Academic Standards, Policies and Integrity
In this section:
Grade Disputes
Because grade disputes sometimes occur between students and instructors, students should keep all graded work from their courses as a record of their academic achievement. The first step in resolving a grade dispute is for the student to meet with the instructor of the course to discuss the issue. A grade dispute could be resolved easily by speaking with the instructor in a professional and civil manner. But if a resolution cannot be reached in this fashion, the student's next step is to meet with the department chair, who will make a decision after reviewing the facts presented by both student and instructor. If the dispute remains unresolved after the chair has reviewed the information, the student may make an appointment with the assistant dean responsible for academic integrity. The assistant dean for academic integrity will investigate and render a final decision on behalf of the School of Arts and Sciences. Students and instructors alike are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct and our Academic Integrity guidelines. To make an appointment with this assistant dean, please call the associate dean's office at 412-624-6480.
Academic Standards Policy
The School of Arts and Sciences requires students to maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00 or above. If students fall below a cumulative GPA of 2.00, they will be placed on academic probation and will be required to seek assistance through the Academic Resource Center. Recognizing that early attention to academic difficulty can improve a student's performance considerably, the Academic Resource Center works one-on-one with students to address individual needs so that they can improve their academic standing. A student who still has a cumulative GPA below 2.00 after the term following the probationary term may be subject to continued probation or suspension from school. Suspension lasts for one calendar year. Students who have repeated probation or suspension violations may be permanently dismissed from the school. In addition to maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or above, students are required to fulfill their algebra and composition requirements within the first year or be subject to probation, suspension, or dismissal.
Suspended students are not eligible to enroll for classes at the University of Pittsburgh or at any other institution of higher learning during the suspension period. Upon completing the suspension period, a student must apply for reinstatement in the associate dean's office in 140 Thackeray Hall and pay a $25 reinstatement fee. Students returning from academic suspension are reinstated on academic probation, required to participate in an Academic Intervention program in the Academic Resource Center, and their record is subject to academic review after each subsequent term of enrollment. Suspended students may not take courses at another institution for transfer back to the School of Arts and Sciences.
After the first term returning from suspension, students whose GPA remains below 2.00 may be subject to dismissal. Dismissal is a final action. Dismissed students are not eligible for future enrollment in the School of Arts and Sciences.
Students who are on probation, are suspended, or are dismissed will receive written notification to their University of Pittsburgh e-mail address with instructions on what to do and information about the policy pertaining to their academic standing. Suspended or dismissed students may petition for an appeal by making an appointment with an assistant dean. Please call 412-624-6480 for an appointment.
The Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA) monitors financial aid eligibility. Students who are on probation, on suspension, or who are dismissed should contact OAFA in Alumni Hall at 412-624-7488 for information about how their academic standing may affect their financial aid.
Academic Integrity Code
Students and faculty are expected to familiarize themselves with the published rules and regulations governing academic integrity, a term meaning the ethical standards of integrity by which each student and faculty member is expected to operate. As members of a community of learners, all students and instructors are expected to adhere to these behavioral, academic, and ethical standards of the University community and of their field of study. The Academic Integrity Code sets the standards for protocol regarding issues such as how to handle cheating or plagiarizing.
The School of Arts and Sciences retains an Academic Integrity Officer who processes undergraduate grievances as they pertain to the Academic Integrity Code. An Academic Integrity Board, consisting of both faculty and students, may negotiate grievances and determine sanctions between faculty and students. For more information or to speak with the Academic Integrity Officer about a grievance, please contact the associate dean's office in 140 Thackeray Hall at 412-648-6480.
For specific information, see Student Rights and Responsibilities in the Undergraduate Bulletin. Click on the Academic Integrity Code to read the full code online.