Academic Standards Policy (ASP)
The Academic Standards Policy (ASP) applies to students who have either a quarterly and/or cumulative GPA below 2.0. The goal and purpose of ASP is to provide support to students so they can examine their educational journey while working with the college to pave a successful road ahead to their educational goals.
Since the 2019-2020 academic year, ASP implementation has been paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other related matters. Beginning April 2023, Highline College implemented a “provisional” ASP. Full implementation is expected sometime during the 2023-2024 academic year.
ASP and its related procedures are in accordance with RCW 28B.10.695 and WAC 131-12-080.
Contact Information
If you have questions about the Academic Standards Policy, contact Sarijana Clark.
Types of Academic Status (as of April 2023):
- Satisfactory Academic Standing: Satisfactory Academic Standing is a status indicating a student is meeting ASP requirements by maintaining a quarterly and cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Early Notification: Early Notification is a status indicating a student is meeting ASP requirements, but their quarterly GPA is below 2.0. Early Notification emphasizes the importance of academic standards and the availability of campus support services. A student on Early Notification will be encouraged to utilize campus resources and services to increase their GPA to 2.0 or higher.
- Academic Alert: Academic Alert is a status indicating a student is not meeting ASP requirements, but is making quarterly progress to increase their cumulative GPA. A student will be placed on Academic Alert if their cumulative GPA is below 2.0 and quarterly GPA is 2.0 or higher. A student on Academic Alert will be encouraged to utilize campus resources and services to increase their GPA to 2.0 or higher.
- Academic Probation: Academic Probation is a status indicating a student is not meeting ASP requirements. A student will be placed on Academic Probation if both their cumulative and quarterly GPAs are below 2.0. A student on Academic Probation will receive notification about campus resources and services to increase their GPA to 2.0 or higher.
- Academic Suspension*: Academic Suspension is a status indicating a student has repeatedly not met ASP requirements. A student will be placed on Academic Suspension if both their cumulative and quarterly GPAs are below 2.0 for two or more consecutive quarters. A student on Academic Suspension will receive an Academic Suspension Hold (also referred to as a registration block), which prevents course enrollment. To remove the Academic Suspension Hold, the student will be required to complete a Student Success Plan. If approved, the hold will be removed. If denied, the student will be required to meet with Sarijana Clark, Academic Standards Policy Manager & Retention Coach, to get their plan approved. The written Student Success Plan may include additional participation activities, including, but not limited to: meeting with an advisor or counselor, attending a workshop, utilizing tutoring, and enrolling in the College 101 course.
*Academic Suspension is different from Financial Aid Suspension. Students who have questions about funding should contact Financial Aid directly.
