Table of Contents
Academic Disqualification
What is academic disqualification?
You are subject to academic disqualification, If you have previously been on academic probation and your cumulative and/or CI GPA in all units attempted falls below the following:
- Freshman (29 units or less)- 1.50
- Sophomore (30-59 units)- 1.70
- Junior (60-89 units)- 1.85
- Senior (90+ units)- 1.95
Can I appeal my disqualification?
Yes, you can appeal if you have extenuating circumstances that can be documented, or if your disqualification is an error. See an academic advisor for assistance in the appeal process. https://www.csuci.edu/academics/advising/contact.htm
What if I think my grade is an error?
Contact your professor/instructor to inquire on your grade. If your grade was an error, and the grade change, changes your academic standing, your academic disqualification will be removed. For details on the grade appeal process, view Grade Appeals.
What can I do if I am academically disqualified, and my appeal is not approved?
If you are planning to return to CI
- You must take courses at CI through Open University to raise your cumulative CI GPA to a minimum 2.0, to be eligible to Petition for Reinstatement.
Not planning to return to CI
- You may attend a community college to raise your overall cumulative GPA and transfer to another college or university.
What is Open University?
Open University provides an opportunity for non-CI students to enroll in undergraduate courses at CI on a "space available" basis, subject to the approval of the professor/instructor, during the first week of the semester.
Up to 24 units taken through Open University may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree at CI. For more information, visit the Open University Website.
Can I take classes at a community college?
Taking classes at a community college will not change your CI GPA, but it may help you in making progress towards your degree, and in showing academic improvement. It is recommended that you consult with an academic advisor before taking classes at a community college.
If I am disqualified in the spring semester, take summer classes, and raise my GPA to a 2.0, can I be reinstated for the fall semester?
Yes, if you take classes during the first summer session, raise your GPA, and submit a Petition for Reinstatement by the July 1st deadline, you can be eligible for reinstatement.
Am I eligible for financial aid if I attend Open University?
No, only matriculated (current) CI students are eligible for financial aid.
Does Open University have a payment plan?
Yes. For details view Open University Fees information.
Petitioning for Reinstatement
The Petition for Reinstatement form mentions a letter, what is this, and how do I complete it?
The letter is your opportunity to explain the circumstances of your disqualification and to demonstrate your academic progress to the Academic Appeals Board. It is typically 1-2 pages; typewritten in Microsoft Word (PDF files are also accepted). General topics may include (but are not limited to):
- the circumstances leading to your disqualification
- what has changed since you became disqualified
- how you have improved your academic record since being away from CI
- what you will do at CI in the future to maintain a good academic standing
Reinstatement Strategies and Guidelines for Appeal Letter (MS Word, 17.7KB)
Can I meet with the Academic Appeals Board to plead my case?
No, you may only submit a written appeal. Therefore, you should clearly and persuasively articulate your arguments for returning to CI. Improving your CI GPA (to a 2.0 or higher) is a significant consideration for the Board. You also need to provide appropriate documentation to support your claims.
What are examples of supporting documentation?
- Appropriate documentation may include letters or other documents from medical/health providers, counselors, or employers (including military), that explain circumstances related to your academic performance.
- If you completed coursework outside of CI, you will need to submit a transcript.
- Some students also provide letters of recommendation from professors or other professional staff they have been working with, who can vouch for their academic progress.
After I submit my form, how long does it take to hear about my results?
Once all petitions for reinstatement are collected at the deadline, the Academic Appeals Board reviews each appeal. The student will be notified of the Board’s decision within 2-4 weeks of the deadline date. Please note that the Board’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.
What if I miss the Petition for Reinstatement deadline?
Late submissions will be kept considered for the following reinstatement cycle.
What happens after I receive my decision?
The Academic Appeals Board Coordinator will notify you of the outcome via your myCI email.
- If you are approved, you will be reinstated, but may be required to meet with an advisor before you can register for classes. Follow the instructions provided in the email communication.
- If you are not approved, it is recommended that you make an appointment with an Academic Advisor to receive further guidance.
Do I have to reapply to the university?
No, you do not need to reapply to the university, but do you have to fill out and submit a Re-Entry Form to the Registrar’s Office, which must be signed by an academic advisor first.
Where can I go for additional information?
The Academic Advising Center offers additional information about reinstatement to CI: https://www.csuci.edu/academics/advising/reinstatement.htm
They also offer workshops on “Disqualification Options,” after students are disqualified, and “Getting Reinstated to CI” workshops before Petitions for Reinstatements are due.
What if I am a post-baccalaureate or graduate student?
- If approved by the Academic Appeals Board, you will be granted conditional reinstatement to the University, and your reinstatement will be forwarded to the credential or graduate program for review and consideration. Those programs may request additional information as part of the review process.
- You may not re-enroll in courses within the credential or graduate program without readmission to those programs
- If you are not granted reinstatement to the program, your conditional reinstatement is removed.
- If you are granted reinstatement to the program, then you can enroll in the program.
- Programs may attach conditions to student reinstatement. Please contact your specific program chair for more information on any conditions that may apply.
Grade Appeals
Can I appeal grades on individual assignments or mid-term grades?
No, you can only appeal the final course grade; however, if you believe the grade was “prejudicially,” “capriciously,” or “arbitrarily” assigned, and that those grades have a direct bearing on your final grade, then, you should include that in your support documentation.
How long do I have to appeal a grade?
You must initiate an appeal by the seventh week of the subsequent semester.
What are the steps to submit a grade appeal?
The following are the steps to appeal a grade:
- Direct your appeal to the Professor in writing by the end of the seventh week of the following semester and copy the Chair. Your Professor has two weeks to respond in writing to you and the Chair.
- If the grade is correct and you are not satisfied with the Professor’s response, you can make an appointment with the Chair to appeal the grade. If the Professor does not respond to the appeal within this designated time period, then the Program Chair can act on behalf of the Professor. If the Professor is the Program Chair, you can talk to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
- If you are still not satisfied after receiving a response from the appropriate administrator, you can submit a written appeal, along with a Grade Appeal Form, by the end of the eleventh week of the semester to the University Appeals Committee through the Academic Affairs Office.
- The University Appeals Committee will get a written response from you and the Professor and review the information submitted to see if more information is needed, or they will make a decision on a grade.
- You will be notified in writing of the decision.
Do I get a chance to speak to the Academic Appeals Board?
No, you can only submit a written appeal; consequently, you will want to be as thorough as possible, submitting all applicable documentation with your appeal.
What are examples of supporting documentation to include with my grade appeal letter?
- Copies of email correspondence between student and instructor
- Screen shots of relevant grade(s) in Canvas
- Copy of course syllabus for grade(s) subject to appeal
- Relevant graded exams and/or assignments (NOTE: while grades for individual assignments cannot be appealed, students who believe that the grading of individual exams and/or assignments demonstrates prejudicial, arbitrary, or capricious grading and that those grades had a direct bearing on the final grade should include them in the grade appeal file as supporting documentation)
- Additional documentation may include letters or other documents from medical/health providers, counselors, or employers (including military), that explain circumstances related to the assignment of the final grade.