Academic Policies

Under FERPA, a student is an individual who is or has been in attendance at an educational institution. Applicants do not have FERPA rights unless and until they are admitted and are in attendance at the University. Please note that only the actual student can submit a FERPA request to review their Records. 

After an initial registration, students may make changes to their schedule by adding or dropping classes. This is called the registration period. A student's permanent record and student account may be impacted by the timing of these changes. 

The registration period is separate from the refund policy. Students should consult with Student Accounts and/or Financial Aid prior to dropping or withdrawing from course(s). 

The end of the registration period is the final day students can drop a course without receiving a “W” on their permanent record. All dates are specified on the Academic Calendar. After the registration period, students may withdraw from a course via their Workday student account. A grade of “W” will appear on the student’s transcript for courses withdrawn from after the registration period.

It is the responsibility of the student to be familiar with the Academic Calendar deadlines.

Students who want to drop all their courses are withdrawing from the university and must complete the University Withdrawal process/policy. Such students must follow the readmission process if they wish to return to the University. Students enrolled in the MOT, OTD, DPT, and DNAP programs may only drop or add elective courses.

Late Add

Students are not allowed to register after the end of the registration period. No enrollment or addition of any course is permitted after the registration period has passed without permission from the instructor involved and authorization from the College Dean. 

Students who have been attending class but somehow did not register for the course can complete a Late Add Request in Workday. Within the petition, students will be required to provide detailed background information on why they need to add the course after the published deadline. The request must be approved by the faculty member, who will affirm that the student has been attending class, and the College Dean.

Late Drop

After the registration period deadline, students may request a late drop for a course using their Workday student portal. A grade of “W” will be posted for courses dropped during this period, regardless of reason for the drop. Students may late drop individual courses through the late drop deadline. The late drop deadline is listed as the “Last day to drop with a W” on the Academic Calendar. 

Late retroactive drops cannot be granted for missing the deadline. Students who believe they have an extenuating circumstance may complete the Late Drop Request in Workday. Within the petition, students will be required to provide detailed background information on why they believe they have an extenuating circumstance that allows them to drop the course after the published deadline. In most cases, an extenuating circumstance will lead to a student taking a leave of absence or withdrawing from the institution rather than only dropping one course. The Late Drop Request routes to a review committee who will determine whether there is evidence of an extenuating circumstance.

Drop for Non-Attendance

Advanced standing credit for post-professional graduate programs:

Post-professional graduate programs may award advanced standing credit to students who have completed a formal post-professional course of study in a program accredited by a specialized accreditation agency. Advanced placement credits will be posted to the transcript only after completion of all other required coursework in residence. Award of such credit will be made at the discretion of the program; however, the following criteria must be met for advanced standing in the Master’s degree program:

Total hours awarded as advanced standing credit shall be determined by the program; however, the student must complete a minimum of 18 hours of additional Samuel Merritt University coursework for the master’s degree as outlined by the department/program.

The applicant must be in active clinical practice in the advanced practice specialty as evidence of currency in the specialty for which award of credit has been made. The applicant must hold and maintain current certification/recertification in an advanced practice clinical specialty at the time of admission and throughout the program.

Advanced standing credit toward the Master’s degree will be awarded only to students holding a bachelor’s degree in a related field or in a degree acceptable to the department faculty.

Regular classroom attendance is expected and essential for successful academic achievement. Faculty may elect to establish attendance policies, including the assignment of a failing grade for excessive absences.  Students are responsible for all work missed because of absences and must make arrangements with their instructors to make up work. Make-up work for unexcused absences, including missed examinations, is at the discretion of the faculty member.

Attendance is required at all clinical assignments. These clinical experiences may include, but are not limited to, direct client care, skills labs, and observational experiences. The clinical experience is necessary for application of knowledge and skills, as well as for socialization to the professional role. A student is expected to give timely notice of any absence to their instructor and to the clinical site, when appropriate. Unexcused absences may be interpreted as failure to meet course objectives and may result in a clinical grade of unsatisfactory for the course. See also specific department requirements.

Audit is a contract to attend theory/didactic classes without active participation, e.g., discussion, seminars, exams, and handouts. Audits are permitted only when space is available in the class. No credit is received for the audited course. Upon completion of the course, a grade of Z for audit is recorded on the permanent transcript. A student may only audit a course if they have previously passed the course or have completed an equivalent course through approved transfer credit. Students may audit courses outside of their program, with the approval of the instructor and department chair. Audit requests are available via the student's Workday account. Students should consult the Workday Student Resources information for assistance.

Currently enrolled students and/or applicants to any program may petition to challenge by examination knowledge and skills obtained through previous education and/or work experience which cannot be documented as transfer credit. Enrolled students must be in good academic standing to be eligible for a challenge examination. A course can be challenged only once, and a student cannot challenge a course he or she previously completed unsuccessfully. The units and grades earned as a result of a successful challenge will be recorded on the official transcript and will show as credit by examination. Unsuccessful challenge results will not be recorded. All challenge petitions must be filed by the end of the fourth week of the semester.  

All challenge fees are non-refundable and are to be paid at the time the petition is filed with the Office of the Registrar. The student completes the online petition form from the Office of the Registrar website and receives approval from the appropriate department chair or program director and faculty member. The student pays the fee to the Business Office. In a Nursing course involving both theory and clinical components, the theory component must be completed successfully before the clinical challenge is attempted.

Fees will be assessed for challenge credit, applicable to either didactic or clinical coursework. For those students challenging coursework ONLY in the Case Management Online Program, please refer to the program handbook for further details for both the expanded procedure to obtain challenge credit and a revised fee schedule.

For those programs requiring structured remediation subsequent to a failed clinical course/rotation, students may be required to enroll in a remediation experience from one-three units.  Enrollment in structured remediation can also be used to assess clinical skills after returning from a leave of absence (LOA) if required by the program in which they are enrolled.  Registration in the remediation course is not applicable to failed theory or laboratory courses and assumes that remediation will need to occur within a contracted clinical agency.  Structured remediation is not available to students on LOA.  

Coursework is devised and supervised by a faculty of record.  The formal remediation plan must be approved by the Dean, Chair or Program Director.  The plan does not need to be reviewed by the University Curriculum Committee or the Academic Vice President. 

Remediation coursework will not bear tuition; however, a fee will be required.  Faculty will not be paid for supervision.  Grading will be designated a S/U grade and appear on the transcript.  Students can submit a remediation petition from the University website at www.samuelmerritt.edu/registrar/forms. 

When the Dean/Chair/Director signature is obtained electronically, the form will be routed to the Office of the Registrar.

The university offers two commencement ceremonies each year. Students in good academic standing and with approval from their program director may walk in the commencement ceremony closest to their last semester for the following reasons: 

• A course (or courses are) is still In Progress or Incomplete and will be completed by the end of the semester following a commencement ceremony.
• A student is in their last semester of a program that lands in or follows the date of a commencement ceremony.
• For the time frame of January 1 through June 30, students will attend the spring commencement held in May.
• For the time frame of July 1 through December 31, students will attend the fall commencement held in December.

*Participation in the commencement ceremony does not indicate graduation from the student's program. Graduation and the conferring of degrees will occur after all program requirements have been successfully completed. Students are recommended to review departmental graduation criteria in their specific program policy handbooks.

Students must be enrolled in coursework or on an official leave of absence every term until their degrees are awarded.

If a student is not enrolled in coursework and has not filed leave paperwork by the deadline outlined the Leave of Absence Policy, the student may be administratively withdrawn from the University. If administratively withdrawn, the student will need to apply for readmission.

Students who receive an Incomplete or IP grade must be enrolled in coursework for the term immediately following the term in which the grade was assigned. If the student is not enrolled in any other courses during that term, they must contact the program director or Registrar’s Office to ensure they are registered for the appropriate course.

Samuel Merritt University uses the semester unit system for representing course credits. One unit is awarded for each hour of classroom work per week, with the expectation that students will spend an additional three hours per week in study outside of the classroom. A semester normally includes 15-16 weeks of instruction. Thus, a class which meets for at least fifty minutes three times per week is credited as three semester units of credit. Undergraduate laboratory work is credited at one unit per three contact hours. One hundred and twenty semester units is the minimum required for a baccalaureate degree and thirty-six semester units of credit is the minimum required for the award of a master’s degree at Samuel Merritt University. The course numbering system is as follows:

Effective Fall 2026, the University introduced a new course numbering system. 

Undergraduate Courses

1000-2999 Assigned to Lower Division Courses

3000-3999 Assigned to Upper Division Courses at the Junior level

4000-4999 Assigned to Upper Division Courses at the Senior level

Graduate Courses

5000-5999 Assigned to courses taught at the graduate level in preparation for a graduate degree program

6000-6999 Assigned to courses at the master’s level

7000-7999 Assigned to courses at the doctoral level

The letter L is used to denote laboratory courses or sections.

SMU Institutionally Established Equivalency

A credit hour is defined as an amount of work that reasonably approximates one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction, and a minimum of two hours out-of-class student work each week (Carnegie Unit Definition), for approximately fifteen weeks or the equivalent of one semester. This policy makes no attempt to award units to clinical or laboratory hours by any standard methodology. The University’s expectation is that clinical or laboratory ratios may vary by program.

The final week of the academic semester is designated “Finals Week.”

Departments may choose to conduct final examinations or require submission of final projects/papers prior to this week. Due dates for papers and projects and dates/times for final examinations outside of the designated finals week must be approved by the Department Chair/Program Director and defined in course syllabi. The academic department is responsible for conducting final examinations in a reasonable and pedagogically sound manner, and for ensuring that instructional hours delivered in all courses are consistent with assigned credit hours. The department chair is responsible for the maintenance of this policy.

Petitions and forms are available in Workday Student. It is the student’s responsibility to file all appropriate petitions and forms by the dates set on the Academic Calendar.

Find the link to directions for forms and petitions here: Registrar’s Office | Samuel Merritt University 

Students are responsible for meeting the standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled as well as requirements for completion of their academic programs. Faculty members are responsible for establishing standards of academic performance and for evaluating student performance in an equitable manner. Faculty decisions in such matters are considered authoritative and can be overturned only when it has been determined that a grade was assigned in an inequitable, arbitrary, or erroneous manner. This policy outlines the grounds for a student grade appeal and the process by which it must be carried out.

Students and faculty are encouraged to review the full Grade Appeal Policy.

Appealable Grades

Only final course grades may be appealed. Grades assigned to individual assignments, exams, projects, or other course components are not separately appealable except insofar as they affect the final course grade.

Grounds for Appeal

A grade appeal may be made based on one or more of the following: 

1. The assignment of a grade on some basis other than the student’s performance in the course. 
2. The assignment of a grade based on more exacting or demanding standards than were applied to other students in the course. 
3. The assignment of a grade by a substantial departure from the instructor’s previously announced standards (for example, using criteria not specified in the syllabus). 
4. The assignment of a grade to a particular student due to a mathematical or clerical error.

Final grades may not be changed based on additional work submitted after the course has ended or by repeating examinations for the purpose of improving the grade.

Informal Resolution

Before filing a formal appeal, students must first discuss their concerns with the course instructor and attempt to resolve the matter informally.

Filing Deadlines

• Students must contact the instructor within four business weeks of the final grade being posted.
• A formal Grade Appeal Form must be submitted by the end of the fourth week of the academic term following the term in which the grade was awarded.
• Appeals submitted after established deadlines may be dismissed unless an approved delay exists or circumstances beyond the student's control prevented timely submission.

Appeal Process 

Appeals proceed through the following levels in sequence:

1. Instructor (Stage I)

The student discusses the concern with the instructor and, if unresolved, submit a Grade Appeal Form. The instructor provides a written response.

2. Department/Program Chair (Stage II)

If the student remains dissatisfied, the appeal may be submitted to the department or program chair, along with documentation from Stage I and supporting evidence.

3. College Dean (Stage III – Final Appeal)

Students who disagree with the chair’s decision may appeal to the college dean. The dean may review the appeal, designate a reviewer, or convene a committee. Appeals at this level must demonstrate that University policies or procedures were incorrectly applied. The dean’s decision is final.

The decision rendered at the College Dean level constitutes the final institutional determination of the grade appeal.

Grading, All Programs

Each school, department or program is responsible for establishing and providing to its students both a progression policy and a grading policy. Under no circumstances will any form of “D” or “F” or “U” be considered a passing grade for any course or clinical experience in University programs. At the end of each semester a student’s work in each course is evaluated and assigned a grade.

Samuel Merritt University recognizes the following letter grades and assigns point value as listed below:

*May be used only if designated in the catalog and student handbook course description or by petition.

Plus/Minus Grading

Each school, department, and program shall determine to what extent and under what circumstances plus/minus grading is used. If used, a plus adds three-tenths (.3) to the grade point value up to a maximum of four grade points, while a minus reduces the grade point value by three-tenths (.3).

Grade Changes

Final grades are permanent with the exception of “I” (incomplete) and “IP” (in progress) and are to be changed only in the case of error in computation or recording. The student may not submit additional work, rewrite papers, nor make-up or retake examinations to improve a grade which has been officially recorded in the Registrar's Office. All grade change requests must be submitted to the instructor within the first two weeks of the next full semester after the grade was assigned. Once this period has passed, no grade changes will be made. Only faculty may submit grade change forms to the Registrar's Office. The student may appeal the denial of a grade change request by following the Grievance Policy and Procedures listed in this Catalog/Handbook.

All graduating students are required to complete the Workday Petition for Graduation, no later than the first week of their final term. The Petition for Graduation form must be filed, even if the student is not planning to participate in commencement activities. If a Petition is not completed, the Registrar’s Office cannot guarantee that a student’s name will appear in the commencement program, and diplomas will not be printed. Within the Petition, students must complete their Diploma Name on their Workday profile. If a student does not establish a Diploma Name, their diploma will be printed with their Legal Name on file. Students wishing to change that name after the diploma order is placed will need to pay and wait for a duplicate diploma.

All graduating students must submit the Workday Petition for Graduation no later than the first week of their final term. This requirement applies whether or not a student plans to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Failure to submit the petition may result in the student’s name being omitted from the commencement program.

As part of the petition process, students must verify and complete their Diploma Name in their Workday profile. If a Diploma Name is not provided, the diploma will be printed using the student’s legal name on record. Any request to change the name after the diploma order has been placed will require the student to purchase a replacement diploma and wait for reissuance.

Graduation Eligibility

To be eligible for degree conferral, students must:

• Complete all academic program requirements as published in the University Catalog.
• Be in Academic Good Standing.
• Have final grades posted for all required coursework.
• Complete all required program components, including clinical training, competency examinations, residencies, capstones, theses, or dissertations, as applicable.

Submission of Final Credentials

Transcripts and other required credentials from external institutions must generally be submitted in the semester prior to graduation.

Students completing transfer coursework during their final term must have prior approval and submit final transcripts within 14 calendar days of the official graduation date.

All incomplete or in-progress requirements must be resolved within 30 calendar days after the official graduation date. Students who do not meet this deadline must reapply for graduation in a future term.

Course Substitutions

• Any substitution of required coursework must be approved by the academic dean (or designee) and processed through the Registrar’s Office.
• Substitutions must be academically appropriate and equivalent to the required course.

Degree Evaluation

The Registrar’s Office conducts a degree evaluation via Workday Student. Students can view their degree progress at any time in the Workday portal.

• Students are responsible for reviewing their academic progress and notifying the Registrar’s Office of any discrepancies.
• Errors in degree audits do not waive official degree requirements.

Degree Conferral

• Degrees are officially awarded after all graduation requirements have been verified.
• Degrees cannot be conferred before the official end of the student’s final semester.
• Degree conferral generally occurs within two to four weeks after final grades have been submitted and reviewed.

Dates of Degree Conferral

Graduation dates posted on the transcript and diploma are the official last day of the student’s final term, as listed on the academic calendar. If a student’s eligibility status changes after filing for a designated degree date, the student’s anticipated degree date will be moved to the official end of the next semester, contingent upon the completion of all degree requirements.

Academic Transcript

• A degree appears on the official academic transcript only after it has been formally conferred.
• Students requesting transcripts before conferral should request that the transcript be held until the degree is posted.

Diplomas

• Diplomas include the student’s degree, major, and applicable honors.
• Concentrations and specializations are not printed on diplomas.
• Diplomas are typically mailed within two to four months after the official graduation date.
• Replacement diplomas are available upon request and subject to applicable fees.

Each student's first paper credential is mailed to the address on their student's Workday record free of cost. 

Students who misplace their diplomas may order a duplicate diploma for the following fees:

• The cost to re-order a paper diploma on current diploma cardstock is $24 + shipping.

  • Domestic shipping is $8.00.

  • Domestic shipping - Expedited is $25.00.

• The cost to re-order a legacy digital diploma is $63.90. This is because the electronic diploma must be created at the time of request since SMU did not start using digital diplomas until 2022.

  • Domestic shipping/regular processing is $0.00.

  • Domestic shipping - Expedited processing is $10.00.

• The cost for a digital diploma for degrees awarded on or after 4/1/2022 is $19.95.

For more information about diplomas, visit: Digital Diplomas & Certificates | Samuel Merritt University

Finality of Degrees

Once a degree has been awarded, the academic record for that degree is considered final. Additional concentrations, minors, or credentials cannot be added through coursework completed after degree conferral.

Graduation with honors is awarded to undergraduate students who have achieved the following minimum cumulative grade point average in all Samuel Merritt University work completed toward the baccalaureate degree:

• Summa cum laude – 3.85 to 4.00
• Magna cum laude – 3.70 to 3.84
• Cum laude – 3.50 to 3.69

Dean's List

In order to be eligible for Dean's List, an undergraduate student must 1) be enrolled in at least 10 units and 2) achieve a current term grade point average of 3.50 or higher.

A grade of “I” or “incomplete” may be assigned by the instructor when the student’s work is substantially complete yet incomplete due to circumstances beyond the student’s control. Incomplete grades must be resolved before the end of the next regular semester of attendance, either Fall, Spring, or Summer. Faculty may choose to shorten the deadline for completing the coursework. 

Process

1. If a student wishes to request an Incomplete grade for a course, the student must contact the instructor to discuss the reasons and obtain approval.
2. The Incomplete Grade Petition must be initiated by the instructor prior to the deadline for the submission of the term grades. 
3. Once the student completes the remaining coursework within the specified deadline, the instructor will submit a grade change to replace the Incomplete with a final grade.

An incomplete grade not changed by the due date will be changed to an “F.” An extension of the due date, not to exceed one semester, may be requested for extraordinary reasons. An incomplete grade may be used to satisfy prerequisite requirements, at the discretion of the appropriate department chair.

Independent Study

An independent study is a type of elective course that provides students the opportunity to meet their educational needs which exceeds course content available in the regular curriculum. An independent study course cannot be used as: 

1. remediation for previously failed coursework
2. a requirement to assess clinical skills after returning from a leave of absence

Independent study courses shall in all cases be equal in rigor and time requirements for learning activities as any other course offered by the University. 

A syllabus will be required for review and approval by the University Curriculum Committee. All independent study courses must have a qualified Faculty of Record. Signature approval of the independent study course by the Dean/Chair and the Academic Vice President is required. 

An independent study course can be taken by any upper division undergraduate student or graduate student in good academic standing. All independent study courses must be completed in a single semester. An independent study course may range from one to three semester units, as justified by the course syllabus. All independent study courses will bear normal tuition unless, in exceptional circumstances, waived by the Academic Vice President. Grading will follow published policy. Students can submit an independent study petition from the University website. 

Directed Study

Directed Study (DS) provides students with the opportunity to complete faculty-supervised, for-credit learning when a needed course is unavailable, a scheduling conflict exists, or a specialized topic supports program learning outcomes. DS courses require an approved learning contract, regular faculty interaction, and completion of all academic work within the enrolled term.

Key requirements include:

• Student must be in good academic standing, meet prerequisites, and have approval from a qualified full-time faculty supervisor.
• DS may not be used to bypass regularly offered courses or solely for credit recovery.
• Courses must include documented regular and substantive faculty-student interaction and meet all university credit-hour requirements.
• A signed Directed Studies Course Contract outlining learning outcomes, assignments, assessments, schedules, and grading is required before enrollment.
• Students may take a maximum of one DS course per term and apply up to 9 DS units toward a degree.
• DS courses are limited to 1–3 credits (or the credit value of the equivalent catalog course, where applicable).

Course by Arrangement (CBA) is a type of Directed Study used when a catalog course cannot run due to low enrollment. CBAs use the approved course syllabus, learning outcomes, assessments, and grading structure, with only scheduling or delivery adjustments permitted.

International students should consult with the university's designated international student official regarding enrollment and modality restrictions. Tuition, refund, and withdrawal policies for DS courses are the same as for other courses.

Faculty should review the full Directed Study Policy for more information.

The symbol “IP” is employed in theses/synthesis projects, special research studies and field studies, and other courses as approved by the department chair where assigned work extends beyond a single academic term and may include enrollment in more than one term. The symbol indicates that work in progress has been evaluated as satisfactory to date; assignment of a final grade must await completion of additional coursework. All work is to be completed within one calendar year of the date of first enrollment. An extension may be permitted with the approval of the instructor and the department chair as long as the student completes the program within the required length of time (see Length of Study for Graduate Program). A final grade will be assigned to all segments of the course based on overall quality. The grading symbol “IP” will not be used in calculating grade point average. If the “IP” grade is not converted to a letter grade within the appropriate period, it becomes an “F” and is used in computing the grade point average in the semester the “IP” changes. Approval to assign an “IP” grade in courses other than those listed requires the written approval of the appropriate department chair.

Leave of Absence

SMU may grant a leave of absence of up to one year to students who are in good academic standing, have no unresolved grades, and have satisfied all financial obligations to the University. Leaves may be approved for medical, personal, military, or other compelling circumstances. Academic suspension may result in an involuntary leave of absence.

Students and faculty are encouraged to review the full Leave of Absence Policy for more information.

Key Eligibility Requirements

• Students requesting a leave of absence must:
• Be registered in the semester immediately preceding the leave.
• Be in good academic standing, meeting the minimum GPA requirements of their program.
• Have no unresolved Incomplete or In Progress grades.
• Have no outstanding institutional balances.

Request Process

• Students must submit a Request Leave of Absence through Workday; email, phone, or other notifications are not considered official.
• Requests generally must be submitted by the semester’s Registration Deadline/Last Day to Drop Without a “W," as posted on the Academic Calendar.
• The effective date of the leave is typically the date the Workday request is submitted and cannot be backdated except in documented extenuating circumstances.

Federal Financial Aid Considerations

• Although a leave may be approved for up to one-year, federal regulations require students receiving federal aid to return within 180 days of the leave start date.
• Students who do not return within 180 days will be reported as withdrawn to the National Student Clearinghouse and National Student Loan Data System, effective as of the original leave start date.
• Refunds and federal aid adjustments will be processed according to applicable University and federal regulations.

Transcript and Enrollment Implications

• Students taking an approved leave by the Registration Deadline/Last Day to Drop Without a “W” will not have courses for that term appear on their official transcript.
• A leave of absence guarantees eligibility to return to the program but does not guarantee enrollment in specific courses.

Returning from a Leave of Absence

To return, students must:

• Submit a Return from Leave of Absence request in Workday at least 60 days before the intended return date.
• Resolve any outstanding financial obligations.
• Reapply for financial aid, if applicable.
• Complete updated background checks, drug screening (if required), and clinical documentation.
• Meet any remediation requirements established by their academic program.

Students who do not return by their approved return term may be withdrawn from the University. Students returning from an approved leave retain their original catalog year rights.

Academic Suspension

Academic suspension is an involuntary leave required by the University. An example is the unsuccessful completion of a course for which a student must wait for the course to be taught again. Academic suspension is approved at the discretion of the program chair and the Academic Vice President and Provost or the Vice President of Student Affairs for behavioral matters. Upon return, students need to complete a new background check (and drug screen if appropriate) and update all clinical paperwork.

Satisfactory Academic Performance

The below information applies to the following programs:

• Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
• Master Physician Assistant (MPA)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)  

Satisfactory academic performance includes:

• a passing grade in all didactic courses
• a grade of “S” on all clinical experiences
• a cumulative grade point average of: 2.5 (MOT), 3.0 (OTD), 2.7 (DPT), 3.0 (MPA) and 3.0 (MSN). 
• Graduate students are also required to complete evaluation instruments assessing their learning experiences, including clinical coursework, at periodic intervals.

Graduate students in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program who satisfactorily complete the four year curriculum as outlined in the current catalog and student handbook, have at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.5, take and pass the 3rd year Clinical Rotation Practical Examinations, the 3rd Year Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination (APMLE) Part I, and take the APMLE Part II Examination and the APMLE Part II Clinical Skills Patient Encounter (CSPE) Examination are eligible for the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.

Length of Study for Graduate Program

MPA, DPT, DPM, MOT and OTD: Students are expected to complete the programs in the full-time, sequential two- and one-half-year curriculum as described in each program curriculum description. DNP, DPM, DPT, and OTD students must complete their programs in no more than six years from the date of matriculation. MOT students must complete their programs in no more than five years from the date of matriculation.  Post-professional master’s degrees: Since students may pursue the master’s degree either as a full-time (minimum six units/semester) or as a part-time student, the time necessary for completion of the degree varies considerably. Students are expected to complete their programs in no more than six years from the date of matriculation.

Study Load and Residency Requirements (MSN, ELMSN, DNP)

Students in post-professional master’s degree programs are required to register for three units each semester in order to maintain part-time enrollment (see Leave of Absence policy). The minimum full-time load is six units per semester. Maximum study load limitations may be exceeded by approval of the appropriate chair/dean and will be billed accordingly.

Graduate Probation and Dismissal

ELMSN Pre-licensure and Post-licensure courses, MSN (all tracks) and DNP

Students who do not successfully meet the learning objectives of a course fail the course. Course failure affects program progression and may result in probation and/or dismissal from the program.

Course Failure

Failure of any class requires repeating it at the next offering on a space available basis. If a failed course is required for progressing in the program, the student cannot progress. The student will receive a letter of suspension from that course until they are able to repeat and successfully pass it. A second failure, at any time in the program prompts an automatic dismissal from the program. If at any time a student’s cumulative GPA is less than 2.5 it is automatic dismissal from the program.

Minimum GPA Requirements

During any period of enrollment, if a student's cumulative GPA is less than 3.0 but greater than or equal to 2.5, they are placed on academic probation. The student will receive a letter from the Registrar's office notifying them of their academic probation. The student has two consecutive semesters to improve their cumulative GPA to greater than or equal to 3.0. If they are unable to improve their cumulative GPA to 3.0 by the end of the third (second consecutive probation) semester, they are dismissed from the program. The student will receive a letter from the Registrar's office notifying them of their dismissal.

Didactic Courses with Associated Lab Course

For graduate nursing didactic courses that have an associated/related lab course (i.e., N671 and N671L or N675 and N675L), failing one of the related courses (i.e., N671) does not cause a failure in the related course (i.e., N671L). The course (either theory or lab) that was not passed must be retaken in the subsequent semester. For example, if a student received a failing grade for the theory course, but passes the lab course, the student must retake the theory course in the subsequent semester. If the student fails the lab course, they must retake the lab course and are highly encouraged to audit the associated theory course as permitted by University policy.

Due to differences in BRN credentialing of RN courses, grading policy for didactic and lab associated courses within the prelicensure nursing programs (including ELMSN-Post-Licensure), will remain the same as the policy listed under Progression & Graduation – Undergraduate Programs.

Incomplete Grades

If an Incomplete is assigned for a course, the student will have one semester (the semester after the course has finished), to rectify the incomplete. If the incomplete is not rectified by the end of the following semester, the student will be assigned an F and fail the course.

Master of Biomedical Sciences

Departmental vs. University Academic Actions

The Biomedical Sciences (MBS) Program conducts internal academic reviews to monitor student academic progress and professional behavior. Departmental actions are advisory and instructional in nature and do not constitute official University academic standing. Only the University, through the Registrar’s Office, may impose academic standings that are noted on the student’s official transcript such as Academic Probation, Suspension, or Dismissal.

Good Academic Standing

Students are considered in Good Academic Standing when they maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, earn no failing grades, and adhere to standards of academic integrity and professional conduct.

Departmental Academic Warning

A student will receive a Departmental Academic Warning if they earn a single grade of C in any course. The warning serves as formal notice of academic concern and may include recommendations such as repeating a course, reducing course load, increased advising, or use of academic support services. Departmental Academic Warnings are not recorded on the student’s transcript.

Departmental Academic Review

A student will be placed under Departmental Academic Review if they earn two grades of C, earn a term GPA below 3.0, or demonstrate minor lapses in professionalism or compliance.

When permitted under University policy, the department may also initiate Academic Review following receipt of a failing course outcome to evaluate readiness for continued enrollment and to recommend appropriate remediation, including course repetition.

Students must submit a written academic improvement plan by the stated deadline. The department will review the plan and may impose conditions for continuation, including required grades, course repetition, or modified enrollment. Departmental Academic Review does not constitute University academic standing.

Recommendation for University Academic Probation

The MBS Program may recommend that a student be placed on University Academic Probation if the student earns a failing grade (F), falls below a cumulative GPA of 3.0, or fails to meet the conditions of Departmental Academic Review. Upon approval, the Registrar’s Office will issue an official probation notification and apply Academic Probation to the student’s transcript. Students may appeal probation decisions in accordance with university policy.

Recommendation for University Suspension or Dismissal

The MBS Program may recommend University Suspension or Dismissal if a student earns multiple failing grades, demonstrates continued academic decline following University Academic Probation, or commits serious violations of academic integrity or professional conduct. In accordance with university policy, students have the right to appeal suspension or dismissal decisions through the University’s established appeals process.

Important Notes

Departmental actions are advisory and instructional only.

Only the University may assign academic standings noted on a student’s official transcript.

University policy supersedes departmental policy in all cases.

Master of Health Administration

A student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 2.7 (a “B-” average) will be placed on academic probation. While on academic probation, the student is required to earn a minimum trimester GPA of 2.7 in each subsequent trimester until the cumulative GPA is restored to 2.7 or higher.

Once the student’s cumulative GPA reaches 2.7 or above, the student will be removed from academic probation.

If, after removal from academic probation, the student’s cumulative GPA again falls below 2.7, the student must meet with the Program Director and submit a formal petition for continuation in the program. Approval of the petition is required for continued enrollment. Failure to obtain approval will result in dismissal from the program.

Master Physician Assistant

An entry-level physician assistant student may be suspended from the program if they earn a grade of “D” in a required class or “Unsatisfactory” on a field experience, affiliation or the internship. The physician assistant curriculum is sequential. Courses and affiliations must be taken in sequence. Therefore, the student is suspended until the course is repeated or another affiliation can be arranged. They may not progress in the curriculum until the course or affiliation is successfully completed or graduate until the internship is completed. An MPA student is subject to dismissal if (1) a course, field experience, affiliation, or internship is not successfully repeated at its next offering; or (2) the student receives a second “D”/“U” grades in required courses or field experiences, affiliations or internships; or (3) a student receives a grade of “F” in any required course. 

Students in the MPA program must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 throughout the program. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on probation. Students on probation with a GPA below 3.0 who fail to raise their cumulative GPA to a minimum of 3.0 two semesters following being placed on probation will be dismissed from the program. Students in a decelerated curriculum must maintain a GPA of 3.0 each semester of part time status. Any student whose cumulative GPA is below 3.0 at the end of the fourth and final didactic semester will be dismissed from the program.

Master of Social Work

Academic Standing and Academic Probation

MSW students must maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0 to remain in good academic standing. A student who fails to maintain good academic standing in a given semester will be placed on academic probation for the following semester. The student, in consultation with the Academic Advisor, will be required to devise a plan to remove the probationary status. This plan will be filed in the student’s record. A student who fails to maintain good academic standing for two consecutive semesters will be subject to academic discipline, which may include termination from the program.

Academic probation or other concerning academic problems are referred to the MSW Student Progress Committee. The Social Work Program is strongly committed to helping students maximize their learning opportunities in classes and educational field work placements. Potential problems and demonstrated difficulties in class and in the field, both personal and educational, are identified and acted upon as soon as possible to allow resolution and/or corrective action as necessary. The Student Progress Committee follows the procedures for judicial process and due process as stipulated by the University.

Course Failure

Failure of any class requires repeating it at the next offering on a space available basis. If a failed course is required for progressing in the program, the student cannot progress. The student will receive a letter of suspension from that course until they are able to repeat and successfully pass it. A second failure, at any time in the program prompts an automatic dismissal from the program. If at any time a student’s cumulative GPA is less than 2.5 it is automatic dismissal from the program.

Minimum GPA Requirements

During any period of enrollment, if a student's cumulative GPA is less than 3.0 but greater than or equal to 2.5, they are placed on academic probation. The student will receive a letter from the Registrar's office notifying them of their academic probation. The student has two consecutive semesters to improve their cumulative GPA to greater than or equal to 3.0. If they are unable to improve their cumulative GPA to 3.0 by the end of the third (second consecutive probation) semester, they are dismissed from the program. The student will receive a letter from the Registrar's office notifying them of their dismissal.

Addressing Academic Performance Problems

When a student experiences academic difficulty in class, the student and instructor collaborate to identify remedial actions such as individual meetings with the faculty member or extensions to complete required assignments. If the above efforts fail to obtain the desired result, the instructor refers the student to their faculty advisor. In this situation, the Academic Advisor may, in addition to discussion with the student, call a meeting of the student and instructor as needed to develop a plan for academic improvement. Should all these efforts fail to achieve any satisfactory outcome, an academic review, completed by the Student Progress Committee, is prescribed. Any student, faculty member, or advisor may request an academic review to discuss the student’s academic performance or factors that seem to be impeding the student’s academic progress. The purpose of an academic review is to assist a student in all appropriate ways, which can include extension of time for completing assignments, referral to tutoring, counseling, or disability services, recommending that the student repeat one or more courses, and recommending that the student take a leave of absence or withdraw from the program.

Master and Doctor of Occupational Therapy

An entry-level occupational therapy student may be suspended from the program if they earn a grade of “D” or “Unsatisfactory” in a required class or field experience, affiliation or internship. An MOT or OTD student is subject to dismissal if (1) a course, field experience, affiliation, or internship is not successfully repeated at its next offering; or (2) the student receives a second “D”/ “U” grade in required courses or field experiences, affiliations or internships; or (3) a student receives a grade of “F” in any required course, field experience, affiliation, or internship. A MOT student whose cumulative GPA is below 2.5 or an OTD student whose cumulative GPA is below 3.0 at the end of the final didactic semester will be dismissed from the program. 

Doctor of Physical Therapy

A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.7 (a "B-" average) will be placed on academic probation. A student on academic probation must attain a minimum of a 2.7 semester GPA for each subsequent didactic semester until their cumulative GPA is a minimum of 2.7. Once the student’s cumulative GPA raises to 2.7 or above, the student will be removed from academic probation. Once removed from academic probation, if the student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.7, the student will be dismissed from the program. A student who does not pass one didactic or clinical course will have one opportunity to repeat the course at its next offering. If the student does not pass the course on the second attempt, the student will be dismissed. The physical therapy curriculum is sequential. Both didactic and clinical courses must be taken in sequence. Therefore, a student cannot continue on in the curriculum while waiting to repeat a course. A student with two or more instances of a "D", an "F", or a "U" recorded on their transcript will be dismissed.

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

Academic Probation & Dismissal Policy

A student is placed on academic probation if they have one or more of the following academic deficiencies:

1. A grade of F in a course or rotation

   1. A cumulative grade point average that is below

   2. 1st year spring semester: cumulative GPA below 2.50

2. Stipulation by the Performance, Promotion and Global Review Committee

3. BPR students are not eligible for academic probation. See below for dismissal criteria.

Note that “Academic Probation” will be permanently noted on a student’s official and unofficial SMU transcripts for each semester that the student is on academic probation.

Removal from Academic Probation

A student will be removed from academic probation by the Registrar’s Office for the following situations:

1. The grade of F has been remediated, and the cumulative GPA is above the required minimum (2.50).

2. The cumulative GPA has risen above the minimum required (2.50).

Note that once a student’s academic probation status has been lifted, “Academic Probation” will permanently remain on the SMU official and unofficial transcripts for each semester that the student was on academic probation.

Failure to be Removed from Academic Probation

A student may remain on academic probation if their cumulative GPA is above the minimum.

Students on academic probation are still eligible to continue to the next academic semester, so they technically remain “In Good Academic Standing.”

Academic Probation and Dismissal from the University

Students are not dismissed from the University because they are on academic probation, however, if their cumulative GPA falls below the minimum threshold (2.50 after the second, or third-year spring semester), whether they are on academic probation or not, they will be subject to dismissal.

Academic Probation and Dismissal from the University for Students Enrolled in the Bridge to Podiatric Residency (BPR) Program

If a student enrolled in the BPR Program has a cumulative GPA below 2.50 at the end of their second or third semesters, they will be subject to dismissal. If a student achieves the grade of F in two courses at any point, they will be subject to dismissal, regardless of cumulative GPA.

Academic Probation: Disciplinary Action for Leadership Positions

A student holding a leadership position (i.e., class president, CPMSA president, APMSA treasurer, etc.) will be removed from their leadership position(s) if they are placed on academic probation for two consecutive semesters. Students may again hold student office once their academic probation status has been lifted. Students on academic probation may not run for elected positions.

Graduate Dismissal (All Programs)

A student is subject to dismissal if at any time during a course, unsafe clinical performance or behavior jeopardizes the safety of the student or others.

Graduation Procedures

All graduating students are required to complete an online Petition for Graduation, no later than the first week of their final term. The Petition for Graduation form must be filed, even if the student is not planning to participate in commencement activities. Without this form, the Registrar’s Office cannot guarantee that a student’s name will appear in the commencement program, and diplomas will not be printed without a completed petition. 

Graduates: Eligibility to participate in the Graduation Ceremony

A petition for graduation must be filed in the Registrar's Office no later than the end of the first week of the semester in which commencement occurs. Commencement exercises are ceremonial only and in no way imply completion of program requirements or degree conferral. Completion dates (end of term) are posted on the transcript, and the diploma is awarded only upon completion of all requirements for the degree.

Dates of Degree Conferral

Graduation dates posted on the transcript and diploma are the official last day of the student’s final term, as listed on the academic calendar. If a student’s eligibility status changes after filing for a designated degree date, the student’s anticipated degree date will be moved to the official end of the next semester, contingent upon the completion of all degree requirements.

The following applies to all programs that do not have their own defined progression policy. Scroll down to find any program-specific policies.

All students must satisfactorily complete all required prerequisite courses to progress in the major. In order to graduate, students must be in good standing, meet all program and residency requirements, and attain a cumulative and major grade point average of 2.0.

Progression

For satisfactory progression, students must achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all courses in fulfillment of the degree. A student who receives a grade lower than “C“ in a theory course and/or a grade lower than “S” in a clinical course required by the Board of Registered Nursing may, providing space is available, repeat the course only once. The theory and clinical components of repeated courses must be taken concurrently.

The following pertains to pre-licensure courses for ABSN, BSN, and ELMSN. Graduate directors and chairs may adopt it at their discretion for graduate courses. In those courses for which there is both a theory and clinical/lab component, failure of theory will result in the student being required to repeat both theory and clinical/lab regardless of the grade in the clinical/lab component. Failure of the clinical/lab component is recorded as an F grade for theory regardless of the grade calculated in the theory component and clinical/lab.

Probation

At the conclusion of each term, students enrolled in Samuel Merritt University are subject to academic probation if the current semester, cumulative, or major grade point average is less than 2.00. If academic probation is not removed, the student is dismissed from the University. After one term on probation, students may also lose eligibility for financial aid. All students on probation are required to meet with their academic advisor. Probationary status is removed following a semester of satisfactory work completed in residence, provided the overall cumulative grade point average and the major grade point average are restored to 2.0.

Dismissal

An undergraduate student is dismissed from Samuel Merritt University if:

• Probationary status is not removed at the conclusion of the next semester and the required minimum cumulative GPA is not maintained during all remaining semesters.
• The student receives two grades of less than “C” in courses completed while enrolled at Samuel Merritt University.
• The current semester or cumulative grade point average falls below 1.40 at the conclusion of a regular term.

A student is subject to dismissal from Samuel Merritt University if:

• At any time during a course, performance or behavior jeopardizes the safety of self or others.

Students may appeal dismissal under prescribed grievance policy (see SMU Student Grievance Policy, Process, and Procedures).

Bachelor of Health Sciences

A student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 2.7 (a “B-” average) will be placed on academic probation. While on academic probation, the student is required to earn a minimum trimester GPA of 2.7 in each subsequent trimester until the cumulative GPA is restored to 2.7 or higher.

Once the student’s cumulative GPA reaches 2.7 or above, the student will be removed from academic probation.

If, after removal from academic probation, the student’s cumulative GPA again falls below 2.7, the student must meet with the Program Director and submit a formal petition for continuation in the program. Approval of the petition is required for continued enrollment. Failure to obtain approval will result in dismissal from the program.

Samuel Merritt University does not grant readmission to the same program from which a student has been dismissed. 

Students who have voluntarily withdrawn from the University and are seeking readmission must comply with current admission policies. Readmission is competitive and not guaranteed.  The student may not have an outstanding balance on their tuition account.  The request for readmission is reviewed by the dean, department chair or program director, and their decision regarding readmission is communicated to the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services who will notify the applicant.

Registration dates are published on the Registrar's Office web page and are posted in each student's Workday account. Tuition and fees are due and payable prior to the first day of class. Any other financial arrangement must be established with the Business Office prior to registration day. Each student must complete online registration in Workday for each term. The student is financially and academically responsible for all courses on their course schedule.

Students in Grievance Process

A student suspended or dismissed from the University under the graduate and undergraduate progression and graduation policies and who is involved in the grievance process outlined in this catalog and student handbook will be allowed to register for non-clinical classes in the semester immediately following the ruling while their appeal is being heard. This policy does not apply to students whose next semester involves only clinical courses as defined by the program. The student, if otherwise eligible, will be allowed to collect financial aid and will be required to pay tuition as any regularly registered student. If applicable, the student’s refund will be held on account until the grievance is resolved. If the dismissal is upheld, the effective date will be the end of the previous term. Any financial aid refunds will be retained by the University until the decision has been made. At that point, all eligible financial aid will be returned to the appropriate financial aid agency. If the dismissal is overturned, any financial aid refunds will be processed. If, at the end of the grievance procedure, the appeal is denied (upholding the suspension or dismissal from the University), the student’s registration status will be revoked and the student will be suspended or dismissed. If, at the end of the grievance procedure, the appeal is upheld (overturning the suspension or dismissal) the registrar will return the student to a regular registration status.

Undergraduate

The grade achieved in a repeated course does not replace the original grade on the transcript. Only the most recent grade, however, will be used in computing the cumulative grade point average. Refer to the section on Undergraduate Progression and Graduation for information about repeating required courses. For tuition charges on repeated courses, please see Financial Information. When a course is failed and is not scheduled to be offered again because of a curriculum revision, efforts will be made to assist the student in completing requirements for the degree in the new curriculum or, where feasible, by independent study.

Graduate

The grade achieved in a repeated course does not replace the original grade on the transcript. Only the most recent grade, however, will be used in computing the cumulative grade point average. Refer to the section on Graduate Progression and Graduation for information about repeating required courses. For tuition charges on repeated courses, please see Financial Information.

MSN only: A student who has earned a grade lower than a “B” in a course may petition to retake that course one time. A student will be allowed only one such course repetition during their graduate studies at Samuel Merritt University. In the case of a course repetition, only the most recent grade will be used in calculating the student’s cumulative grade point average, although both grades will be permanently inscribed on the student’s record. Students should file a petition with the Registrar to request a course repetition. Final approval is made by the department chair.

The Academic Catalog is revised and updated annually.  Within the catalog are policies, major requirements, and course descriptions - all of which may affect graduation requirements. However, students’ individual graduation requirements are not subject to these annual updates; in fact, students who remain continuously enrolled maintain rights to a particular set of graduation requirements, which is referred to as catalog rights.

Catalog rights apply exclusively to degree and program requirements. They do not extend to institutional policies, fees, services, or other operational matters, all of which are subject to change and apply universally to all students.

If not on an approved leave of absence, and there is a term during which the student does not complete coursework at SMU, then the student is considered to have broken their continuous enrollment and will be held to the catalog rights of the term/year that the student returns to SMU.

The university has established Catalog rights and exclusions relating to requirements for students in an academic program. While these Catalog rights establish specific academic program requirements for students, the exclusions ensure that the knowledge and skills acquired by students will be current with the state of knowledge in their fields of study. 

Please view the Academic Catalog Policy for more information.

Undergraduate

Full-time status is accorded to any undergraduate student taking 10 or more units per term. Part-time status is assigned to students taking less than 10 units per term. Federal regulations obligate students to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units each regular term in order to retain full-time financial aid eligibility. Special status is accorded to students enrolled without the intention of pursuing a degree.

Graduate

Full-time status is accorded to any graduate student taking 6 or more units per term. Part-time student status is assigned to students with 3 to 5 units per term. Less than part-time student status is assigned to students with less than 3 units.

Graduate —Conditional (MSN)

A graduate student whose admission to become a regular student is conditional, but who has obtained the permission of the chair of the department to enroll in coursework for that department, or a student whose prior academic preparation does not include courses which are prerequisite for admission to regular graduate status, or a student whose prior academic work is not sufficiently strong to merit full acceptance as a regular graduate student, but who has obtained the permission of the chair/dean of their department to enroll for a specific set of courses, has conditional status. A graduate student with conditional status must meet the specific conditions set by the chair/dean of their department before s/he will be reclassified to regular graduate student status. If specifically approved by the chair, courses taken by a student with conditional status will count towards the completion of regular graduate degree requirements. Conditional graduate students may register for two courses per semester for two semesters (total of four courses).

Graduate —Special Status

A student with special status is one admitted by the University for coursework only, or a modified program of study, but who is not working towards a degree or certificate within the MSN program. Special student status is approved by the chair on a form provided by the Admission Office and must be renewed each semester. Conditions for obtaining special student status and for the renewal of this status are set by each department. Students with special status may register for classes only if space is available. A student with special status who wishes to change to regular status must apply for admission, must meet all regular graduate admission standards, and if accepted, will be expected to complete all requirements for the degree. Special status students may register for two courses per semester for two semesters (for a maximum of four courses). Upon acceptance as a regular student, courses taken while on special student status may count towards graduate degree requirements upon recommendation by the graduate advisor and approval by the chair.

Graduate - (MOT/OTD/MPA/DPT)

The MOT, OTD, MPA, and DPT curricula are full-time programs with sequential coursework. Students are expected to take all courses in a semester and each semester in sequence. Normally all courses are taken in residence. Part-time status is defined as anything less than enrollment in all required courses in a given semester. Part-time status may be granted by the department chair in the following cases:

• A student who was administratively withdrawn from a course(s) and is now completing the course(s).
• A student who was suspended from the program for unsatisfactory performance in a course or affiliation and is now repeating that course or affiliation.
• A special status student requests to take a course(s).
• A student who has completed transferable work (see Transfer Credit).

All students are required to complete course evaluations assessing outcomes of their learning and evaluation of teaching. Course evaluations are required for every class in which a student is enrolled.  Course evaluations are conducted electronically via computer or handheld device.

Courses taken at a regionally accredited institution may be transferred with approval from the department chair or program director who will determine that the transfer course fulfills the content and course objectives of the University’s requirement. Please see the specific program handbook for policy on transfer courses. All courses submitted for transfer credit must have been completed prior to admission to Samuel Merritt University. The student must have received a minimum grade of “C” in undergraduate and professional program courses, or “B” in post-professional courses. Transfer credit is limited to nine semester units. 

Procedure for the evaluation of transfer credit:

1. Student submits the Transfer Credit Petition, available in Workday.
2. The petition is automatically routed to the student’s department chair to review and approve or deny the transfer credit.

The petition is then routed to the Registrar’s Office to add the approved credit to the student’s transcript, and the student is notified. Approved transfer credit is added to the student’s academic record and is calculated into the student’s cumulative grade point average at Samuel Merritt University.

After the end of the add/drop period, a student may withdraw from a course up until the "Last day to drop with W," as posted on the Academic Calendar.

The course remains on the student transcript with a grade of “W”. Petitions to withdraw from a course beyond this period would be approved only for serious and compelling reasons such as serious accident or illness. In this case, the student completes the "Petition to Receive a Grade of W" though their Workday portal. The request routes to the instructor and the department chair for review. If the petition is granted, the course remains on the student record with a “W” grade. If the petition is denied or the student fails to complete course requirements without formally withdrawing, the grade will be determined by the instructor based on the grading policy and requirements as noted in the course syllabus.

Students who wish to withdraw from all courses in a term and discontinue enrollment at Samuel Merritt University must submit a Withdrawal Request through Workday Student. Phone calls, emails, nonattendance, dropping all courses, or nonpayment do not constitute an official withdrawal.

Key points include:

• Official withdrawal requests must be submitted by the "Last Day to Drop with a W" as published in the academic calendar.
• Students withdrawing after the add/drop period and before the withdrawal deadline receive a grade of W (Withdrawal) in all courses; W grades do not affect GPA.
• Students generally may not withdraw after the withdrawal deadline except under documented extenuating circumstances.
• The Effective Date of Withdrawal determines transcript notation, tuition and fee adjustments, and financial aid calculations.
• Withdrawal does not automatically relieve students of financial obligations. Refund eligibility is based on the University's tuition refund schedule.
• Students receiving financial aid should consult the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing, as federal and other aid may need to be repaid under federal Return to Title IV (R2T4) regulations.
• Students in their first semester should contact the Admissions Office regarding possible admission deferral options before withdrawing.
• Students who fail to maintain required enrollment may be administratively withdrawn by the University.
• Students considering a temporary break from enrollment may be eligible for a Leave of Absence instead of withdrawal.

Students are encouraged to consult Student Accounts, Financial Aid, and their academic program before initiating a university withdrawal.