Dismissal, Change of Status, and Grievance
Dismissal
Due to Failure to Make Progress to Degree
A student may be placed on probation, suspended or dismissed as described on the page, "Good Standing & Academic Policy." In addition, if for any reason the faculty concludes that a student is not meeting the expected progress standards, the Dean of the Graduate School, on the advice of the student’s Advisory Committee and the Department Chairperson, may dismiss the student.
Automatic
If a student’s application for readmission (submitted by the student after the student has failed to adhere to Michigan Tech’s continuous enrollment policy) is not approved, the student will be automatically dismissed from her/his degree program. Students may also be automatically dismissed due to failure to achieve good academic standing following a suspension.
Other Dismissals or Change in Academic Status (from PhD to MS)
The Advisory Committee will meet with the student and provide the student with the reasons which indicate, in their professional judgment, that progress in coursework, research, or other requirements has not been satisfactory and that completion of the degree program is not likely. The student will be given one week to reply orally or in writing. The Committee will evaluate the student’s reply and subsequently forward a written recommendation to the Department Chairperson with a copy going to the student. The recommendation should include, as attachments, all appropriate supporting information. The Committee may recommend that the student be allowed to continue in the program, be dismissed from the program, or, if applicable, be allowed to transfer from a doctoral to a master’s program in the same discipline (see Change of Status on this page).
The Department Chairperson will review the Committee’s recommendation and will meet with the student to discuss the Committee’s recommendation. If the Department Chairperson agrees with the Committee’s recommendation and is satisfied that the student understands the basis for the recommendation and that the student has had an opportunity to reply, a letter recommending dismissal or change of status will be sent to the Dean of the Graduate School, together with all appropriate supporting information. A copy of the letter and all supporting information will be sent to the student.
The Dean of the Graduate School will review the Department Chair’s recommendation and all supporting information. If the Dean of the Graduate School is satisfied that there is a basis for dismissal or change of status and that the student has been afforded due process, the Dean will write a letter to the student on behalf of the University dismissing the student or changing the student’s status.
Grievance Procedures Following Dismissal or Change of Academic Status
Following receipt of a letter of dismissal or change of status from the Dean of the Graduate School, the student has two weeks to appeal the decision. If the student wishes to appeal, the student should write a letter to the Dean documenting the specific reasons why the student feels that the decision is not warranted. The Dean will review the student’s appeal and will reexamine all materials previously submitted. The Dean will notify the student of the university’s final decision in a timely manner. In general, appeals are successful only in instances in which the intent of the procedure was not followed or where there are additional, extenuating circumstances that affected the student’s performance and that were unknown at the time of the initial recommendation to the Dean of the Graduate School.
Students who wish to appeal a declination of an application for readmission should submit a written appeal to the Dean of the Graduate School within two weeks of the date of receipt of notice of the declination of their application. Appeals will be considered if students can document that there are unusual or extenuating circumstances that have not been adequately considered.
Students who are dismissed after failing to achieve good academic standing following a suspension can appeal to the Dean of the Graduate School using the Graduate Academic Suspension/Dismissal Appeal Form (available on line soon). Appeals of dismissal following academic suspension or dismissal will be considered if students can document that there are unusual or extenuating circumstances that have influenced their recent academic performance. Students must be confident that they will be able to show significant academic progress in the immediate future if they submit an appeal. Students should appeal to the Graduate School within two weeks of dismissal.
Conduct Violations
Graduate students are held to the same ethical and conduct standards as all Michigan Tech students. Conduct violations under the Code of Community Conduct or Academic Integrity Policy will be handled in accordance with these respective policies and procedures, including notification by Student Judicial Affairs of disciplinary sanctions, requirements, and conditions.
In cases involving suspension, expulsion for conduct violations under the Code of Community Conduct or Academic Integrity Policy through the Dean of Students/Office of Student Judicial Affairs, the student shall follow the appeal procedures set forth in the Code of Community Conduct or Academic Integrity Policy, whichever is applicable.