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Academic Suspension

Students are required to meet Continuance Standards set by Â鶹Æƽâ°æ in order to progress academically.  An academic suspension constitutes a complete severance from W&M.  Students' transcripts will have the notation "Academic Suspension."

A student who believes that his or her special and compelling circumstances should be taken into consideration, may appeal. It is highly recommended that a student communicate with staff in the Advising Center prior to making an appeal. A student appeals by submitting a written statement of the circumstances and conditions affecting his/her academic performance to the Committee on Academic Exceptions. Students will receive an electronic letter containing specific deadlines for the appeals process. We encourage students to work with our staff at each stage of this process. 

When appealing a second and final academic suspension, a student may request to appear before the Committee on Academic Exceptions virtually. 

Once the academic suspension is finalized, students should contact the following offices for pertinent information regarding their absence from campus:

•  Campus Post Office

Recommendations after a First Academic Suspension

To be reinstated, a student who has been suspended for academic reasons must present convincing evidence that the barriers to academic success have been corrected or eliminated. There are various ways in which a student can prepare themselves for re-enrollment, including:

• Students should consider completing at least two courses at another institution. These courses must be comparable to courses offered at W&M. Credits earned while a student is academically suspended from Â鶹Æƽâ°æ will not transfer and do not count toward a Â鶹Æƽâ°æ degree. These courses, however, may help the student strengthen a weak background and will demonstrate academic responsibility. While taking course(s) away from W&M, students should make sure to register as a "non-degree seeking student" at the other institution.
• Students may also consider employment or volunteer work averaging at least 20 hours per week, during the period of suspension. This work is viewed as an indication of maturity and seriousness of purpose. Many work skills are also skills related to successful academic achievement. 
• Students also may benefit from professional help if they are dealing with medical issues, mental health concerns, family circumstances, financial difficulties, deficiencies in academic skills, or other personal matters.

Recommendations after a Second Academic Suspension

It is unlikely that a student who is suspended twice from Â鶹Æƽâ°æ for academic reasons by the Committee on Academic Status will be reinstated. If you would like to consider options for reinstatement after a second suspension, please reach out to advising@wm.edu to discuss further.