Academic Standing
Academic standing is determined after final grades are submitted at the end of the fall and spring semesters. In some instances, academic standing may be reviewed for work completed between traditional fall and spring terms.
To graduate from MVNU, students are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00. Some programs require a higher standard, which are noted in individual program descriptions.
Students are expected to be in Good Academic Standing, which is defined as maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00. MVNU allows for gradual attainment of this GPA during the first three semesters of attendance, as specified in the table below.
| Semester of Attendance at the University |
Minimum Cumulative GPA Required |
| 1 |
1.70 |
| 2 |
1.80 |
| 3 |
1.90 |
| 4 and beyond |
2.00 |
In addition to being in Good Academic Standing, students must make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), which is defined as a minimum semester 2.00 GPA.
Good Academic Standing and SAP occur when a student satisfies both of the following conditions:
- the cumulative GPA meets the required minimum, as specified in the above table; and
- the semester GPA is at least 2.00.
Athletic eligibility is determined by NAIA policy and procedure.
Students who do not make SAP are subject to one of the following in the next academic term:
Academic Notice: Assigned when the semester GPA is below 2.00 but above academic probation, suspension, or dismissal status. Students on academic notice are highly encouraged to meet with an MVNU student success coach to develop an academic success plan.
Academic Probation: Assigned when one of the ensuing criteria occurs:
- The cumulative GPA is below the required minimum, as specified in the above table.
- A first-semester student's semester GPA is at least 1.00 but less than 1.70.
- The student's semester GPA is less than 2.00 in two consecutive semesters.
- The student was in good standing and enrolled in less than eight (8) credit hours previous to the final date to withdraw without a permanent W, and the student's semester GPA is below a 1.00.
- The student was placed on Academic Dismissal, appealed, and was re-admitted.
- The student left MVNU on Academic Probation and re-enrolled at MVNU.
- The student left MVNU on Academic Dismissal and re-enrolled at MVNU.
Students on academic probation are restricted to a maximum of 15 credits to encourage academic flourishing. Exceptions must be approved by the student's academic advisor and student success coach. Students are required to meet with a student success coach and develop a success plan within 10 class days of the start of the semester. If this does not occur, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the University and retain academic probation status upon return. If student's do not follow their success plan and are later suspended or dismissed, it is unlikely an appeal will be accepted unless there are significant extenuating circumstances.
A student will be removed from Academic Probation and restored to Good Academic Standing when the semester and cumulative GPA meet the required minimums.
Academic Suspension: Assigned when one of the following occurs:
- The student's semester GPA is below 1.00 in any semester.
- Exception: If the student began the semester in good standing, was enrolled in less than eight (8) credit hours prior to the final date to withdraw without a permanent W, and the student's semester GPA is below a 1.00, they will be placed on Academic Probation rather than Suspension.
- The student's semester GPA is below 2.00 in three consecutive semesters.
- The student was on Academic Probation and did not show SAP and/or did not complete conditions as determined by the Student Academic Life Committee.
Students on academic suspension are required to take one semester away from MVNU to develop new strategies and habits for future academic success. Evidence of this growth will be required in the readmittance application. Students are highly encouraged to consult an MVNU student success coach to discern the barriers to their success and to select a personalized pathway forward.
Some potential pathways to develop and demonstrate academic readiness are:
- Complete courses with grades of C- or higher and a minimum semester GPA of 2.00 through a regionally accredited college or university.
- Meet regularly with a mentor or counselor to identify personal challenges and foster strengths.
- Create a plan to explore best-fit majors and proactively research career paths of interest.
- Engage in several months of work or volunteer experience and obtain a positive reference.
- Design a personalized action plan with an MVNU student success coach.
Academic Dismissal: If a student returns from academic suspension and their academic performance does not meet or exceed the academic suspension criteria for that term or a future one, the student will dismissed and is ineligible to return to MVNU for one year. While on dismissal, students are required to successfully complete at least 12 credit hours within one term at a regionally accredited college or university with grades of C- or higher, and a minimum semester GPA of 2.00 in order to apply and be readmitted to MVNU. Students who complete this requirement within one term can apply for readmittance early, and if accepted, their dismissal will be reduced to that one term. Exceptions to this requirement are rare and will need to be approved by Academic Affairs in advance and must include an alternative pathway to demonstrate academic readiness.
If students earn a subsequent dismissal, they are ineligible to return to MVNU for three academic years.
Students need preapproval from the MVNU registrar's office for any credit taken at another institution to ensure the course will help the student progress in their MVNU degree. Department chairs will need to be involved in approving courses in a major or minor.
Academic suspension or dismissal can be appealed. Information about the appeal process is included in the corresponding letter to the student. If an appeal is accepted, the student's academic status for the next term of attendance will be academic probation, and the Student Academic Life Committee (SALC) may stipulate additional conditions.
A successful appeal does not negate the initial suspension or dismissal with regard to future dismissals. A student who moves to academic suspension, but whose appeal is accepted, will move to academic dismissal if SAP is not maintained throughout the remainder of their academic career at MVNU.
After the suspension or dismissal period is served and the requirements listed in the student's letter are fulfilled, the student may apply for reinstatement. The SALC will review that application for any previously suspended or dismissed students. Students wishing to apply for readmission must do so by following the procedures set forth by the MVNU Admissions Office. While successful completion of stipulations is required, it does not guarantee readmission to MVNU.
Academic Ineligibility
Students on academic probation, suspension or dismissal are ineligible:
- to participate in intercollegiate athletic practice or competition;
- to participate in Church Relations Music and Ministry groups;
- to participate in selected activities that officially represent the University to the public, as determined by Academic Affairs;
- to run for or hold any appointed or elected office within the Student Government Association or other University clubs or organizations.
Students under certain discipline contracts administered by Student Life may also be ineligible to participate in the above listed activities.
A list of candidates for leadership positions in all student organizations must be submitted to the registrar for an eligibility check one week prior to publishing or printing a ballot. A list of students under consideration for groups that officially represent the University must be presented to the registrar’s office for an eligibility check prior to selection or payment of required deposits for group participation. Students receiving academic probation, suspension, or dismissal during a semester of service must relinquish student leadership or Church Relations Music and Ministry group positions immediately upon notification of their status. The continued involvement of students chosen for activities officially representing the University, who receive notification of academic probation after paying required deposits, but prior to actual participation, will be judged on a case-by-case basis by Academic Affairs; those receiving academic dismissal will become ineligible for participation.
Students who have been suspended or dismissed, appealed, and accepted for re-admittance must serve one traditional fall or spring term on academic probation, and make satisfactory academic progress before becoming eligible for participation in the above listed activities.