Step 1: Complete Your Academic Standing Evaluation
What is Academic Standing?
Students earn academic standing at the end of each semester. Academic standing is based on your grade point average (GPA) and the number of credit hours you have attempted. There are four levels of academic standing outlined below.
| Academic Standing | Description |
|---|---|
| Good Standing | Students remain in good academic standing as long as their cumulative GPA remains above the required minimum level based on their number of credit hours. *See chart below for required minimum. |
| Academic Probation | Students with a cumulative GPA below the minimum requirement to be in good standing. *See chart below for required minimum. |
| Continuing Academic Probation | Students who have earned at least a 2.0 semester GPA, have been on Academic Probation at HCC in a previous term, and have a cumulative GPA below the minimum requirement to be in good standing. *See chart below for required minimum. |
| Dismissal | Students on Academic Probation or Continuing Academic Probation who don't earn a 2.0 semester GPA and whose cumulative GPA remains below the minimum requirement to be in good standing. *See chart below for required minimum. |
Once a student is placed on probation, there are three possible outcomes:
- Return to Good Standing: If a student earns at least a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) in the next semester and raises their overall GPA to the required level, they will return to good standing.
- Move to Continued Probation: If a student on probation earns at least a 2.0 in the next semester but does not meet the cumulative GPA required, the College will place the student on Continuing Probation.
- Move to Dismissed Status: If a student on probation does not earn at least a 2.0 in the next semester and does not meet the cumulative GPA required, the College will place the student on Dismissed Status.
Cumulative GPA for Good Standing
| Total Hours Attempted | GPA Required for Good Standing |
|---|---|
| 9-16 | 1.50 |
| 17-32 | 1.70 |
| 33-48 | 1.85 |
| 49+ | 2.00 |
Students not in good academic standing will have a hold on their account that prevents enrollment changes until they complete the requirements below:
- Step 1: Complete the Academic Success Evaluation on this website.
- Step 2: Schedule a meeting with a Success Coach. If you have trouble scheduling, please email SuccessConnections@heartland.edu or call 309-268-8407.
Academic Standing Requirements
| Academic Standing | Dean's Meeting | Success Evaluation | Success Plan | Consistent Coaching | Enrollment Separation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good Standing* | N/A | Optional | Optional | Optional | N/A |
| Academic Probation* | N/A | Yes | Yes | Optional | N/A |
| Continuing Academic Probation* | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Dismissal* | Optional | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (at least one semester) |
If there were extenuating circumstances that impacted your ability to be successful during the semester, you may appeal. Extenuating circumstances are events such as a medical situation, extreme financial hardship, or a family crisis. Students should seek issue resolution immediately. Students must appeal within 30 business days from the end of the semester in which the issue occurs. The appeal must be finalized by the end of the next semester.
For more information on the appeal process, visit the appeals page.
Special Note for Dismissal
- A student placed on dismissal at the conclusion of fall will sit out the spring semester. A student placed on dismissal at the conclusion of spring will sit out summer and fall semesters. A student placed on dismissal at the conclusion of summer will sit out the fall semester.
- Dismissed students will receive an invitation to meet with the Dean of Students to discuss their customized academic standing requirements and a reinstatement plan at Heartland, which may include:
- Meeting with a Success Coach and Academic Advisor to get your enrollment hold removed.
- Having consistent meetings with a Success Coach during the term you plan to reenroll.
- Limiting the number of credit hours taken upon reinstatement to the College.
- Sitting out the following semester (if you are already enrolled, your courses will be dropped).
- Students placed on dismissal may seek advising and coaching assistance during the semester(s) of non-attendance.
