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Academic Student Progress

The Academic Student Progress procedure affects all students enrolled in certificate or degree programs and students taking prerequisite college courses numbered 100 and above.

Seattle College District Policy states that students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress while enrolled at the Seattle Colleges. Satisfactory progress means that students are passing and completing their coursework and educational programs. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. Students are placed on Academic Alert the first quarter their GPA falls below a 2.0.  Students are placed on Academic Probation when their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 for two consecutive quarters of attendance. Three quarters of low scholarship may result in Academic Suspension.

Students who are enrolled in special enrollment programs such as High School Completion, Running Start, certain vocational programs such as Aviation, Culinary, Apprentice, International Students, Veterans and students receiving financial aid may have different and/or additional academic standard requirements and appeal processes to those listed below. Students in these programs should contact their Program Advisor for information regarding these requirements.

Academic Alert

Students are placed on Academic Alert when their cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0. Students receive an email directs them to meet with an Advisor who will help the student identify strategies for college success. The Advisor will also share information about campus resources and can assist in clarifying and achieving educational, career and/or personal goals.

Academic Probation

Students are placed on Academic Probation when their cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0 for two (2) consecutive quarters of attendance. Students receive an email that states they must first meet with a Counselor before registering for the next quarter to develop a written success plan to improve their GPA. The Counselor will also help identify college success strategies and share information about campus resources and can assist in clarifying and achieving education, career and/or personal goals.

A hold is placed on the student’s academic record to prevent registration prior to meeting with a Counselor. Students are advised to schedule a counseling appointment no later than four weeks after the start of the term.

Academic Suspension

Students are placed on Academic Suspension when their cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0 for three (3) consecutive quarters of attendance. Students receive an email that indicates they have been placed on Academic Suspension and their classes for the next quarter are dropped.

Students on Academic Suspension are not permitted to take classes at South Seattle College for one (1) academic year (four (4) quarters) following the suspension. However, students may appeal for reinstatement during this time by completing and submitting a Reinstatement Application (PDF) to their department Dean.