Palm Beach State College Board Policy

Title: Standards of Academic Progress for Student in Credit Programs

Policy Number: 6Hx-18-3.211

Legal Authority: 1001.64 FS, 1001.65, F.S.; 1004.65, F.S.; 1007.263, F.S.

Date Adopted/Amended: Repealed 7/26/1979; Readopted 6/19/2001; Amended 9/14/2004, 8/10/2021, 2/02/2026*

Standards of Academic Progress

The College requires each student to maintain reasonable academic progress. Any student not maintaining the minimum program of study grade point average (PSGPA) as specified in the Standards of Academic Progress (SOAP) policy will be placed on academic probation and could be either suspended or dismissed from the College. The college will use the appropriate credit/unit type (Advanced & Professional, Postsecondary Vocational) to calculate the PSGPA. Developmental and courses not applicable to the program are excluded from SOAP.

Definitions

For purposes of this policy:

Program of Study GPA (PSGPA) means the cumulative grade point average for degree applicable credit coursework in a student’s primary program of study as determined by the College.
Attempted Hours means all credit hours for which a student is registered after the add/drop deadline.
Earned Hours means credit hours successfully completed with a grade of A, B, C, or D, or other grade designated as successfully completed under College procedure.
Developmental Courses are preparatory courses that do not apply toward a degree or certificate and are excluded from PSGPA calculations.
Term GPA means the grade point average earned in a given academic term.

Good Academic Status

Students who are not on academic probation, suspension or dismissal from the college are considered in good academic status. Students in credit programs must maintain a PSGPA of:

1.4 or better for 1-14 semester hours attempted
1.6 or better for 15-27 semester hours attempted
1.8 or better for 28-45 semester hours attempted
2.0 or better for over 45 semester hours attempted

Academic Probation

Probation will be continued as long as the student fails to achieve the standard program of study grade point average (PSGPA) for the number of hours attempted (see above). Probation will be calculated at the end of each term. Transfer students whose PSGPA does not meet the standard for good academic status will enroll on academic probation. Any student on academic probation will be limited in course load to a maximum of 12 semester hours during the fall, spring and summer terms.

Students on academic probation are required to meet with an academic advisor prior to registering for subsequent terms. Academic advisors are authorized to limit the number of hours and types of courses taken by students on academic probation. Academic probation is noted on the student’s permanent record.

Academic Suspension

Academic suspension is the first involuntary separation. Academic suspension results from a student’s failure, while on academic probation, to regain good academic standing or achieve a minimum 2.0 term grade point average (GPA). Suspension requires the student to stay out of school for one semester to reflect on their academic goals and level of commitment to education. Academic suspension is noted on the student’s permanent record. Students readmitted after an academic suspension will be on academic probation and must meet with an academic advisor prior to registering for classes.

Academic Dismissal

Academic dismissal is a subsequent involuntary separation imposed upon a student who, having been previously suspended from the college and readmitted, fails to regain good academic status or achieve a minimum 2.0 term grade point average (GPA). After one calendar year, students on academic dismissal are eligible to appeal for readmission to the College Admissions Appeals Committee. Academic dismissal is noted on the student’s permanent record. An appeal for readmission is not automatic and the decision of the committee is final.

Student Notification

The College Shall Provide Written Notice to Students Placed on Academic Probation, Suspension, Or Dismissal.

* Denotes a minor amendment made to this policy by the administration pursuant to 6Hx-18-1.041