Probation & Dismissal

Academic Probation

Students will be notified of having been placed on academic probation if they have attempted at least 12 units and earned a grade point average below 2.0 based on all units recorded on their permanent record. A student’s probation status is not affected by a break in attendance.

Students will be removed from academic probation when their cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher.

Students on academic probation will be subject to dismissal from the College if they’ve earned a cumulative grade point average of less than 1.75 in all units attempted in each of three consecutive semesters.

Although units accumulated during a summer session are used in the GPA calculation, the probation status changes only at the end of a regular semester when grades are recorded.

Please note, academic probation can impact registration priority and financial aid. Please see a counselor for additional information.

Students can contact the counseling department at (209) 381-6478 to address their respective probationary matter.

For specific information regarding the impact of academic probation see Administrative Procedures 4250 and Administrative Procedures 4255.

Progress Probation

Students will be placed on progress probation if they’ve enrolled in at least 12 units and the entries on their permanent record of “W,” “I,” and/or “NP” reach 50 percent of the cumulative units or more. The probation status is not affected by a break in attendance.

Students will be removed from progress probation when the percentage of units graded as “W,” “I,” and “NP” drops below 50 percent in this category.

Students placed on progress probation will be subject to dismissal from the College if the entries on their permanent record of “W,” “I,” and/or “NP” reach 50 percent of the cumulative units or more for three consecutive semesters.

Although units accumulated during a summer session are used in the GPA calculation, the probation status changes only at the end of a regular semester when grades are recorded.

For specific information regarding the impact of progress probation see Administrative Procedures 4250 and Administrative Procedures 4255.

Dismissal Notification

Students who have been dismissed from the college will be notified by e-mail.

Probation and Dismissal Appeal

A student may appeal probation or dismissal provided that unusual and verifiable circumstances occurred that were strongly instrumental in leading to the probationary or dismissal status. Reasons for appeal might include: 1) one’s health; 2) an emergency in one’s family; or 3) an extreme change in financial situation which did not allow the student to continue your education. Other reasons not listed above may also be considered.

Administrative Procedure 5530 also provides information about how to contact other organizations, such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, if a student wishes to file a complaint.

Grievance Process

Merced College supports students’ right to grieve or appeal any official action or incident which, in their judgment, is unfair or prevents them from obtaining equal educational opportunities. Administrative Procedure 5530 provides information about conditions under which students may grieve and the process to be followed.

In cases of action, such as dismissal from a class, program, or the College, students can initiate an appeal according to a specific appeal channel. If a student wishes to exercise the right to appeal an action taken against them by a College official, the student should contact the Dean of Student Services regarding the proper procedure to be followed.

In cases of incidents such as alleged discrimination or harassment, students can initiate a grievance. To exercise the right to grieve such an incident, students should contact the College’s Equal Employment Officer regarding the proper procedure to be followed.

All complaints should attempt to be resolved at the local level. Agencies overseeing Merced College include the agencies listed below. The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office has complaint procedures listed on their homepage. The address is 1102 Q St., Suite 4554, Sacramento, CA 95811.

Students who believe that Merced College is in violation of any of the accreditation standards may contact the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, located at 10 Commercial Blvd., Suite 204, Novato, CA 94949 or by e-mail at accjc@accjc.org. The telephone number is (415) 506-0234.

For issues related to sex, race, disability, or age discrimination contact maybe made with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 50 Beale Street, Suite 7200, San Francisco, CA 94015. Telephone numbers are: (415) 486-5555 (voice) or (415) 227-8124 (TTY).

Student Right to Appeal

When a student’s petition is denied by the Academic Exceptions Committee, the student has the right to appeal to the Dean of Student Services. An appointment is required by calling (209) 384-6314.