The University of Connecticut has updated its readmission process for students who were academically dismissed. In previous semesters, students who underwent academic dismissal could apply for readmission after two semesters away from the university. Effective this fall, those students only need to spend one semester away before applying for readmission to UConn.
The change results from a motion that the University Senate passed back in April. The motion addresses changes to the academic dismissal process and other components of academic standards and policies.
The reduction of one semester means that students now have an “earlier opportunity to seek readmission and get their undergraduate careers back on track after academic dismissal,” according to a UConn Today article.
For students who have been academically dismissed twice, another bylaw change now allows them to reapply after four semesters. This is a reduction from the previous requirement of eight semesters away, or four academic years. Currently, readmission is not allowed for any student dismissed three times.
The university has also renamed some academic terms and modified the language regarding academic policies under the same motion. “Scholastic standing” is now referred to as “academic standing” and “scholastic probation” is now “academic notice.” All changes to the university bylaws that were part of the motion and additional details regarding the modified language can be found on the UConn University Senate website.
According to the 2022/2023 Annual Report on Retention and Graduation (which is the most recent report as of August 2024), 72 percent of UConn students graduate in four years, and 83 percent in six years. The updates would support the university’s 2023-2024 Strategic Plan, which aims to increase the six-year graduation rate to 90 percent over the next five to 10 years.
The updates follow an increase in the number of students facing academic dismissal since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to UConn’s Assistant Director for Engagement, Learning and Development, Kelly Gilbert.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UConn experienced a rise in students facing both academic and personal challenges, which led to an increase in undergraduates undergoing the Scholastic Standing process, including those facing academic dismissal,” said Gilbert. “In response, starting in spring 2020, adjustments were made to the process, communication, and resources to better support students during this period.”
In fall 2023, the university introduced academic renewal, a process by which students separated from the university for over eight consecutive semesters (four academic years) can seek readmission. The renewal allows students to remove up to 16 credits of courses with a grade at or below C- from their GPA calculation after readmission.
In spring 2023, the Office of Undergraduate Advising evaluated challenges for students through efforts such as working groups, committees and data analysis, according to Gilbert. These evaluations were later presented to the University Senate, which led to the bylaw changes in April 2024.
The Office of Undergraduate Advising also hopes that the one-semester reduction will improve students’ chances of returning to the university and reduce the stigma around students taking time off.
“This adjustment aims to improve students’ chances of returning to UConn, considers the COVID-related impact on non-academic challenges, and aligns with national best practices,” said Gilbert. “We believe this change will help reduce the stigma around taking time off, allowing students to address personal issues and return when they are ready.”