Applying for Reinstatement to Graduate Study

Overview
Students whose GPA falls below 3.00 are subject to suspension from graduate study at ODU. This applies to degree seeking and non-degree seeking students. Students who have been suspended from graduate study for failing to perform at a satisfactory level may apply for reinstatement. The Policy on Reinstatement outlines this process. You may review the Reinstatement Policy in the University Graduate Catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q. To whom should the application for reinstatement be directed?

A. The application should be directed to the

Graduate Appeals Committee
C/o of The Office of Graduate Studies
212 Koch Administration Building
Norfolk, VA 23459

Q. Who are the members of the Graduate Appeals Committee?

The Graduate Appeals Committee is made-up of six faculty members who represent each academic college.

Q. What should be included in the application?

A. The following should be included in the application:

1. Letter – Student’s application for reinstatement must be by formal letter. In addition to a specific request for reinstatement to graduate study, the letter must explain (a) the circumstances that contributed to you not making satisfactory academic progress, (b) what changes have occurred since the suspension, and (c) what steps will be taken to ensure satisfactory academic progress, if you are reinstated. The letter must be typed, clearly written and free from spelling and grammatical errors.
2. Documentation (if appropriate). If there is documentation that can support information in the letter, it should be attached. For example, if there were medical issues, family matters, employment or military obligations etc., that affected your ability to perform at the required level, the appropriate documentation of this may be included in the application. If you desire confidentiality of this documentation, you may obtain a letter from the Dean of Students certifying its validity and contribution to your suspension and that these issues have or will be resolved prior to your reinstatement.

Q. Should the letter be a certain length?

A. There is no required length because each student’s circumstance is unique, but normally the letters are 1-3 pages long. Keep in mind that the letter should be concise but long enough to explain fully the circumstances that led to academic difficulty and to give the Committee enough information to weigh the facts of your situation.

Remember this is a formal request. The letter presents your case to six faculty members. You will not be present during the consideration of your request nor will you have further opportunity to explain or expand upon the request. It is imperative that you carefully organize, compose and proofread your letter prior to submission.

Q. What role does the graduate program director (GPD) have in the decision for my reinstatement?

A. The Graduate Appeals Committee makes the decision of whether you will be reinstated for graduate study; however, prior to the decision, the Committee always seeks input from the GPD. Please meet with the GPD of the degree program to which you seek reinstatement to discuss your plans prior to submitting your application!

Q. What is the proposed Plan of Study?

A. The GPD in consultation with the student, must list the specific courses (12 credits) you will be expected to take if you are reinstated for graduate study.

Q. After suspension, does a student have to sit-out for a period of time before s/he is allowed to apply for reinstatement?

A. No. A graduate student may apply for reinstatement immediately after the suspension.

Q. How long does it take for the Graduate Appeals Committee to reach a decision?

A. After the Graduate Appeals Committee has received a completed application, a decision is usually made within four weeks. During certain times of the year or if the Committee receives a large number of applications at one time, it may take longer. All applications for reinstatement are considered on a first received basis.

Q. If the Committee does not approve my request may I take graduate courses at ODU?

A. No; however, you may be allowed to take undergraduate courses.

Q. May I apply to another graduate degree program?

A. Yes; however, remember that your previous academic performance is an important factor for admission to a graduate degree program.

Q. If I was suspended as a non-degree seeking student, do I follow the same reinstatement process as a degree-seeking student?

A. If you were a certificate or licensure student you should follow the the same procedures outlined for degree seeking students. If you were a Life-long learner, you must apply and be admitted to a graduate degree program before you can be reinstated.

Q. What do I do if the time limit for the completion of my degree has expired?

A. All requirements for a doctoral degree must be completed within eight calendar years; six calendar years for a Master's degree from the date of the initial course following admission to the program. If you have exceeded these time limits you must first reapply and be accepted to the degree program before requesting reinstatement.

Q. Do I follow the same procedures if I get into academic difficulty again?

A. No, You have only one opportunity to apply for reinstatement to graduate study.

For additional questions regarding Reinstatement to Graduate Study, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies, 683-4885.