Academic Warning and Disqualification

Academic Warning

If at any time an undergraduate student's cumulative grade-point average in all college work attempted or their cumulative GPA at CSULB falls below 2.0 (a "C" grade), they will be placed on academic warning. If this should happen to you, realize that your GPA is important but it does not necessarily measure your ability to learn, your motivation to pursue your major/career, your non-academic talents, and your capacity to do better in the future. However, academic warning is a serious warning that you need to make some academic changes and that your progress thus far is unsatisfactory.

The student support team in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM) will review the records of all students who fail to maintain an overall GPA of 2.0. The goal of this review is to maximize your chances of receiving CSULB degree. In some cases we might require you to alter your schedule in the following semester, attend mandatory tutoring and advising, work individually with the assigned peer mentor, or take other measures to improve your performance in college courses.

In other cases, the best course of action could be to explore majors outside of CNSM. If this course of action is recommended, you will be asked to switch your major to undeclared and you will work with specialized adviser in the University Center of Undergraduate Advising to explore academic majors that would give you the best chance of success and would fit your interest and passion.

Please remember that CNSM offers many free resources to help you achieve your academic and personal success:

1. First, we highly encourage students that are on probation to attend the Strategies for Success Workshop through the University Center for Undergraduate Advising (UCUA).
2. After attending this workshop, schedule an appointment to talk with an academic advisor.
3. Connect to campus resources that can support you getting back on track, such as:
   • tutoring in science and math
   • The Learning Center
   • Counseling and Psychological Services
   • Bob Murphy Access Center (formerly Disabled Student Services)
   • Student Life and Development

Disqualification

Academic Disqualification occurs when a student who has been placed on academic warning did not raise their CSULB GPA or Overall GPA to a 2.0 or better, and as such results in dismissal from CSULB. This can happen after one or two semesters on academic warning.

Students can appeal their disqualification. Students who have been disqualified may apply for reinstatement. Students whose disqualification appeal is approved will not automatically be able to return to their CNSM major.

Please see Academic Standing and Appeals from Student Records for more information about academic warning and disqualification.