Academic Standing

To be eligible for continued enrollment, a student must maintain, among other criteria, satisfactory academic progress. Satisfactory progress is determined based on two criteria: cumulative grade point average and movement toward a degree as measured by course completion. Students must maintain the specified minimum cumulative GPA for their course of study. In addition, students must successfully complete 65% of the courses for which they are enrolled in any one academic year.

The academic progress of each student is reviewed at least once a year. A student failing to meet the criteria for satisfactory academic progress is placed on probation for the following semester. If satisfactory progress is not made after one semester, the student is subject to dismissal by faculty action. The faculty, in its discretion, shall determine whether progress is satisfactory, taking into consideration the overall academic record of the student.

Students who are dismissed for lack of satisfactory academic progress may appeal the decision of the faculty by writing to the dean of studies. This written appeal should present any mitigating circumstances. The dean or another faculty member of the student's own choosing will then present the case to the faculty for its reconsideration. Students dismissed for unsatisfactory progress may apply for reentrance after having remedied deficiencies in failed courses by the successful completion of comparable courses (at the required GPA of the appropriate degree) at other accredited institutions.

Upon leaving the formation program that SHMS provides for priesthood candidates, former seminarians are not permitted to continue their academic course work at the seminary, though they may ultimately receive their degree upon fulfillment of necessary requirements elsewhere. The rector in consultation with the formation team may make exceptions to this policy on an individual basis. Students who have been admitted to SHMS and who have not been in attendance for two years are considered inactive.

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