Academic Standards

For graduate academic standards see Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures.

Undergraduate Students

Good Standing. To remain in good standing a student working toward a baccalaureate degree must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C) or better.

Academic probation and disqualification actions are taken only at the close of each regular semester. Both quality of performance and progress toward the chosen objective are considered in determining a student's eligibility to remain in the University.

Probation. Undergraduate and second baccalaureate students will be placed on probation when the cumulative GPA in all college work attempted or in all work at San Francisco State University falls below 2.0 (C).

Disqualification. Undergraduate and second baccalaureate students on probation are subject to disqualification when:

As freshmen (fewer than 30 units completed), they fall below a grade point average of 1.50 in all college units attempted or in all SF State units attempted.
As sophomores (30 through 59 units completed), they fall below a grade point average of 1.70 in all college units attempted or in all SF State units attempted.
As a junior (60 through 89 units completed), they fall below a grade point average of 1.85 in all college units attempted or in all SF State units attempted.
As senior or second BA students (90 or more units completed), they fall below a grade point average of 1.95 in all college units attempted or in all SF State units attempted.

Academic standards for graduate students can be found in the Graduate Studies section of this Bulletin.

Probation and Disqualification

Mandatory Advising Program (MAP)

In the beginning of each semester, all undergraduate and second baccalaureate students whose grade point average at SF State has fallen below 2.0 will receive an email from the Registrar's Office notifying them that they are on academic probation.

Students must schedule advising appointments with their major advisers before the deadline stated in the registrar's email in order to avoid an administrative hold on their registration for the next semester. The steps outlined on the letter must also be followed.

Maximum Number of Units for Undergraduate Students on Academic Probation

The Policy Limiting the Number of Units Enrolled in by Undergraduate Students on Academic Probation (Academic Senate Policy F02-223), effective Fall 2003, applies to all undergraduate students. Undergraduate students on academic probation may enroll in a maximum of 13 units per semester for spring and fall semesters during which they are on academic probation. Individual exceptions to this limit may be granted with approval from the student's department chair and college dean. Exceptions for students who have not declared a major must be approved by the dean of Undergraduate Studies or designees.

Administrative/Academic Probation

An undergraduate, second baccalaureate, or graduate student may be placed on administrative/academic probation by the University for any of the following reasons:

Withdrawal from all or a substantial portion of a program of studies in two successive terms or in any three terms. (A student whose withdrawal is directly associated with a chronic or recurring disability or its treatment is not to be subject to administrative/academic probation for such withdrawal.)
Repeated failure to progress toward the stated degree objective, or other program objective, including that resulting from assignment of 15 units of No Credit, when such failure appears to be due to circumstances within the control of the student.
Failure to comply, after due notice, with an academic requirement or regulation which is routine for all students or a defined group of students. Examples: failure to complete a required CSU or campus examination, failure to complete a required practicum, failure to comply with professional standards appropriate to the field of study, to complete a specified number of units as a condition for receiving student financial aid or making satisfactory progress in the academic program.

When such action is taken, the student shall be notified in writing and shall be provided with the conditions for removal from probation and the circumstances that would lead to disqualification, should probation not be removed.

Administrative/Academic Disqualification

An undergraduate, second baccalaureate, or graduate student who has been placed on administrative/academic probation may be disqualified from further attendance if:

The conditions for removal of administrative/academic probation are not met within the period specified.
The student becomes subject to academic probation while on administrative/academic probation.
The student becomes subject to administrative/academic probation for the same or similar reason for which he/she has been placed on administrative/academic probation previously, although not currently in such status.

When such action is taken, the student shall receive written notification including an explanation of the basis for the action.

Students who have been on continuous probation and/or subject to disqualification for three continuous semesters may be administratively disqualified at the end of their third semester. This excludes summer enrollment.

In addition, an appropriate campus administrator may disqualify a student who at any time during enrollment has demonstrated behavior so contrary to the standards of the profession for which the student is preparing as to render him/her unfit for the profession. In such cases, disqualification will occur immediately upon notice to the student, which shall include an explanation of the basis for the action, and the campus may require the student to discontinue enrollment as of the date of the notification.

Readmission of Disqualified Students

Disqualified students may, after at least two semesters have elapsed, apply for readmission to the University, provided they have removed all academic deficiencies, or resolved the problems which may have caused the disqualification. The work taken to eliminate an academic deficiency at this institution must be taken through the College of Extended Learning in order to impact the grade point average at this institution. If disqualification resulted from any other reasons than academic performance, approval must be obtained from the unit of the University which recommended the disqualification action. Students disqualified from another institution, including other CSU campuses, may not be admitted to San Francisco State unless it can be demonstrated that the cause of the disqualification has been eliminated (additional course work with good grades, etc.) and the student is otherwise eligible to return to the institution of disqualification. For additional information, see Readmission Procedures.

Grievances and Appeals

An undergraduate student who has questions or concerns about degree requirements or general university regulations should discuss them first with a major adviser. If students wish to review an issue or to appeal a decision, they should consult with the department or program chair and, if needed, the college dean. Should questions arise beyond this point with respect to where or to whom a specific appeal should be directed, the dean of Undergraduate Studies may be consulted for advice. After all of the informal procedures for grievances and appeals have been exhausted, the dean of Undergraduate Studies or designee may initiate formal grievance procedures.

A graduate student who has problems arising from evaluation, advancement to candidacy, degree requirements, or general regulations should discuss them first with a graduate major adviser. If a student wishes to review a problem or to appeal a decision, he/she should then consult with the department chair, college graduate coordinator, and the college dean, in that order. Should questions arise beyond this point with respect to where or to whom a specific appeal should be directed, the dean of Graduate Studies may be consulted for advice. After all of the informal procedures for grievances and appeals have been exhausted, the dean of the Graduate Division or designee may initiate formal grievance procedures.

See Supplemental Regulations and Procedures section for Student Grievance Procedures. Disabled students should consult the Disability Programs and Resource Center for disability-related grievance procedures.