Academic Standards Policy and Procedure

Academic Standards Policy

Clark College is committed to the academic success of its students. The primary purpose of the Academic Standards Policy is to quickly identify and alert students with low academic achievement and provide those students with resources and assistance to improve their academic performance.

This policy applies to all students. Some individual college programs/funding sources may have additional requirements. Students in these programs should contact the appropriate program advisor for information regarding these requirements or check with an academic advisor if they have questions.

Students must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better to remain in good academic standing. The following  will be imposed progressively for students who do not remain in good academic standing.

Academic Standards Procedure

Academic Concern

The first time the term GPA falls below 2.0, the student will be placed on Academic Concern Status.

  • The college will send an e-mail to the students' preferred email account in ctcLink. This email will offer information about the Academic Standards process and explains what happens at each stage.

  • Students will receive a list of college resources and a recommendation to take advantage of services.

  • Students will also be offered an appointment with the Student Communication & Retention Manager, and connected to a Student Success Coach.
  • We will request that a student attend a Student Success Workshop, however it is not required at this stage.

Academic Intervention

The second time the term GPA falls below 2.0, students will be placed on Academic Intervention Status. 

One (1) Term Academic Dismissal

If students have previously been placed on Academic Concern and Academic Intervention statuses, and both their term and cumulative GPAs are below 2.0, they will be placed on a One-Term Academic Dismissal Status. 

Four (4) Term Academic Dismissal

If students have previously been placed on Academic Concern, Academic Intervention, and then One-Term Academic Dismissal statuses, and both their term and cumulative GPAs remain below 2.0, they can be placed on up to a Four-Term Academic Dismissal. 

Academic Standards for Professional/Technical Programs

Students in certain professional/technical programs must receive grades of "C" or better in program core courses to advance in the program class sequences. Students should refer to the department description in Section C of the catalog for further information.