Involuntary Withdrawal (Dismissal)

Policy

A Duke student can be involuntarily withdrawn for academic reasons, financial or administrative reasons, and for violation of undergraduate regulations (judicial reasons). The information on this page pertains to involuntary withdrawal for academic and judicial reasons.

You will be withdrawn involuntarily from Duke for academic reasons if:

• at the end of a semester you fail to pass at least three courses (3.0 credits) that semester, except that in the first semester you must pass at least two courses (2.0 credits);
• you fail more than one full (1.0 credit) course in a summer session at Duke;
• you are on probation and at the end of your probationary semester, you have failed to earn grades of C- or better in each of the four courses completed that semester or a C average for that semester; or
• before the beginning of any fall term, you have not met annual continuation requirements.

If you are withdrawn (dismissed) for academic reasons, you may apply to return to Duke no earlier than two semesters after your withdrawal. The summer counts as one semester. You are not eligible to receive credit for course work completed while withdrawn and should therefore not enroll at another college or university during the period of your withdrawal. Students dismissed twice for academic reasons usually are not readmitted. 

If you are suspended for judicial reasons, you are involuntarily withdrawn for a varying number of semesters, depending upon the seriousness of the offense for which you are found responsible. You are not eligible to receive credit for course work completed while withdrawn and should therefore not enroll at another college or university during the period of your suspension/withdrawal.

Note: Dismissal from Duke for academic or judical reasons is recorded permanently in a student's academic record.

Procedure for Applying for Readmission

To apply to return from an academic or judicial withdrawal (dismissal), you may request an application for readmission by using email (readmission@duke.edu) or the Web (http://t-reqs.trinity.duke.edu/readmission.html).  During your period of separation from Duke, you are expected to hold down a steady job with an employer not connected with your family and be prepared to have your employer write a letter of recommendation as part of your application materials for readmission. Dean Sabrina Thomas is the Coordinator for Readmission (02 Allen Building, Box 90052, 919-684-2075).

Questions specifically about judicial suspensions should be directed to Dean Stephen Bryan of the Judicial Affairs division of the Dean of Students Office.