescribed procedures. Deviations from designated procedures will not be a basis for sustaining an appeal unless significant prejudice results.

b. To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the academic dishonesty which the student was found to have committed.

c. To consider new information, sufficient to alter a decision or other relevant facts not brought out in the original hearing (and/or disciplinary review for multiple academic dishonesty incidents), because such information and/or facts were not known to the person appealing at the time of the original Hearing (and/or disciplinary review for multiple academic dishonesty incidents).

3. If an appeal is granted by the Provost, he or she has the right to make the following decisions based on the appeal hearing: 1) to accept and enforce the original sanction given to the accused student; 2) to make the original sanction more stringent; 3) to lower or lessen the original sanctions; 4) or order a new hearing for the accused.

The Provost shall notify the student and the Academic Integrity Board in writing of his or her final decision within five business days or receiving the student appeal request unless special circumstances make that impossible.

Advanced Standing

Bryant University awards up to 30 credits for scores of 3 or higher on some of the Advanced Placement (AP) tests available through the College Board. Each AP exam must be reviewed and approved by Bryant’s Office of Admission. Bryant University will consider granting up to 12 credits for a limited number of subject examinations available through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Credit may also be awarded to students who have successfully completed military service schools as qualified by A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services. There are testing fees associated with several advanced placement tests.

Students who have significant, relevant work experience may also satisfy certain course requirements through departmental testing programs. Challenge Exams are available to students who believe they have acquired, through employment and/or independent study, the knowledge and skill that is equivalent to a Bryant University catalog course. To sit for a “challenge examination” a student must apply through the appropriate department chair and pay the associated fees.

Recognizing the strength and quality of the curriculum offered by the International Baccalaureate Program, Bryant University grants advanced standing credit for acceptable higher-level exams with a score of 5, 6, or 7. Bryant awards up to 30 credits based on the particular curriculum requirements. Incoming freshmen students can transfer in a maximum of 30 credits for any combination of the following: Advanced Placement exams, International Baccalaureate Program with acceptable higher-level exams, College Level Examination Program and credit earned and appearing on a college or university transcript with a ‘C’ or better.

Attendance and Make-up Policy

The university expects the academic experience to take priority over all other activities. However, because of the unique nature of each course, teaching style, course objectives, student situations, and performance needs, the class professor is in the best position to determine fair and reasonable attendance and make- up policies for their course. The professor’s attendance and make-up policies shall be clearly defined in the course syllabus.

 While professors have wide latitude in determining attendance and/or class participation policies, they are expected to make reasonable accommodations for students to make-up missed exams or assignments under documented circumstances such as:

• The student is away from campus attending an official University function or is representing the University in an official capacity (e.g. professional meeting, conference, as a member of a judging team, academic or athletic competitions, etc.)
• Required military duty as certified by the student’s commanding officer.
• Jury duty
• Illness or injury sufficient to prevent class attendance.
• Death or serious illness in the family

In situations requiring prolonged medical or crisis absences for more than 5 days, the student/proxy should contact the Registrar’s Office and they will be referred to the appropriate support professional who will collect supporting documentation. Students are not required to distribute documentation to faculty for this absence. The Registrar’s Office will be notified from the support professional to communicate to the student’s faculty and academic advisor confirming a temporary medical absence. A temporary medical absence may extend for 6 to 14 calendar days away from academic responsibilities. Students are required to communicate with the faculty member regarding the best plan of action upon their return. The Vice Provost for Student Success can assist in developing these plans between the student and faculty.

Academic Program: Declaration of Major

All undergraduate students are required to officially declare a major/concentration by the end of the second regular term of their sophomore year. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences and the School for Behavioral and Health Sciences also must declare their required business minor (see individual program requirements for exceptions to this general policy). Students in the College of Business must declare their required minor in either the College of Arts and Sciences or in the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences.

To officially declare, a student must submit a Major/ Minor Declaration for Undergraduate Students through their Banner Self-Service account. It is recommended that they meet with  their academic advisor to ensure the feasibility of the proposed Major/Minor program.

A student who does not complete the official process of declaring their major/concentration or required minor will have a registration hold placed on their Banner account in the fall of their junior year. This hold prevents registration for spring term courses until the declaration process is completed.

Double Major or Concentration

A student in good academic standing may choose to declare a double major or concentration. To do so, the student must satisfy the degree requirements for both majors/concentrations. This may mean that the student will need to take courses beyond the 120-hour degree program requirement. The student must complete an online Major/Concentration Declaration for Undergraduate Students for both majors or concentrations through their Banner Self-Service.

Dual Baccalaureate

At the undergraduate level, a student must take the equivalent of a full year of study beyond the first baccalaureate degree to earn the second degree. Eligible students are those in good standing. In order to pursue a dual degree, the student must officially declare with the Registrar's office by the end of sophomore year in consultation with their assigned academic advisor. To be awarded two baccalaureate degrees, the student must satisfy the program requirements for both degrees and complete 30 credit hours beyond the first degree for a minimum total of 150 credits.

Limitation Period for Degree Candidates

Degree requirements are designed to be completed within four years.  Additional time, up to 10 years from the date of matriculation, may be granted upon formal request to the Provost. A student who has been withdrawn for up to five years may reenter the University by submitting a request to the Registrar. A student readmitted under these circumstances will follow the requirements in place at the time of their initial matriculation. A student who has been withdrawn for more than five years is considered a “former student”. A former student must reapply to the University through the Admission Office, and will be required to fulfill all course, distribution, and quality requirements as stated in the catalog in effect at the time of their reentry.

Leave of Absence

Bryant University allows for Official Leave of Absence in the following categories: Personal Leave and Medical Leave. Students may apply for a leave of absence for a period of up to two regular terms.

Personal Leave of Absence: Students who are requesting a leave for personal reasons, financial concerns, academic exploration, or off-campus study opportunities that are not recognized by Bryant University, are on Personal Leave of Absence. A student wishing to take a personal leave of absence should contact the Dean of Students office to begin the process of taking an official leave of absence. In order to return to the University upon completion of the official leave of absence, a student must contact the Dean of Students office to begin that process. Students who are granted an Official Leave of Absence during a term will be dropped from all courses if it is within the Add/Drop period or withdrawn from all classes with a course grade of “W” if it is before the withdrawal deadline (see the Academic Calendar); grades of “WD” will be applied to all incomplete classes after the deadline. This drop does not impact the student’s grade point average.

 Medical Leave of Absence: To receive a Medical Leave of Absence, a student must have a consultation and signature from either Bryant Counseling Services or Health Services, or in the event of an unforeseen medical event, a doctor’s note indicating the student will be unable to complete the term. Additionally, the student (or official designee) will need to fill out an application for Official Leave of Absence form from the Office of the Registrar. A student who takes a Medical Leave of Absence will receive no academic credit or academic penalty for the term. In order to return to the University upon completion of the official leave of absence, a student must contact the Dean of Students office to begin that process.  

Withdrawing From Bryant

Students are considered active and responsible academically unless they withdraw formally from the University. All undergraduate students who plan to withdraw from Bryant University are required to notify and complete an official withdrawal through the Registrar. At that time, the student will complete an exit interview and be advised about their obligations to the University. The withdrawal form can be processed immediately or at the end of the term and the student’s intent to withdraw will be communicated to the appropriate offices. Additional future registrations and housing will be canceled.

Residency Requirement

All matriculating students at Bryant must complete the last 30 credits (10 courses) of their degree requirements at Bryant. A student may petition the Registrar to complete no more than the last ten credit hours at an approved institution. Only one of these courses may be in the business area. The petition will be considered for approval provided that the student has matriculated for at least 30 credit hours, has no more than ten credits remaining to meet graduation requirements, and otherwise meets the standards of academic progress.

The University is prepared to accept up to 90 semester hours credit in transfer from a four-year institution and up to 60 semester hours credit from a two-year community college or institution. Courses that are transferred are for credit only and are not calculated into the grade point average (GPA). Students who have reached junior standing (60 credits passed) may not transfer credits from a junior college.

Business Credit Hours

At least 50 percent of the business credit hours required for the business degree must be earned at Bryant University. This statement applies to both the residency requirement and limits on transfer credits.

Limits on Transfer of Credits

In addition to meeting the residency requirements, students will be eligible to receive transfer credit, subject to the distributive requirements of the degree program that the student expects to pursue at Bryant University. Upper division professional courses are not eligible for transfer credit unless they have been taken at the appropriate level at an acceptable institution. Professional courses that are not transferable may be acceptable through validation. The University follows a policy that only those courses that carry a grade no lower than a “C” will be evaluated for possible transfer.

Academic Standards of Progress

The academic standards of progress measure a student’s advancement toward meeting the grade point average requirements for a degree.

Requirements for a degree include a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in three categories:

1. major/concentration
2. minor and
3. overall [cumulative].

To be eligible for a degree, a candidate must have completed the required number and distribution of courses and have met the other requirements of the University.

Policy of Walking in Commencement Ceremony

A student may participate in only one commencement ceremony for the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. A student in good standing who is scheduled to complete all their academic degree requirements and all other obligations to the University by the end of summer term in a given academic year is eligible to walk in the May Commencement Ceremony of that academic year. A diploma will not be presented, however, until all university obligations are met.

A student who will complete their degree requirements in a subsequent academic year is not eligible to walk in the May Commencement Ceremony.

Academic Standards of Performance AND Progress -

Academic performance is calculated and posted on the grade report and transcript. For full-time students, the academic performance is calculated at the end of the fall and spring terms. For part-time students, this will occur at the end of the spring term each year. Academic performance is posted on the transcript and grade report according to the following levels.

 President's List/Dean's List

A full-time student who has a GPA of 3.40 or better for at least 12 semester hours of work in a semester will be named to the Dean’s List. Those who achieve a term GPA of 4.00 are designated as President’s List recipients. Dean’s List and President’s List for traditional, full-time students is calculated each term after final grades have been submitted and the standards of progress have been processed. These designations appear on the student’s official transcript.

A part-time student who has a GPA of 3.40 or better in both the fall and spring terms combined will be named to the Dean’s List at the end of the academic year. Those who achieve a 4.00 in the academic year are designated as President’s List recipients. Dean’s List and President’s List for part-time students are calculated at the end of the spring term each academic year after final grades have been submitted and the standards of progress have been processed. (Note: Special terms are included in the 4.00 calculation while at Bryant.) These designations appear on the student’s official transcript.

A student who receives an “I” or “NA” grade for a term is not eligible for Dean’s or President’s List.

Graduation Honors

Special recognition at graduation is accorded those who show distinction in academic achievement. Latin Honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude) may be awarded on the basis of cumulative averages as follows: Cum Laude (with honors - GPA of 3.45), Magna Cum Laude (with high honors - GPA of 3.65), and Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors - GPA of 3.85-4.00). GPA is truncated, not rounded, at the hundredths place. Students must have completed 60 semester hours of coursework at Bryant University to be eligible for honors.

 Academic standing

Academic Standing

Academic Standing Category	Definition	Term GPA	Cumulative GPA
GOOD	The student is in good academic standing.	2.00 or better	2.00 or better
WARNING	The student has achieved a term GPA below 2.00 but has a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to a 2.00	Below 2.00	2.00 or better
PROBATION 1	This indicates that the student has entered the first phase of academic difficulty with a cumulative GPA less than 2.00	N/A	Below 2.00
PROBATION 2	The student on Probation 1 has made satisfactory progess toward teh degree but has not returend to GOOD standing	2.00 or better	Below 2.00
DISMISSAL	The student has been through Probation 1 or 2 without having raised the cumulative GPA to a 2.0 or better.	N/A	Below 2.00

DISMISSAL POLICY and PROCEDURES

A student who is academically dismissed from the University is not eligible to enroll for courses at Bryant University. This occurs when the student has been through Probation 1 or 2 without having raised the cumulative GPA to a 2.00 or better.

The student is academically dismissed from the University, and the student typically is required to take one regular term leave of absence. Students on dismissal status are not eligible to enroll for courses at Bryant University; however, if a dismissal appeal is pending, the student may remain in courses for which they are registered. This includes winter and summer terms.

In cases where a student would normally be dismissed but has demonstrated satisfactory academic progress without yet achieving the term and cumulative GPAs necessary to be in Good Standing, the University Committee on Scholastic Standing (UCSS) may review the student’s case and choose to continue their Probation 2 status for one additional semester. At the end of that semester, the student’s progress will once again be reviewed, and a final determination of dismissal status will be made by UCSS.

Immediate Appeal Process

A dismissed student who believes there are extenuating circumstances surrounding their academic standing can apply for an immediate appeal hearing with the University Committee on Scholastic Standing (UCSS). While an appeal is in process, a student is allowed to remain in any courses for which they have already registered. Documentation for such appeals should be primarily from professional sources such as physicians, therapists, clergy, attorneys or educators. In documenting the death of a relative or close friend, documentation should include a funeral or obituary notice. All documentation must be verifiable.

Successful appeals most often relate to special circumstances within a term that clearly caused the student to be distracted or incapacitated. These typically include significant medical issues, family crises, or legal issues. Successful appeals often involve demonstration of attempts to improve performance with supportive letters from university faculty or staff.

If the immediate appeal for a hearing is denied, the student is not reinstated and must take a minimum one-term leave of absence.

If the immediate appeal to the UCSS is granted, students must appear before the UCSS to apply for reinstatement. Students must provide evidence that their academic performance will be significantly improved upon their reinstatement. Based on this interview and collected documentation, the UCSS will determine either to dismiss the student for a minimum of one semester, or immediately to reinstate the student.

If reinstatement is denied, the dismissed student can petition to have their case reviewed by the Provost. If the Provost grants this extraordinary review, the student’s case is no longer considered by the UCSS, and the Provost’s determination is considered final. If the Provost approves of the student’s reinstatement, that reinstatement will take place immediately. If the Provost denies an extraordinary review, the dismissed student is required to take a term leave of absence from Bryant University.

If reinstatement is approved upon immediate appeal, either through the UCSS or the Provost’s extraordinary review, the student will have to meet academic performance goals specified either by the UCSS, or, in the case of extraordinary review by the Provost, by the Provost. Failure to achieve the academic performance goals specified by UCSS, or by the Provost will result in the student’s permanent dismissal from Bryant University.

Reinstatement Process for Students Returning After a Regular Term Away

A dismissed student returning within three regular terms away from Bryant must appear before the UCSS to apply for reinstatement. A student must provide evidence that their academic performance will be significantly improved upon their reinstatement. Suggested evidence would include grades from courses taken while away, letters of support from employers, and a detailed plan outlining steps for academic success. A student who is in the process of appealing their dismissal may enroll in the winter or summer terms. Grades from the winter or summer terms may be calculated into the student’s GPA to reassess academic standing.

If reinstatement is denied, the student may appeal the decision to the Provost. The Provost’s determination is final and the case will no longer be managed by the UCSS.

If reinstatement is approved and the student fails to achieve the conditions specified by UCSS or by the Provost, the student will be permanently dismissed from Bryant University.

A student petitioning to return from dismissal who has been away from Bryant for more than two academic years must reapply to the University through the Transfer Admission Office. The student’s GPA calculation and academic status will remain unchanged until such time as the student is readmitted to the University and has met the conditions set forth by the UCSS or by the Provost.

Academic Renewal Policy

A student who has been academically dismissed or who has withdrawn from the University with a cumulative grade point average that places the student in the Dismissal category may apply for readmission. This application for readmission may take place no sooner than five calendar years following the term of dismissal.  This option is available only one time.  Grades of "C" or better previously earned at Bryant University will be treated as transfer credits where applicable. No letter grade will appear on the transcript and the courses will not contribute to the student’s GPA once they are reinstated.  Academic credit will be granted for a maximum combined total of 60 credits of course work earned at Bryant University or transferred to Bryant University. Eligible students must apply for readmission through the Office of Admission and the University Committee on Scholastic Standing (UCSS).

Academic Performance in Major/Concentration Chart

The Academic Standards of Progress for Cumulative GPA in Major/Concentration have been established as a warning system to alert students to any deficiencies in their academic progress and to provide a vehicle for corrective action.

Academic Standards for Cumulative GPA in Major/concentration Courses

Academic Standards for Cumulative GPA in Major Courses

Credits Attempted in Major/Concentration	Major/Concentration GPA	Academic Performance
3 - 6	Less than 2.0	Unsatisfactory Progress in Major/Concentration
7 - 12	Less than 2.0	Deficiency in Major/Concentration
More than 12	Less than 2.0	Dismissal from Major/Concentration
Degree Program Completed	Less than 2.0	Degree Deficient