Progress Reports
Progress reports warn students and their advisors of difficulty in courses. This warning is important for student success. Faculty members may submit reports at the third week and then the midpoint of the semester, early enough for correction of the performance or for withdrawal from the course, if appropriate. Progress reports for student-athletes are necessary for NCAA compliance.
Academic Status
Academic progress of all students is reviewed by academic advisors at the end of each semester. Students are notified soon after final grades are posted if there are concerns about academic progress in any or all of the following areas:
- Overall grade-point average
- Semester hours successfully completed
- Failing or near-failing grades in courses that are required for progress in the major
Students at Northeastern University maintain good academic standing when they meet the following criteria:
- Have an overall GPA of 1.800 at the end of each semester of their freshman year and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 at the end of each semester thereafter
- Earn at least 12 semester hours in the semester just completed
In cases where a student’s earned credits are less than full-time status at the time of academic status review due to a pending incomplete grade, the GPA will make the temporary probation determination at the end of a semester, with final determination to be made when the incomplete is resolved.
Individual colleges may have additional requirements that are specified in each college section that follows.
In addition, many programs require that specific courses be successfully completed to progress to the next year. Students who do not make satisfactory progress will not graduate with their class and may be withdrawn. For more information about additional academic progression standards for each college, program, or major, refer to the curriculum guidelines that can be found in the college sections of this catalog. See financial aid implications under Financial Aid.
Academic Probation
Full-time students who fail to meet the criteria for good standing described above will be placed on academic probation effective for the following semester. The action will appear on the internal record but not on the transcript.
Academic Dismissal
Students who remain on probation after two full-term academic semesters may be dismissed from the university. This action may appear on the transcript at the end of the second probationary semester. In addition, students who have below a 1.000 GPA or fewer than 4 earned semester hours in any semester or cumulatively may be dismissed at the discretion of their college. Students may appeal this decision to the Academic Standing Committee of their college (see following section). International students must consult with an advisor in the Office of Global Services to discuss the impact of an academic dismissal as it relates to nonimmigrant visa status.
Academic Standing Appeals
Students may appeal academic standing status if they can provide evidence and/or reasons supporting an appeal. Generally, a student on probation may be granted no more than one additional full-term academic semester to meet the criteria for good academic standing. Students may appeal to the Academic Standing Committee of their college to review probation and dismissal cases.
Academic Eligibility for Participating in Student Organizations and Athletics
All students must have a minimum 2.000 overall GPA to be eligible for an elected or appointed leadership position in any student organization. Athletes must adhere to NCAA standards.
Repeating Courses to Clear Deficiencies
See Retaking Courses and Clearing an Academic Deficiency.
Definition of Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior
For undergraduate day students, freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior standing are determined by earned semester hours:
| Freshman | Less than 32 semester hours |
| Sophomore | At least 32 but less than 64 semester hours |
| Junior | At least 64 but less than 96 semester hours |
| Senior | At least 96 semester hours |