Remaining in Good Academic Standing

A cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.40 (or higher) is required to remain in good academic standing in the Patrick Leahy Honors College. A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.40 (or higher) to graduate as a Patrick Leahy Honors College Scholar.  

Academic Standing Review

At the end of each semester, the Patrick Leahy Honors College Dean's office reviews academic records of PLHC students to identify those eligible for enhanced academic advising or dismissal. Students under consideration receive notification of their academic standing in the Patrick Leahy Honors College after the close of each fall and spring semester. Those who are notified of dismissal have the opportunity to appeal the decision.   

Criteria for Enhanced Advising

Patrick Leahy Honors College students with a cumulative GPA below 3.40 will be given one semester of enhanced academic advising to raise their GPA to a 3.40 (or higher). The PLHC will also place students with a grade of Incomplete on enhanced advising for the following semester. Enhanced advising in the PLHC consists of regular meetings with the advising staff, as well as work with other academic support programs determined to be an important part of student success. Following the semester of enhanced advising, student academic records will be re-reviewed. Students who raise their cumulative GPA to a 3.40 (or higher) will be removed from enhanced advising. Those who do not earn a GPA of 3.40 (or higher) may be subject to dismissal from the Patrick Leahy Honors College.   

Criteria for Dismissal

Students who do not earn a cumulative GPA of 3.40 (or higher) after a semester of enhanced advising are eligible for dismissal. In addition, the following situations may warrant dismissal from the Patrick Leahy Honors College:   

  • Receipt of grades of C- (or below) in nine credits (or more) of coursework
  • Offenses committed against the academic integrity code, as determined by standard university procedures
  • Lack of satisfactory progress toward the completion of Patrick Leahy Honors College requirements

Academic Standing Review involves taking personal or academic considerations into account prior to dismissal for any of the situations listed above.   

Students dismissed from the Patrick Leahy Honors College have the opportunity to appeal the decision in writing (unless otherwise stated) and will receive information on the appeal process in the dismissal notification. After the review of an appeal, the student will receive notification of the decision via UVM email.   

Once dismissed from the Patrick Leahy Honors College, students will be dis-enrolled from any Patrick Leahy Honors College courses. There is no possible re-entry for students who are dismissed from the Patrick Leahy Honors College.