Deficiencies
At the midpoint and end of each semester, the academic records of all students are reviewed by the class deans and the Committee on Academic Standing. Those students who have failed to meet minimum academic requirements are dismissed from the College. The academic records of others about whom the Committee has some concern are also carefully examined. Depending on the degree of difficulty a student has experienced, they may be regularly reviewed, issued an academic warning or placed on probation. Students who, by failing a course, incur a deficiency in the number of courses required for normal progress toward graduation are expected to make up that course deficiency before being permitted to register for the next academic year. (See Course Requirements.)
Students belonging to one or more of the following groups may not expect to continue at Amherst College:
- Those who in any semester fail in two or more courses. Withdrawal from a course while failing it shall count as a failure.*
- Those who in any semester fail a course and receive an average of less than 7 in courses passed.*
- Those who in any semester pass all courses but receive an average of less than 6.
- Those who have accumulated deficiencies in three or more courses during their college careers.
- Those who have been on probation and have failed to meet the conditions of their probation.
Normally, a student dismissed from the College for reasons of unsatisfactory academic performance, will not be eligible for readmission until the student has been away from the College for two semesters. During the period of academic dismissal (separation from the College) the student is usually expected to demonstrate readiness to return by simultaneously completing and passing at least two liberal arts courses at another accredited college or university each with grades of C or higher (a C- is not satisfactory). The courses must be approved (in advance) by the Registrar and the class dean before the student enrolls. The student will be granted credit towards his/her Amherst degree for deficiencies only. Any remaining course deficiencies, after the two-course requirement has been met, must be completed before returning. Other conditions for readmission shall be set forth clearly in writing and must be met by the student before they can be considered for readmission to the College. (See section on Readmission.)
Students who have been suspended from their studies for an academic or disciplinary infraction may not participate in educational leave. Academic or disciplinary warning may also prohibit a student from studying abroad until they are in good standing and can discuss this scenario with the Director of Education Abroad.
A student readmitted to the College following an academic dismissal returns on academic warning.
Students taking courses in a summer school to make up a deficiency incurred at Amherst College must have their summer school courses approved in advance by the Registrar. The College does not grant transfer credit for courses completed with a grade below “C”.