Academic Standards

Students are expected to meet the academic standards set by Howard Community College. These standards require students to achieve a minimum 2.0 semester grade point average and successfully complete at least 50% of credits attempted each semester they are enrolled in the college.

After attempting 12 cumulative credits and having enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits in a given semester, a student will be placed on academic probation if his or her semester grade point average falls below 2.0 or the student does not successfully complete at least 50% of his or her attempted credits.

A student on academic probation who does not meet the minimum academic standard in the next fall or spring semester in which he or she is enrolled will be placed on academic suspension. When placed on academic suspension, the student may not attend HCC during the next fall or spring semester. 

For more information please read the Academic Standards listed under Academic Information in the Howard Community College catalog, page 32.

Academic Appeal Requirements

In the case of extenuating circumstances, a student may be eligible to appeal his or her academic suspension status.  The student must submit to Retention Services a completed academic suspension appeal form, a written letter explaining his or her circumstances with supporting documentation, and include a plan to improve academic success if readmitted. The student will also be required to call Retention Services to set up an appointment to meet with the Readmission Committee.

If the student is granted an appeal by the Readmission Committee, then the student will be placed on academic probation for the semester they are enrolling for classes. The student will be required to fulfill the terms of the readmission agreement and meet academic standards for the semester they are enrolled. If the readmission agreement terms are not met and the student has not met academic standards at the end of the semester, then the student will not be eligible to enroll at HCC for the next fall or spring semester.

Steps for Filing an Academic Appeal

1. Submit appeal letter, academic suspension appeal form, and supporting documentation to Retention Services (Room RCF 340) by the established deadline.
2. Schedule an appointment to meet with the Readmission Committee by the established deadline.  Appointments are made in Room RCF 340 or students may call  (410) 772-4822.
3. Meet with Readmission Committee on assigned date.
4. If readmitted, register for courses allowed by the Readmission Committee. All students on readmit status will be required to register in person. The Registration Office will require a copy of the readmission agreement at the time of registration.
5. Pay bill at the cashier’s office.

Academic Reinstatement for Previously Dismissed Students

Students who have been placed on academic suspension from HCC and have not enrolled in classes for one or more semesters as a result of that suspension must be academically reinstated to the college before registering for classes.

Steps for Academic Reinstatement

1. See an advisor for a degree audit.
2. Make an appointment with the Retention Coordinator. Appointments are made in RCF 340 or students may call (410) 772-4822.
3. Complete the Academic Reinstatement Appeal Form on-line, print it, and bring it to the meeting with the Retention Coordinator.  
4. Meet with the Retention Coordinator on assigned date and time.
5. After reinstatement, register for courses allowed by the Retention Coordinator. All reinstated students will be required to register in person. The Registration Office will require a copy of the readmission agreement at the time of registration.
6. Pay bill at the cashier’s office.

If  you have any questions or comments about this website, please contact Melodie Gale, Retention Coordinator at mgale@howardcc.edu.

Enhancing Student Success.