Based on extensive study and feedback from students, faculty, and staff, and a comprehensive survey of best practices from honors programs and colleges across the country, Macaulay’s GPA requirement is being modified.
Effective immediately in fall 2019 (beginning August 27, 2019) the GPA requirement will be calculated on a semester-by-semester basis, instead of using the cumulative GPA.
The former status of “Academic Probation” will no longer exist. Instead, students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement in a specific semester will be placed on “Academic Support” status. Academic Support will include a specifically tailored list of recommendations and requirements (selected by the Progress Report Principals) designed to help the student achieve the required GPA.
If a student’s semester GPA is below the required minimum in a second (or any future) semester, the student may be academically dismissed from Macaulay Honors College.
Questions? Consult with your advisor on your campus, or feel free to email Chief Academic Officer at oap@mhc.cuny.edu.
Or maybe your question is answered below!
Frequently Asked Questions (click for answers)
What is the required minimum GPA for Macaulay students?
All Macaulay students must achieve a GPA of 3.3 in each of the first three semesters (or through the 45th credit), and a GPA of 3.5 in each succeeding semester.
This sounds like the same requirement we’ve always had. What’s the difference?
In the past, the Macaulay GPA requirement was based on a cumulative GPA. Under the new rules, although the requirement itself is unchanged, it is based on a per-semester GPA.
What happens if a student doesn’t meet the requirement?
If a student’s GPA falls below the required minimum in any given semester, that student will be placed on Academic Support status. Academic Support status will carry a prescribed set of support measures, individually tailored to the student’s needs. These measures might include required tutoring, required meeting with advisors, limiting non-academic activities, or others.
If a student is on Academic Support one semester, and then in the next semester that student’s GPA is back above the required minimum, what happens to that student?
A student who has been on Academic Support can return to Good Standing as soon as the semester GPA is back above the required minimum.
But what if it doesn’t go so well? What happens to a student who is on Academic Support who still doesn’t meet the requirement in the next semester?
After one semester on Academic Support, any future semester with a GPA below the minimum will be grounds for dismissal from Macaulay Honors College (but not necessarily the home campus). Alternatively, at the discretion of the Campus Director and with the advice of the Progress Report Principals, the student may be granted additional time on Academic Support.
What is the Progress Report and who are the Progress Report Principals?
At the end of every semester, the Chief Academic Officer, Macaulay Academic Affairs and Student Services staff, and the Campus Advisors and Director meet to discuss the progress of every student. This allows us to give each case individual consideration and make a holistic decision. This group is called the Progress Report Principals, and their role is to advise the Campus Director, who makes the final decisions.
What about the Macaulay seminars? Do students still need to pass these?
A failing grade in any Macaulay seminar is grounds for dismissal from Macaulay Honors College. This requirement remains unchanged, regardless of GPA in that semester or cumulatively.
What if I’m dismissed and I think the decision is wrong? Is there any way to appeal?
Macaulay students who have been dismissed will still have the right to
appeal their dismissals.
How does Academic Support status affect Opportunities Funds eligibility?
Academic Support status does not preclude you from applying for Opportunity Funds (see Opp Funds eligibility requirements.)
Can I graduate from Macaulay if I am on Academic Support status?
Yes, provided all requirements are met. If a student has achieved the necessary term GPA, met the requirements of Academic Support at the end of their last term, and has met all other requirements, the student can graduate without first having been returned to Good Standing. If you are concerned about your academic standing and graduation, please consult your advisor and/or campus director.
I have another question that is not answered here!
You can always ask your advisor if you have questions, or feel free to email Chief Academic Officer at
oap@mhc.cuny.edu.
