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4.17 Academic Standing

Good Academic Standing

J.D. students must attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 173.5 at the conclusion of each academic year to maintain satisfactory academic standing.

The LL.M. and M.L.S. degrees are awarded to students who have successfully completed 27 course hours over three quarters and who have earned a minimum grade point average of 170.

Academic Probation

A student who receives below a 173.5 cumulative GPA at the conclusion of an academic year will be placed on Academic Probation for the following year. A student on probation must satisfy a number of requirements:

  1. A student on Academic Probation must meet with the Dean of Students or Senior Associate Director of Advising and Wellness Programs, or Associate Director of Student Affairs (dual degree and transfer students) to discuss an academic plan prior to registration for the next quarter;
  2. The student may be required to meet periodically with the Dean of Students office during the quarter;
  3. A student in their 2L year while on probation will be required to register for at least half of their Core requirement during that year;
  4. The student must earn a 173.5 cumulative GPA or higher at the conclusion of the academic year during which they are on probation in order to return to good academic standing.

A student on Academic Probation will have their academic standing re-evaluated at the end of the academic year. A student who earns between a 172.5 and a 173.5 cumulative average at the conclusion of the year will remain on Academic Probation. A student who earns less than a 172.5 cumulative average while on academic probation will not be permitted to continue in the Law School. 

A student on Academic Probation will receive a letter from the Dean of Students which will be placed in the student’s file.

Please note: If a student has outstanding grades at the conclusion of the academic year, then the student’s status will be reevaluated immediately following the last day of the Summer Quarter using all grades available from that academic year, regardless of whether there are still outstanding grades. 

Academic Dismissal 

A student will not be permitted to continue in the Law School in the following three circumstances:

  1. A student is on Academic Probation and earns less than a 172.5 cumulative GPA at the end of the year.
  2. A student receives two F’s during their period of residence.
  3. A student receives one F and one D in any one year of residence.

A JD student will not be permitted to graduate who has less than a 172.5 cumulative GPA over their entire period of residence.

Appeals for Academic Dismissal

A student who has been dismissed for any of the academic reasons listed above may appeal their dismissal when they believe that extenuating circumstances warrant a review of the dismissal. An appeal for academic dismissal must be submitted within 30 days from the date the student is notified of their dismissal. The appeal should consist of a written statement submitted to the Deputy Dean of the Law School. The Deputy Dean will direct the appeal to the Law School’s Faculty Committee on Rules and Petitions. This committee consists of three faculty members who are appointed to serve annually by the Dean of the Law School. 

The written appeal should explain the reasons why the student’s academic dismissal should be reviewed. The request may include documentation regarding the student’s unique situation or extraordinary circumstances that impacted their academic performance. The appeal should also explain how the student has resolved the issue(s) that impacted their academic performance and how they plan to return to good academic standing should their dismissal be reversed.

The decision of the Faculty Rules and Petitions Committee will be final. If the dismissal is affirmed by the committee, the decision is not subject to further review and the student will not be permitted to continue in the Law School.