Students who are having difficulty meeting their academic commitments are monitored by the dean of graduate and professional studies in conjunction with the student’s program director and, in the case of students in five-year programs, the student’s dons. The College assists students in identifying the underlying reasons for their academic challenges and finding appropriate sources of assistance. These resources include the writing coordinators, Health & Wellness, and Disability Services.
At the end of each semester, the dean of graduate and professional studies and individual program directors read all evaluations of students, and program directors also review students’ grades. Students who have a persistent pattern of poor evaluations or more than one grade lower than a B in a given semester may be placed on academic probation. Students who consistently receive poor evaluations and multiple grades lower than a B over the course of more than one semester may be suspended.
Academic Probation
Sarah Lawrence emphasizes student evaluations as an indication of a student’s progress in their program. Students are asked to view their grades as an additional indication of standing in their program. Graduate students at Sarah Lawrence are expected to achieve a B or higher in every academic course, and to receive a pass grade in all pass/fail courses and fieldwork practicums. A fail in a pass/fail course or a grade lower than a B indicates that the quality of work is below graduate standards, and thus academic difficulty. The student should discuss areas of weakness that need improvement with their program director. The student may be asked to repeat the course and meet with the program director to discuss the student’s future in the program.
Any student with more than one grade lower than a B in a given semester will be put on academic probation for at least two semesters. They will be notified in writing and must meet with their program director to discuss plans for improvement. If the student receives another grade lower than a B in the course of their graduate studies, a second conversation with the program director and a conversation with the dean of graduate and professional studies is indicated. The program director, in consultation with the faculty, will discuss the student’s ability to complete the course of study and take steps as indicated, including suspension or potential withdrawal from the program.
Students on academic probation must adhere to the following terms for a full academic year:
- quality of work normally expected for graduate students in their program
- consistent attendance and application
- on-time completion of all courses (permission to request an incomplete must be approved by the dean of graduate and professional studies)
- no violations of the College’s academic integrity policy—whether resolved formally or informally
Probationary students are reviewed at the end of each semester and, if the terms are met, are permitted to return the next semester, but remain on probation. If the terms are not met, the student will be suspended and will be notified in writing.
Academic Suspension
The College reserves the right to suspend students if they are not making satisfactory progress toward their degree. Students who have been suspended are eligible to apply for reinstatement after two academic semesters and must appeal to the Committee on Graduate and Professional Studies to be reinstated. Students will be notified of the reinstatement procedures in the letter of suspension. Students who have been suspended for academic reasons may not receive a Sarah Lawrence degree until they have been reinstated and have successfully completed additional full-time course work in their graduate program.
Reinstatement Process
A student wishing to be reinstated from academic suspension must appeal in writing and meet with the Committee on Graduate and Professional Studies. To initiate an appeal, the student should send a letter to the dean of graduate and professional studies at gradadministration@sarahlawrence.edu by November 1 for spring return or June 1 for fall return. Appeals should be accompanied by a letter from the student’s program director. The letter requesting reinstatement should discuss the following:
- the issues that led to the suspension from the College and the measures taken to address them;
- the reasons the student feels ready to resume study at this time; and
- the plans made to support the student’s progress if reinstated
The decision to reinstate a student relies on evidence that the student has identified and addressed the issues that impeded academic work in the past and has demonstrated a readiness to re-engage with the academic demands of the College. As such, it is strongly recommended that, if possible, students engage in meaningful activity (work, volunteer, take classes) elsewhere in preparation for a return to Sarah Lawrence College.
Students who are reinstated will return to the College on academic probation. A student who is suspended after having been reinstated may not apply again for reinstatement for two academic years.