A BFA student is in good standing if the student maintains a term and cumulative GPA of 2.0. If a student’s term or cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, the student will be placed on academic probation. A student will be dismissed from the College if their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 for two consecutive semesters.
An MFA student is considered in good standing if the student receives a grade of “P” (Pass) or “LP” (Low Pass) in all of their courses each term. If a graduate student receives a grade of “F” during a term, the student will be placed on academic probation. A graduate student will be dismissed from the College if the student has two consecutive semesters on academic probation. If the 2nd semester of probation occurs in the final semester of MFA study and all degree requirements have been met, the determination of academic standing will include the Chair’s review of transcript and portfolio.
The College recognizes that there may be cases of dismissal that require review and merit exception. If dismissed, a student may file a written appeal to the Academic Standing Committee in care of the Registration Office. Factors and supporting documentation that may be considered in an appeal may include but are not limited to the following:
Required:
- Poor academic performance that was the result of circumstances that have been demonstrably corrected or substantially addressed, and should no longer adversely influence the student’s academic performance.
Optional:
- Written documentation from a department representative/advisor arguing convincingly that the student has a strong probability of completing the degree program to which the student would be reinstated.
- Evidence in the academic record of an ability to succeed academically and make timely progress toward completion of a degree program which may include past academic performance.
- A proposed schedule for completion of the degree and a plan to foster academic improvement. Evidence of support from other representatives of the College’s support services in addition to, but not in lieu of, letters from departmental and College advisors. This may include evidence of a confidential nature that the student would prefer not be divulged to the committee as a whole.
Upon receiving a written appeal, the Committee may invite eligible students to appear before the Committee, as necessary. Exceptions to dismissal will be granted only rarely. If readmitted, the student will be placed on probationary status with special requirements. If the student does not meet all the requirements of such continued enrollment, the student will be dismissed from the College.
Readmission to The College
Students who have left the College and wish to re-enroll after a period of absence must apply for readmission. Information on readmission and the Readmission Application is available on the Otis College website.
Applications should be submitted by the dates listed on the website and no later than two months prior to the start of the semester in which the student wishes to enroll. Students must also submit official transcripts for any courses attempted at other institutions during the period of absence.
Readmission applications for students who were academically dismissed with the possibility of returning, will be reviewed by the Academic Standing Committee who may request an interview via Zoom or in-person. Academically dismissed students who are eligible to apply for readmission must complete a Readmission Application and must have met all conditions outlined in their dismissal letters. Applicants who left The College while on academic probation (term or cumulative grade point average below 2.0), will be required to meet with their academic advisor before registering for classes. It is also strongly suggested that students that return on probation meet with the Director of the Student Learning Center (SLC). Students who were suspended due to student conduct must complete the terms of their sanction prior to readmission.
Readmission to the College is not guaranteed. If a student is requesting a different class standing or major, a review of transcripts by the Liberal Arts and Sciences department and the relevant studio department may be necessary to assess transferable credits. A portfolio review by the studio department may also be required to evaluate preparedness for advanced class standing or entrance to the new major. MFA Fine Arts students applying for readmission are subject to studio space availability.