Academic Standing: Returning from Suspension
A student readmitted following suspension continues on probation and is reviewed for suspension at the end of each fall and spring semester. A Current Term grade point average of 2.50 or higher must be achieved each semester until the Total Institutional GPA reaches the level above which suspension would occur (see probation chart).
During the first six weeks after returning from a first suspension, students must
participate in an academic coaching session before being eligible to register for
courses for the following semester. These sessions will provide students with the
resources they need to meet their academic goals.
#RecommitToYourSuccess: Returning to USC After Your First Suspension
If you are readmitted to USC you will be part of the #RecommitToYourSuccess initiative,
a holistic advising experience with an Academic Coach in the University Advising Center.
A part of your #RecommitToYourSuccess journey, Academic Coaching is individually tailored to your needs and is designed to help you get back on track
to academic success. Early in your first semester back at USC, you and your Academic
Coach will meet and co-create an Academic Plan outlining your strategies for success,
goals, and campus resources. Your Coach will also guide you through the terms of your
readmittance to USC, which includes being placed on academic probation in your first
semester back from suspension.
In order to avoid a second suspension, you must achieve a 2.5 GPA each semester until
your cumulative USC GPA reaches above the level at which suspension would occur (please
refer to the academic standards policies for more information). You and your coach
will identify semester GPA goals needed to place you back in good academic standing,
avoid probation and suspension, and to make progress towards your graduation goals.
If readmitted, you will be required to schedule and attend an academic coaching appointment within the first six weeks of the semester. If you do not attend your appointment within the first six weeks of the semester, an Academic Recovery Hold will be placed on your course registration for the following semester, and you will not be able to register for classes. During your appointment, your academic coach will help you create a plan, set goals, and identify resources to help you achieve success inside and outside the classroom. You will receive an email from the University Advising Center after you’ve been readmitted with instructions on how to schedule your required Academic Coaching appointment. Please monitor your USC student email inbox closely after readmittance.
Upon re-enrollment, you will be able to schedule for courses. At this point, however, it may be difficult to schedule courses, since many you might need to take may already be filled. At this time you should speak with an academic advisor to make sure that the classes you enroll in will count towards your major and are courses that will best suit you during your first semester back. Also, if you have been away from USC for longer than eight months, program requirements may have changed. Please refer to the Undergraduate Academic Bulletin for the most up to date requirements.
To apply for federal financial aid at USC, you must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is available each year on October 1; you will use the FAFSA for the fall, spring, and summer semesters of the following academic year. Speak with the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for more information.
If you will be receiving federal funding and you have over sixty credit hours, you must have a cumulative USC GPA of at least 2.0. If you do not meet this GPA requirement, you must complete an appeal through the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships in order to receive your financial aid.
To be eligible to receive any federal and/or state need-based financial aid, undergraduate students must adhere to the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarship’s (OSFAS) Policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress. This policy also includes Private Education Loans. The intent of this policy is to ensure that undergraduate students who are receiving federal and state financial aid for their education are making measurable progress toward completion of a degree in a reasonable period of time. Undergraduate students, in order to complete an undergraduate degree within the prescribed time allowed, would need to enroll for at least 15 credit hours per semester (fall and spring) not to exceed a total of 180 hours, and successfully earn (pass) 67 percent of all hours attempted. A minimum of a 2.0 cumulative USC GPA is also required.
You can find more information on satisfactory academic progress from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. You will also need to have an appointment with an Academic Coach in the University Advising Center as part of your appeal.
Additionally, the Office of the Bursar can address any questions or concerns you have regarding tuition and fees.
Second or Subsequent Suspension
The duration of the second suspension is indefinite, and the student can be considered for readmission only after being approved for reinstatement by action of the petitions committee of the college or school to which the student is seeking admission. A favorable decision by the committee is unlikely within two years of the suspension.