MSU's Suspension Policy

Students who develop a pattern of low academic achievement risk being suspended from MSU. Pre-University Studies students are admitted with the conditional requirement of achieving a 2.0 GPA in the first semester.  As a Pre-University Studies student, if your GPA after your first semester is below 2.0, you are automatically suspended. 

After a first suspension, you may not enroll in classes for the next semester. Following a second suspension, you may not enroll for a full academic year. Details of MSU's suspension policy are found here in the undergraduate catalog.

The Impact of a Suspension

Being suspended from MSU may be both traumatic and problematic for you. However, by no means does a suspension necessarily indicate that you will not be successful in college. Many MSU students have difficulty establishing good academic habits. A suspension period out of school often provides students motivation to focus appropriately on their academic life. In addition, the money saved by working during this time can help with the cost of college.

Returning to MSU After Being Suspended

Once your suspension period is over, you are automatically reinstated at MSU.  There are two things you must do before you can register for classes, however: 

  1. Submit the “Intent to Register” form you received with your suspension notice from the Office of the Provost, click here for an electronic version, and
  2. Meet with the Assistant Dean of your College. Pre-US students must meet with Sarah Maki. Please call 406-994-5536 to schedule an appointment.

Be sure to submit the Intent to Register form and meet with your Assistant Dean at least three weeks before the beginning of the semester in which you plan to take classes so that the courses you want might still be available. When you meet with your Assistant Dean, you will discuss specific strategies for your academic success in the future.

Suspension Appeal

If you believe that your academic performance in the semester for which you were suspended is not indicative of your academic ability, you can appeal your suspension.  In particular, if there were extraordinary circumstances beyond your control: a significant illness near the end of the semester, a traumatic event from which you were unable to recover, an ongoing medical condition, etc. If you believe your academic performance in the semester for which you were suspended was due to circumstances like this, you can appeal your suspension.

Appealing a suspension by no means assures being reinstated.  The hearing board will weigh all the factors and make a determination.

How to Appeal a Suspension

  • Locate the Suspension Appeal Form that came with your suspension letter. You may call our office at 406-994-5536 to have one emailed to you.

  • Fill out all the information on the front of the form. Note: “GID” is your MSU student ID located on your CatCard. “Curriculum” is Pre-University Studies.

  • Review and Complete all of the Required Documentation requirements on the back of the form:

  • Statement of Academic Purpose
    • Describe the circumstances that explain your low academic performance in the semester for which you were suspended. (Note: Read carefully the information under “3. Personal extraordinary circumstances” on the back of the Suspension Appeal Form to help you prepare this.)
    • If you have received any Ds or Fs at MSU, explain the reasons for those grades and for any general problem of low academic performance on your part.
  • Academic Plan
    • Describe what you will change in circumstances and in your overall strategy that will help ensure your academic success in the future at MSU if your appeal is successful.
  • Conduct Record
    • If the "2. Conduct Record" section applies to you, be sure to supply that information. 
  • Gather any other documentation that you believe will help your case, e.g., memo from a doctor, disability test results, medical or psychological evaluation, etc. Include only essential materials, please. If you plan to include documentation of a disability, go here for information.
  • Bring, mail, or fax your appeal package (Suspension Appeal Form, Suspension Appeal letter with statement of academic purpose and plan, and any supporting documentation) to your appropriate College.  Students in Pre-University Studies should send their package to:  

    Gallatin College, P.O. Box 170515
    101 Hamilton Hall, Montana State University
    Bozeman, MT 59717-0515
    Fax: 406-994-5577

    Be sure to get your packet in before the deadline.  Deadlines change every semester and can be determined by contacting the MSU Provost's Office at 406-994-4371.