Academic Standards Policy

Clark College is committed to the academic success of its students. The primary purpose of the Academic Standards Policy is to quickly identify and alert students with low academic achievement and provide those students with resources and assistance to improve their academic performance. This policy applies to all students. Some individual college programs/funding sources may have additional requirements. Students in these programs should contact the appropriate program advisor for information regarding these requirements or check with an academic advisor if they have questions. Students must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better to remain in good academic standing. The following  will be imposed progressively for students who do not remain in good academic standing.

Academic Standards Procedure

Academic Concern

If your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 AND you did not achieve a quarterly GPA of 2.0 or better, you will be placed on Academic Concern.

  • You will be sent an e-mail to your Clark student e-mail address that offers information about the Academic Standards process and tells you what happens at each stage.
  • You may access our listing of college resources and we highly recommend taking advantage of the support and services available.

Academic Intervention

If your cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 for the second consecutive quarter AND you did not achieve a quarterly GPA of 2.0 or better, you will be placed on Academic Intervention.

  • You will be required to attend a group workshop to complete a success plan that outlines steps for improving your academic performance.
  • You may lose the ability to carry a full course load.

Completion of the above actions during your quarter on Academic Intervention may be a factor in any future appeal processes related to academic dismissal.

One (1) Quarter Academic Dismissal

If your cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 for the third consecutive quarter AND you did not achieve a quarterly GPA of 2.0 or better, you will be placed on One (1) Quarter Academic Dismissal.

  • You will be blocked from registering for classes while on One (1) Quarter Academic Dismissal.
  • You will be sent an e-mail to your Clark student e-mail address that outlines the Appeal Process for One (1) quarter Academic Dismissal. To have a successful appeal, you must submit all documents requested including documentation of circumstances over which you did not have control. Decisions will be made and communicated to you before the first day of classes.
  • If you do not appeal or if your appeal is denied, you will be administratively withdrawn and tuition will be refunded.
  • You will also receive information about how to Return from One (1) Quarter Academic Dismissal. You will be notified about the process, expectations and time deadline to make an appointment to see a designated staff member. This appointment will need to be scheduled no later than three (3) weeks before the first day of classes for the quarter in which you plan to return. If you do not schedule your appointment by this date, you will need to wait an additional quarter to be reinstated. For the reinstatement appointment, you must prepare a written plan and a Return to College Form in advance that includes the following items for your discussion with the staff member.< >Your short-term educational goalsSpecific plans to overcome barriers and improve your academic progressProposed course schedule*You will be blocked from registering for classes while on Four (4) Quarter Academic Dismissal.
  • If you enrolled for classes before academic dismissal status, you will be administratively withdrawn and tuition will be refunded.
  • There is no appeal process.
  • You will receive information about how to Return from Four (4) Quarter Academic Dismissal. You will be notified about the process, expectations and time deadline to make an appointment to see a designated staff member. This appointment will need to be scheduled no later than three (3) weeks before the first day of classes for the quarter in which you plan to return. If you do not schedule your appointment by this date, you will need to wait an additional quarter to be reinstated. For the reinstatement appointment, you must prepare a written plan and a Return to College Form in advance that includes the following items for your discussion with the staff member.
    • Your short-term educational goals
    • Specific plans to overcome barriers and improve your academic progress
    • Proposed course schedule*

The designated staff member will review the plan with you and outline specific conditions you must meet for return from Four (4) Quarter Academic Dismissal (e.g., you may lose the ability to carry a full course load). Once the plan is finalized, you will return to Academic Intervention status.

*You will not be allowed to register for online (DL) or hybrid (H#) courses unless approved as a disability accommodation or extenuating circumstances prevent you from attending face-to-face courses.

Academic Good Standing

You will return to Academic Good Standing once your cumulative AND quarterly GPA reach at least 2.0.