Student progress is evaluated by the doctoral program faculty at the end of each semester. Failure to maintain a semester average of 3.5 or a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 is cause for a student to be considered for dismissal. In the event of insufficient progress toward the degree, a conference will be called which will include four persons: the doctoral program director, a member of the faculty of the doctoral program (usually the student's adviser), the coordinator of student and academic services, and the student. The conference will provide a frank discussion of the student's strengths and weaknesses and the opinion of the faculty and staff present as to his or her prospects for completing the doctoral program. The doctoral program director will provide the student with a written statement of the assessment. If a student wishes to continue in the program after being advised of his or her limitations, the doctoral program director may prescribe courses or other remedial action for the student to take, and a time schedule with deadlines for completing the required work. Failure to demonstrate an ability to meet the criteria for continuation within the specified time schedule is grounds for dismissal from the program.
