Probation
Students placed on probation are eligible for continuance in the MSW program and in field placement (if applicable), but remain on a period of academic probation, the length of which is determined by the MSW Committee and/or the MSW Program Director. Assignment of probationary status is contingent upon the student’s agreement to follow the specific corrective action plan recommended by the academic success team and/or MSW committee. Failure to follow this plan during the probationary period may result in a second academic review, and/or suspension or dismissal from the program. If the student is unable to return to his or her prior field placement, and the MSW committee’s decision is to place the student on probation, the field coordinator will assist the student, if possible, in finding a new placement. Students will be notified of the decision to be placed on probation in writing and a copy of this documentation will be placed in the student file.
Suspension
The student is asked to withdraw from all MSW courses and field placement (if applicable) for a period of time to be determined by the MSW committee. During this time, the student may pursue coursework in other departments at the university or other academic institutions but may not enroll in any additional coursework in the MSW program. Once the period of suspension has finished, a second academic review meeting will be held with the MSW committee in order to determine whether it is appropriate for the student to return to MSW courses and/or field. Students can be suspended from the program in cases in which there has been a prior probationary period, and the student has not followed the corrective action plan or in cases in which there is a serious violation of academic or professional standards. Suspension of a student without a previous probationary period occurs with approval of the SSW director, the dean of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, and the Associate Provost for Graduate Academic Affairs.
Dismissal
The student is dismissed from the MSW program and will not be permitted to register for any MSW program courses or field. They can, however, apply and register for other programs within the university. Students can be dismissed from the program in cases in which there has been a previous period of probation or suspension, and the MSW committee decides that the student has not taken appropriate actions to remedy the previous concerns about academics or professional behavior or in cases in which there is a serious violation of academic or professional standards. Suspension of a student without a previous probationary or suspension period occurs with approval of the SSW director, the dean of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, and the Associate Provost for Graduate Academic Affairs.
Appeals
Students may appeal disciplinary decisions Situations in which students may submit an appeal include, but are not limited to:
- Appeals of final course, including the grade of Unforgivable Failure (UF), if determined by a violation other than academic dishonesty
- Appeals of academic penalties (other than a final grade or based on academic dishonesty)
- Appeals for penalties related to academic dishonesty
The appeals process is described in detail at the WVU Graduate Catalog Appeals Webpage.
Students can find more information about WVU policies regarding academic integrity and disciplinary actions in the WVU Graduate Catalog.