Academic Standards
It is expected that students will make satisfactory progress each term they are enrolled. Satisfactory academic progress (good standing) is demonstrated when students successfully maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 2.00 or as defined below. At the end of the fall, winter/spring, and summer terms, the progress of each student will be reviewed. If a student’s cumulative GPA is below a 2.00, the student’s standing is determined by both attempted credits and a minimum cumulative GPA earned at HCC:
- 12 – 15 attempted credits, a minimum cumulative GPA of 1.00 is required;
- 16 – 30 attempted credits, a minimum cumulative GPA of 1.50 is required;
- 31 – 40 attempted credits, a minimum cumulative GPA of 1.75 is required;
- 41 or greater attempted credits, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required.
Financial aid recipients are subject to additional standards of academic progress as required by federal Title IV regulations.
A student who has not achieved minimum cumulative GPA standards after 12 or more cumulative attempted credits will be placed on either academic warning or academic probation as described below.
Academic Warning
After 12 credits are attempted, a student who is not making satisfactory academic progress is placed on academic warning. Students on academic warning will receive notification of their status and will be required to follow the intervention procedure outlined for them in their notification letter. Students who achieve at least a 2.00 semester grade point average remain on academic warning until reaching good standing. Students who fail to meet this requirement are placed on academic probation.
Academic Probation
Academic probation results when a student on academic warning fails to reach the prescribed minimum standard for cumulative GPA. It is recommended that students on academic probation meet with their assigned academic probation advisor at least once prior to registration for the next semester. Students on academic probation will be limited to registering for eight credit hours. Students who achieve at least a 2.00 semester grade point average remain on academic probation until reaching good standing. Students who fail to meet this requirement are placed on academic suspension.
Academic Suspension
A student on academic probation who fails to reach the prescribed minimum standard for cumulative GPA and does not achieve at least a 2.00 semester GPA during the next major semester (fall/spring) in which enrolled will be placed on academic suspension. When placed on academic suspension, the student may not attend HCC during the next major semester. Students have the right to appeal the first academic suspension.
SUSPENSION APPEAL–Details of the appeals process are included in the letter notifying the student of suspension. If a student’s appeal is granted, the student will be reinstated and placed on academic probation. A student suspended for academic reasons a second or subsequent time is not permitted to register for any courses for one full calendar year.
REINSTATEMENT AFTER SUSPENSION–A student who has been suspended and has not been enrolled for one major semester or one full calendar year must contact retention services. Upon reinstatement, the student will be on academic probation, the course schedule will be restricted, and the student must meet the satisfactory progress standard as stated above. If satisfactory progress is not met, the student will be suspended.