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Transition Academic Programs

What is dismissal?

Undergraduate students who are dismissed will be asked to leave a college or program, but not the university. If you have been dismissed, you should become familiar with two important Student Rules:

1. University Student Rules, Academic Rules, 12. Scholastic Deficiency/Probation
2. University Student Rules, Academic Rules, 50. Academic Suspension and Blocks

What does it mean to be dismissed?

If you have been dismissed from a major, a program, or a college, it means you have not met their academic requirements. This could be because of a semester GPA, a culumative GPA, the grade in a required course, or other reasons as outlined by your major, program, or college. Do not assume that if you fall below requirements you will be put on probation. Probation is not automatic, and some college do not have probation. Once you have been dismissed, you will need to find another major or college. Your can get help with a  change of major  from your academic advisor.

How can I appeal a dismissal?

Go back to the letter or email you received that announced your dismissal. It will tell you about two processes and give you contact information for each. Pay close attention to the deadlines. 

If you believe that the decision to dismiss you was arbitrary, prejudiced, or capricious, you can appeal to the Undergraduate Academic Appeals Panel. If you believe that is the case, follow Student Rule 57. However, if you simply have not met the requirements for your major, degree, or program, it is unlikely that you were dismissed for any arbitrary, prejudiced, or capricious reason.

What should I do if I am dismissed?

Start by figuring out what caused your academic problems in the first place. Some students identify poor study habits, lack of preparation, excess social activity, or work outside of classes as contributors. Some discover their major is the problem. Perhaps their understanding of the major and the aptitude for the work required is different from what they expected. Or they lack interest or skill in a major. The best place to start figuring out what to do is by visiting your academic advisor. They will be able to help you pinpoint the issues and see what other major might work. if you cannot get help from your academic advisor, visit with the advisors in Transition Academic Programs, who have a wide knowledge of the requirements of many majors.

If you have fewer than 60 hours total taken in your degree plan, you might be able to take advantage of the General Studies major at Transition Academic Programs. With this major, you can complete one or two semesters of course work if order to prepare to transfer into a new major. There is a process you have to follow to be accepted as a General Studies major, including selecting a realistic major and sometimes a backup major. TAP advisors will help you though the application process. Be sure to pay close attention to their deadlines.  

How can I improve my academic performance and improve my chance for re-admission to my major or college?

To identify problem areas and change your behaviors, talk to your academic advisor. Your advisor might refer you to the Career Center, University Health Services or the Academic Success Center. These resources can help you pinpoint the factors that helped lead to the situation and identify strategies to move forward. 

I have three finals scheduled for the same day! How do I get them rescheduled?

If you have three or more final exams scheduled for the same day, you may request that your instructors reschedule one so that you have no more than two in one day. However, keep in mind that your instructors are not obligated to grant your request. According to Student Rule 8.4:

What is the process for requesting rescheduling?

If you wish to request that your instructors reschedule a final exam, (Student Rule 8: Rescheduling a Final Exam) follow the steps below.

1. Ensure that you are making this request no later than ten work days before the first day of TAMU final exams. 
 
2. Complete this form identifying the three course sections and scheduled exams that occur in one day. 
 
3. Print out your class schedule and the final exam schedule. 
 
4. Send a copy of this form and your class schedule to your instructors and work with them to reschedule one of the exams. 
 
5. If none of the three instructors agree to reschedule or if you do not hear from them, contact your Dean’s delegate at least 5 business days before the first scheduled final exam, and include the following: 

a. Copy of your class schedule and exam schedule 
b. A completed Final Exam Conflict Form
c. Any communication or other information, if available, showing you asked all three instructors to reschedule
 
The Dean’s delegate will work with your faculty to reschedule one of the exams and contact you. 

What if I need to reschedule for another reason besides having three or more finals in one day?

Rescheduling for any reason other than a three-in-one-day conflict must be worked out with your instructor.

What if I need to reschedule exams during the semester?

Student Rule 8.4 pertains only to final exam conflicts. If you have conflicts during the semester, you can speak to your instructors, but your best strategy is to plan your study time well. You can get help with that from an academic coach at the Academic Success Center.

How do I find the deans' delegate for my dean's office?

We have a list of delegates on this resource page. If you're still unsure, you can ask your academic advisor or contact us at ugst@tamu.edu.

What if I need more help or information?

If you have questions about filling in the form, contact the Undergraduate Studies Ombuds, Dr. Lori Moore, at UndergradOmbuds@tamu.edu.

Administrative removal of posted grades requires approval by the Dean or designee of the college in which the student was enrolled during the semester in which the courses were taken. A NG requires extensive documentation of the extraordinary circumstances justifying the No Grade. The student's academic advisor, instructor of record, or the instructor’s department head if the instructor is unavailable, will be consulted during the process.  The registrar will, if possible, notify the instructor of record, and in any event will notify the instructor’s department head, whenever a NG is issued.

Courses that receive a final grade of NG are excluded from the GPA calculation. Further information can be found in Student Rules 10.3, 10.11, and 10.23.

Please note that a No Grade Request can take up to a full semester to completely process. Your college may expect that you have successfully completed one or more semesters before processing a No Grade request.

What is scholastic probation?

Undergraduate students who are placed on scholastic probation (also called academic probation) should become familiar with the following:

1. University Student Rules, Academic Rules, 12. Scholastic Deficiency/Probation
2. The terms of probation that are outlined in the probation letter or e-mail from the dean of the student's college

Student Rule 12 and the notification of probation provide the final word on probation and the expectations the college has for students on probation. You can learn more about probation from this Undergraduate Studies YouTube video.

What does it mean to be on probation?

Probation is special permission by your college or department to continue at Texas A&M for one semester even though you have not met the academic requirements to remain. If you are on probation, you will receive notification, usually a letter or an e-mail from the dean of your college.  

The letter will outline the terms of probation—special things that must be done in order to remain at TAMU for one more semester. Terms of probation often include meeting grade requirements, registering in specific courses, meeting regularly with an academic advisor or an academic coach, or attending an academic assistance program. Terms might also include a restriction on future pre-registration. 

You should consider probation as the final warning from the college. It's imperative that you fulfill the terms of probation. Failure to meet the terms and continued grade deficiency will result in serious consequences, including possible dismissal from your college or suspension from the university.

What if I don't meet the terms of probation?

Not meeting the terms of probation will have serious consequences. Students who do not meet the terms of probation will be dismissed from the college. Continued grade deficiency may result in suspension from the university.

What should I do if I am placed on probation?

If you have been  placed on probation, take a hard look at your academic history and behaviors and determine what might have caused your poor academic performance. Some students identify poor study habits, lack of preparation, excess social activity, or work outside of classes as contributors. Some discover their major is the problem. Perhaps their understanding of the major and the aptitude for the work required is different from what they expected; perhaps they lack interest or skill in their major. In many cases, a change of major will be necessary, though this might be impossible while you are on probation.

Finally, consider the time and cost of attending Texas A&M University and the personal commitment necessary to be successful. Sometimes students realize they are incapable of making the commitment required to be successful at Texas A&M and wisely take a break from their studies here before experiencing further academic failure. If this applies to you,  discuss this option with an academic advisor, along with options of continuing your education at another institution (on either a temporary or permanent basis). An academic advisor can also help you prepare for possible re-enrollment or re-admission to Texas A&M University if you take a break.

How can I improve my academic performance and get off probation?

To identify problem areas and change your behaviors, talk to your academic advisor. Your advisor might refer you to the Career Center, University Health Services or the Academic Success Center. These resources can help you pinpoint the factors that helped lead to the situation and identify strategies to move forward. 

The George & Barbara Bush Foundation generously provides annual travel grants to Texas A&M undergraduates.

The Office of Undergraduate Studies facilitates educational travel opportunities for full-time undergraduates in amounts up to $750 per student. Grants support travel to academic conferences, research projects or study, and internships or study in the United States or abroad.

Announcements detailing grant availability are made each fall by colleges. 

For questions or details, contact Jacob Miller at jacobmiller@tamu.edu.

Instructions for students: