2023-2024 Academic Catalog

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Academic Standing for Undergraduates

This policy defines four levels of academic standing and identifies rules that apply to undergraduate students based on their academic standing. Undergraduate students at CU Denver are expected to maintain progress toward their degree program, as defined by being on “Good Academic Standing.” Good Academic Standing requires minimally a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.000 on University of Colorado course work. 

While it is normal for some students to experience academic difficulty and drop below the good academic standing threshold for a period of time, it is important to return to good academic standing as soon as possible. Maintaining Good Academic Standing status is important because eligibility for enrollment, financial aid, and other aspects of university life can be affected if a student's cumulative GPA falls below 2.000. Students cannot graduate with an undergraduate degree from CU Denver with a cumulative GPA below 2.000. Many campus resources exist to help students get back on track, engage in meaningful learning experiences, and graduate. 

To review the Academic Standing for Undergraduates policy (#7016) in full, please click here.

Good Academic Standing

Students at the University are expected to maintain progress in their degree program, as defined by being on “good academic standing.” Good academic standing requires a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.000 on University of Colorado course work.

Academic Warning

If a student's cumulative CU GPA falls below 2.000 in any given semester, the student will be placed on "Academic Warning."

  • Students are notified of their Academic Warning standing by university e-mail.
  • An academic standing hold is placed on a student’s account every semester until their cumulative GPA is raised to 2.000 or higher.
  • Academic Warning entails:
    • Completion of the Academic Support Module (ASM). The ASM is an online module designed to support to support students’ academic progress. Students will receive a link to access the ASM in their Academic Warning notification e-mail.
    • By completing the module, students learn about various support services available through CU Denver and the Auraria Campus such as financial aid, tutoring, career exploration services, veteran student services, writing support services, the Auraria Library, the Office of International Affairs, and many others. They also learn about the requirements, tools, and strategies for getting back on Good Academic Standing.
    • Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor.
    • Students must complete the ASM prior to registering for the next semester.
    • Students must earn a semester GPA of 2.000 in their subsequent semester(s), including summer session, regardless of the number of credit hours attempted, until their cumulative GPA is raised to 2.000 or higher.
  • Students have five attendance semesters or 30 credit hours to improve their cumulative CU GPA to 2.000.
  • Once a student’s cumulative GPA reaches 2.000 or better, the student is considered to be in Good Academic Standing. Registration or advising holds related to Academic Standing will be removed. 
  • If a student is unable to achieve a semester GPA of 2.000 or better while on Academic Warning in any given semester, the student will be placed on Academic Monitoring.

Academic Monitoring

If a student on Academic Warning is unable to achieve a 2.000 minimum semester GPA, the student will be placed on “Academic Monitoring.”

  • An appointment with the student’s academic advisor is required. 
  • Students on Academic Monitoring are restricted to maximum course loads for subsequent semesters until their cumulative GPA is at or above 2.000.
    • For spring and fall semesters, students can enroll in up to 13 credit hours and wait list for up to 6 credit hours (for a combined total of 19 credit hours) before wait lists are eliminated. Once wait lists are eliminated, the maximum number of enrolled credits for the semester is restricted to 13 credits.
    • For summer semester, students can enroll in up to 7 credit hours and wait list for up to 4 credit hours (for a combined total of 11 credit hours) before wait lists are eliminated. Once wait lists are eliminated, the maximum number of enrolled credits for the semester is 7 credits.
  • Students on Academic Monitoring must achieve a 2.000 semester GPA in their subsequent semester(s).
  • Students remain on Academic Monitoring until they achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or higher or are academically suspended.

    International status students may have additional restrictions and should contact the Office of International Affairs for additional information and guidance.

Academic Suspension

If a student on Academic Monitoring is unable to achieve a 2.000 minimum semester GPA, the student will be placed on "Academic Suspension".

  • Students are notified via university e-mail when they are placed on Academic Suspension.
  • Suspension entails:
    • Students are unable to attend the University of Colorado Denver, or any University of Colorado campus, for one year/three semesters (including summer session).
    • To prepare for readmission, students can either attend another institution and demonstrate improved academic performance (minimum GPA at another institution must be 2.750) or use the time off to address issues directly contributing to their academic difficulties.
  • Students may petition the individual college’s appellate committee for readmission after the required one year/three semester suspension period. It is recommended that students apply early to allow time for adequate review.
  • For readmission, students must meet and document at least one of the following criteria:
    • Attendance at another regionally accredited college/university wherein they completed a minimum of 12 transferable credit hours that are applicable to their degree, with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.750.
    • Provide an explanation in writing of their previous academic difficulty, demonstrate what has changed, and how readmission will allow them to achieve and maintain good academic standing.
  • If a student is granted readmission, they will be readmitted on Academic Monitoring and must meet the conditions of Academic Monitoring as described above.