Normally a grade of B or better is expected in all coursework, and no grade below B is acceptable in the student's performance specialty. The student may petition the Scholastic Standing Committee for acceptance of no more than 3 credits of C or C+ in any graduate course. Students are considered to be in good standing in the program and to be making satisfactory progress toward their degree unless they are officially notified to the contrary by the graduate director under advice of the school committee. The committee regularly reviews a student's contribution to ensembles and other departmental activities. It also looks at any concerns that the faculty might have about the student's innate ability. The committee may recommend continuation, probational continuation with possible loss or reduction of any financial aid, or dismissal from the program for artistic or academic reasons. The student must perform before a jury at the end of every semester, except for those in which a degree recital has been presented satisfactorily.
A student may appeal a recommendation for probational continuation or dismissal to the Mason Gross School of the Arts Scholastic Standing Committee, and a second hearing is scheduled upon the student's request. Once a student has exhausted the appeal process within the doctor of musical arts (D.M.A.) faculty and receives notice of artistic dismissal from the Office of the Dean, there is no further appeal.
