Academic Probation and Separation

Understanding Academic Probation

A student is placed on academic probation if their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) falls below 2.00 at the end of a regular semester (Fall or Spring). Students may be placed on probation without receiving an academic warning beforehand.

Academic probation indicates serious academic difficulty and signals the need for focused efforts to improve academic performance. 

Students whose academic performance improves and whose CGPA reaches or exceeds 2.00 regain good academic standing.

Students on academic probation are required to engage with the Academic Advisor for guidance and support in developing an academic plan to address their academic difficulties.

Academic Advising During Probation

At the beginning of each semester, the Office of Undergraduate Student Advising (OUSA–SDSB) reviews the academic progress of students on probation and identifies those requiring advising support. Advising appointments are arranged according to the students’ academic standing and individual needs.

Students on probation are required to:

• Attend meetings with their Academic Advisor as scheduled.
• Review their academic performance and identify factors affecting their progress.
• Develop an academic plan in consultation with their Academic Advisor.
• Monitor their academic progress and follow the guidance provided throughout the semester.

Probationary students may be scheduled for meetings at key points during the semester, including the Drop-Only period, the Withdrawal period, and before enrollment for the subsequent term. Students must follow the meeting schedule and instructions communicated by the Advising Office.

Probation and Separation Conditions for First-Year Students

First-year students are subject to specific probation and separation conditions.

• Semester GPA below 2.00: Regardless of their CGPA, students whose Semester GPA falls below 2.00 in any semester are advised by their respective department or academic advisor to take a reduced course load. Such students are not permitted to enroll in more than 14 credit hours in that semester.
• Probation after the first semester: If a student's CGPA falls below 2.00 at the end of the Fall semester, their first regular semester after admission, they are placed on academic probation in the following regular semester (Spring).
• Separation after the second semester: If the student's CGPA remains below 2.00 at the end of the Spring semester, they are separated from their academic programme at LUMS with immediate effect.

First-year students are not permitted to take their first semester off. If a first-year student on probation takes their second semester off, they will be placed on academic probation in the semester in which they rejoin.

Probation and Separation Conditions in Subsequent Years

For students beyond their first year, the probation period may extend over a maximum of two regular semesters (Fall or Spring), subject to the conditions outlined in the Student Handbook.

The University tracks the Probation Semester GPA (PSGPA), which reflects the student's cumulative academic performance since the beginning of probation. PSGPA is used alongside CGPA to determine whether probation will continue or separation will apply.

The following conditions apply:

• CGPA returns to 2.00 or above: Students regain good academic standing.
• CGPA remains below 2.00 after the first probation semester: Probation may be extended for one additional regular semester if the student's PSGPA is at least 2.50.
• CGPA remains below 2.00 at the end of the second probation semester: The student is separated from their academic programme.

Students on probation who are permitted to withdraw from a semester may resume their studies with their probationary status unchanged.

Please note that decisions regarding academic standing are made at the end of regular semesters only.

Important Reminders

• Review your academic record regularly and monitor your CGPA and Semester GPA.
• Attend all mandatory advising meetings with your Academic Advisor. 
• Consult your Academic Advisor when developing or revising your academic plan.
• Refer to the current Student Handbook for the applicable academic standing, probation, and separation regulations.