Suffolk Law Student Handbook

a.

First-Semester Academic Standing i.

At the end of the first semester, a student is not in good academic standing and will be dismissed from the law school if either of the following applies: a. the student receives final grades that are unsatisfactory in three of the student’s first semester courses, or b. the student receives two or more final grades of D+ or lower in first semester courses The dismissal is final, and there is no appeal of the dismissal. The academic performance and individual circumstances of students who are dismissed pursuant to this section are not subject to review by the Academic Standing Committee. The Academic Standing Committee will review a student who has unsatisfactory final grades in two courses for the first semester but who does not fall under II. C. 1. a. i. Such a student is not in good academic standing and may be dismissed. The Committee may vote to allow the student to continue on academic probation. The Committee may also set other conditions of the student’s continued enrollment, including but not limited to a reduction in course load, participation in academic and other student support programs or courses, repeat of certain courses, or a leave of absence from the school. In determining if a student may continue, the Committee will take into account the following: a. whether the student experienced extraordinary circumstances during the first semester that affected the student’s academic performance or b. whether the student is likely to succeed in the study of law. If the Committee votes to dismiss the student, that dismissal is final and unappealable. iii. Students who receive one unsatisfactory grade in the first semester will a. receive a notice from the Academic Standing Committee warning the student of the Academic Standing Requirements and advising the student of academic support resources, and b. be required to meet with a faculty member, advisor or associate dean, to be designated by the Dean, to discuss their first semester difficulties and devise a course of action for achieving academic success and passing the bar examination. Students may be directed to participate in the Academic Support Program, enroll in particular courses in the upper year curriculum, or take other appropriate corrective measures. ii.

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