Academic reinstatement rules and process

Rule 38: Academic Probation and Recess for At-risk Students

(a) Undergraduate students whose semester (excluding summer session) or cumulative GPA drops below a 2.0 for the first time must apply for reinstatement to continue their enrollment at Washington State University. Students are placed on probation after reinstatement. Certified majors on academic probation may be decertified by the academic department.

(b) First-time, first-year undergraduate students are recessed from the university after their first term of enrollment if their semester GPA is below 1.0. Individuals are recessed from the university for one full semester (fall or spring).

Effective Fall 2024, students under Rule 38b have the right to appeal the decision.

Reinstatement process for Rule 38a

First semester with below a 2.0 semester or cumulative GPA

  • Complete a reinstatement application and online modules through Canvas. Read the application guidelines online.
  • Courses for the next semester (excluding summer) will be canceled if an application has not been received and approved by the listed deadline.

Reinstatement process for Rule 38b

First-time, first-year students with a semester GPA below 1.0:

  • Students will be recessed and courses for the next semester will be canceled. There is no early reinstatement process.
  • Students who are recessed are required to remain out of WSU for one semester (not including summer session).
  • Recessed students are not eligible and cannot seek non-degree student status.
  • Students with extraordinary circumstances that interfered with their ability to be successful may appeal the decision.

Rule 39: Undergraduate Academic Deficiency

Undergraduate students are dismissed from the University after the third semester (excluding summer session) in which the cumulative grade point average is below 2.0. Individuals who are dismissed from the University may not enroll in courses at WSU for two full academic semesters. Dismissed individuals will also not be able to seek status as a ‘non-degree seeking student.’

Effective Fall 2024, students under Rule 39 have the right to appeal the decision.

Reinstatement process for Dismissed Rule 39

Students with any third semester (excluding summer terms) cumulative GPA below 2.0

  • Students will be dismissed and courses for the next semester (excluding summer IF already enrolled before grades are posted) will be canceled. There is no early reinstatement process.
  • Students who are dismissed are required to remain out of WSU for two consecutive semesters.
  • Dismissed students are not eligible and cannot seek non-degree student status.
  • Students with extraordinary circumstances that interfered with their ability to be successful may appeal the decision.

Former Students Returning

Reinstatement process for former students returning

Former students returning have been away from WSU for two or more semesters.

  • Complete the application for admissions as a Former Student Returning.
  • Complete a reinstatement application form, including a personal statement. Read the application guidelines online.
  • Schedule a reinstatement interview with your academic advisor. Email your reinstatement application and personal statement to your advisor at least 24 hours before the interview so you can review them together. If you’re unsure who your advisor is, use the Who is my advisor tool or contact the Vancouver Reinstatement team at van.reinstatement@wsu.edu or 360-546-9155
  • Your advisor will submit the necessary documents to the Reinstatement team. The team will process your reinstatement within 1-2 business days after receiving them, allowing you to return for the next academic term.