Academic Standing & Honors
After final grades are processed at the end of each Fall and Spring term, UTRGV calculates an institutional grade point average (GPA) for all undergraduate students. Coursework transferred from other institutions is not included in this calculation. Academic standing is determined using the institutional GPA and, when applicable, the term GPA. Students are assigned one of the academic standing categories outlined below.
Good Standing
When the student's UTRGV institutional GPA is 2.00 or higher, the student is in good academic standing. The academic “Good” standing earned is recorded on the student's academic transcript.
Probation Standing
Students who do not meet standards for Good Standing in a fall or spring term earn academic probation. The notation "Probation" is noted on the academic transcript for the semester in which the probation was earned.
The following conditions will place the student in probation:
- When the UTRGV institutional GPA is lower than 2.00 and whose term GPA is 2.00 or higher will be noted with “Probation” academic standing. The academic standing earned is recorded on the student's academic transcript.
New Students:
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Withdrawing (drop all classes) after census day and earning grades of ‘W’ will earn an academic probation standing for the first term at UTRGV.
Continued Probation Standing
Academic continued probation is earned, and the notation “Continued Probation” is recorded on the student’s academic transcript whenever the following condition exists:
- When a student was previously on probation and the UTRGV institutional GPA is lower than 2.00 and whose term GPA is 2.00 or higher will be noted with “Continued Probation” academic standing. The academic standing earned is recorded on the student's academic transcript.
Suspension Standing
Academic suspension is earned, and the notation “Suspension” is recorded on the student’s academic transcript whenever the following conditions exist:
- Students previously on academic probation who earn a UTRGV institutional GPA lower than 2.00 and earn a term GPA lower than 2.00.
- Students previously on academic continued probation who earn a UTRGV institutional GPA lower than 2.00 and who earn a term GPA lower than 2.00.
Academic Honors
After each fall and spring semester, all undergraduate students will earn an honor designation who are enrolled in a minimum of 12 college-level (non-developmental) hours. This honor is also noted in the student’s academic transcript. Academic honors is defined as one of the following conditions:
President’s List
Students met the minimum hour enrolled requirement and have a grade point average of 4.00 for courses taken that term. The Office of the President notifies students who qualify for the President’s List through email notification to students’ UTRGV email addresses. This honor is also noted in the student’s academic transcript.
Dean’s List
Students met the minimum hour enrolled requirement and have a grade point average of 3.50 through 3.99 for courses taken that term. The Office of the University Registrar notifies students who qualify for the Dean’s List through email notification to students’ UTRGV email addresses. This honor is also noted in the student’s academic transcript.
Students who earn these honors are recognized by granting early registration for the upcoming (fall, spring, or summer) term. This early access will be granted as we are near the upcoming registration period and students will be notified through their assigned UTRGV email address.
Academic Standing FAQ's
You may check your current academic standing by logging in to your ASSIST account and reviewing your Student Profile or Academic Record.
You can use the chart below to help determine your academic standing once final grades for the term have been processed.
| Status at Beginning of Term |
End of Term GPA | Status at End of Term |
|
| Institutional GPA | Term GPA | ||
| None (First Term) | 2.00 or higher | 2.00 or higher | Good Standing |
| None (First Term) | Less than 2.00 | Less than 2.00 | Probation Standing |
| Good Standing | 2.00 or higher | 2.00 or higher | Good Standing |
| Good Standing | 2.00 or higher | Less than 2.00 | Good Standing |
| Good Standing | Less than 2.00 | 2.00 or higher | Probation Standing |
| Good Standing | Less than 2.00 | Less than 2.00 | Probation Standing |
| Probation Standing | 2.00 or higher | 2.00 or higher | Good Standing |
| Probation Standing | 2.00 or higher | Less than 2.00 | Good Standing |
| Probation Standing | Less than 2.00 | 2.00 or higher | Continued Probation Standing |
| Probation Standing | Less than 2.00 | Less than 2.00 | Suspension Standing |
| Continued Probation Standing | 2.00 or higher | 2.00 or higher | Good Standing |
| Continued Probation Standing | 2.00 or higher | Less than 2.00 | Good Standing |
| Continued Probation Standing | Less than 2.00 | 2.00 or higher | Continued Probation Standing |
| Continued Probation Standing | Less than 2.00 | Less than 2.00 | Suspension Standing |
| Suspension Standing* |
Student in academic suspension are unable to enroll in upcoming fall or spring term. Students will be emailed an academic status notice and informed of an appeal option. If appeal is approved the student would follow the progress below on the approved term to determine your new standing after grades are processed for fall or spring. |
||
| Status at Beginning of Term |
End of Term GPA | Status at End of Term |
|
| Institutional GPA | Term GPA | ||
| Suspension Appeal Approved | 2.00 or higher | 2.00 or higher | Good Standing |
| Suspension Appeal Approved | 2.00 or higher | Less than 2.00 | Good Standing |
| Suspension Appeal Approved | Less than 2.00 | 2.00 or higher | Continued Probation Standing |
| Suspension Appeal Approved | Less than 2.00 | Less than 2.00 | Suspension Standing |
* Students will not be placed in suspension after summer terms. These academic actions are only taken at the end of Fall and Spring terms.
You will be emailed by The Office of the University Registrar, and the notice is sent to your UTRGV email address. You may view your ASSIST account by reviewing your Student Profile or Academic Record.
Yes, the earned standing will appear in your transcript.
No. Academic standing applies only to your status at UTRGV. However, we recommend that you confirm any applicable requirements directly with the other institution when applying.
No, a student attending for the first time can either fall in Good or Probation standing after completing their first long semester (fall or spring).
If you are notified that you have been placed on Academic Probation, you are not restricted from enrolling at UTRGV. It is highly encouraged that you connect with your advisor to discuss methods in improving your GPA. It is important to make significant academic changes to prevent academic Suspension.
Outcome 1: The student has achieved the minimum institutional GPA required (2.00). The student is returned to good academic standing.
Outcome 2: At the end of the term, the student has not achieved the minimum institutional GPA but has achieved a term GPA of at least 2.00. The student remains on continued probation.
Outcome 3: At the end of the term, the student does not meet minimum institutional GPA and term GPA. The student is placed on academic suspension and may not enroll at UTRGV for at least one long semester (fall or spring). The student may file an Academic Suspension Appeal for enrollment consideration.
The most effective way to raise your GPA is to retake courses you’ve previously earned a grade of D or F. When a course is taken more than once, the grade used to compute the student’s GPA is the highest earned grade.
UTRGV believes that every student has the potential to succeed. We also understand there are many circumstances that can impact a student’s academic performance and their ability to earn passing grades. These challenges should be seen as opportunities to learn and signal the need to develop an academic success plan with an academic advisor to return to good standing. To gain a good academic standing, then you must have an institutional GPA of 2.00 or higher.
Contact Financial Aid, Scholarships, Housing, VA office, etc. to discuss how your academic suspension may affect your current and future eligibility.
Students placed on suspension that would like to appeal their suspension should follow the steps on the academic standing status email sent to students after the term’s grading process.
Yes. Students placed on academic suspension may enroll in Summer term courses to raise their institutional GPA and work toward meeting the requirements for good academic standing based on their classification. There is no need to submit an appeal to be considered for enrollment in Summer terms.
The Office of the University Registrar reviews the records of students who enroll in Summer terms and makes any necessary updates after Summer II to determine eligibility for Fall enrollment.
Outcome 1: If, after Summer II grades are processed, your institutional GPA is below 2.00, you will not be eligible to enroll in the Fall term and must submit an appeal within the deadline for enrollment consideration.
Outcome 2: If, after Summer II grades are processed, your institutional GPA is 2.00 or higher, you will be eligible to enroll in the Fall term with no appeal required.
A student who withdraws (drop all classes) during their first term will have their academic standing determined as follows:
Outcome 1: If the student withdraws before census day, no academic standing is assigned because the student was not officially enrolled for the term.
Outcome 2: If the student withdraws after census day and receives grades of “W,” the student will be placed on academic probation for their first term, as both the institutional and term GPA are below a 2.00.
Summer Suspension Recovery
Students placed on suspension after spring are encouraged to enroll in summer courses to bring their institutional GPA to the 2.00 required for enrollment in the following fall semester. Students must have an institutional GPA of 2.00 or above after the end of Summer II to be allowed to enroll in fall.
Summer Suspension Recovery FAQ's
Students who would like to return to UTRGV after sitting out one long term will be allowed to enroll for the upcoming long term.
Returning students should consider the following after sitting out one long term.
- Schedule a meeting with an Academic Advisor
- Contact Student Business Services office to settle any outstanding balances at Student_Billing@utrgv.edu
- Contact Financial Aid Office to discuss your aid eligibility status at finaid@utrgv.edu.
- Visit a U Central location at our Brownsville or Edinburg location to discuss your record.
Students who sit out a term or more will still have an academic standing of suspension on record. However, the student will be allowed to register under a probationary status for the returning term. After the student completes the returning term, a new academic standing will be posted on the student’s academic transcript and record.
NOTE: if no enrollment exists for two long semesters (fall & spring), then your record could be set to inactive requiring you to reapply to UTRGV.
Students who would like to appeal their suspension should follow the steps provided on the academic standing status email sent to students after the term’s grading process. A student may submit an appeal during the allowed period for enrollment consideration stated on the email notices.
The Academic Suspension Committee only accepts appeals submitted using the appeal portal. All final decisions to submitted appeals will be sent to your UTRGV assigned email address.
Outcome 1: Appeal is approved, and students are allowed to enroll for upcoming long term. Academic Suspension Committee notes the student on probationary status for an upcoming long term. As part of the approval, you are also required to participate in the Academic Coaching for Excellence (ACE) Program. Additional details will be shared by the ACE team as the start of the term approaches.
Outcome 2: Appeal is denied, and the student is dropped from any enrolled courses in the upcoming long term and must sit out one long term.
You may visit a U Central location to initiate the cancellation of the upcoming courses. If unable to visit a U Central location, then complete a Withdrawal Form and email to registrar@utrgv.edu.
Note: all communication to UTRGV is to be done using your assigned UTRGV email address.
No, Academic Suspension is not the same as Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), which affects financial aid. If you receive a separate message about submitting a Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal, please read it carefully and follow the instructions to appeal to the Financial Aid office.
No, a Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal is for financial aid consideration. This appeal does not grant registration access. Submit an Academic Suspension Appeal by the deadline shared in the academic status email sent to students.
No, if you fall in academic suspension and do not appeal by the deadline then your classes will be dropped. You will need to sit out for one long semester.
If you sat out one long term, then you will be allowed with a “probation” status for the returning term. A new academic standing will be posted at the end of the returning term after grades are posted.
You should submit the Academic Suspension Appeal within the deadline that is shared with you via the academic standing status email sent by Office of the University Registrar.
Yes. Students placed on academic suspension may enroll in Summer term courses to raise their institutional GPA and work toward meeting the requirements for good academic standing based on their classification. There is no need to submit an appeal to be considered for enrollment in Summer terms.
The Office of the University Registrar reviews the records of students who enroll in Summer terms and makes any necessary updates after Summer II to determine eligibility for Fall enrollment.
Outcome 1: If, after Summer II grades are processed, your institutional GPA is below 2.00, you will not be eligible to enroll in the Fall term and must submit an appeal within the deadline for enrollment consideration.
Outcome 2: If, after Summer II grades are processed, your institutional GPA is 2.00 or higher, you will be eligible to enroll in the Fall term with no appeal required.
No. Students enrolled in summer terms are reviewed at the end of Summer II. To be eligible to register for the fall term, your institutional GPA must be 2.00 or higher at that time.
If your institutional GPA is below 2.00 after Summer I or II, you will not be eligible to enroll in the fall term and must submit an appeal by the published deadline for enrollment consideration.