Responsibilities of Faculty, Staff, and Students

A primary responsibility of the faculty and staff at Baylor University is to provide students the opportunity to achieve academic success in pursuit of a bachelor's degree. Students are responsible for mastering the prescribed knowledge, methodologies, technologies, and skills necessary to attain their degrees.

The University encourages all students to take a proactive approach to their education by engaging with faculty members and fellow students, seeking academic advisors and career mentors, monitoring academic progress, and making use of available campus resources.

When academic performance falls below university standards, Baylor uses a structured academic standing process designed to identify concerns early, provide appropriate support, and offer opportunities for improvement before more serious academic actions are taken. Substandard academic progress may result in an academic progress report, academic notice, academic suspension, or academic dismissal.

Academic Progress Reports

At any point during the semester, instructors may submit an Academic Progress Report to indicate that a student’s academic performance is of concern. Beginning in the sixth week of the fall and spring semesters, instructors are prompted by the Paul L. Foster Success Center to submit progress reports for students demonstrating substandard academic performance.

Indicators of concern may include low exam or assignment grades, missing coursework, or irregular class attendance. Academic progress reports are used to alert students and members of the student’s support network so that timely action can be taken.

Academic progress reports:

• Are not disciplinary in nature
• Do not appear on the academic transcript
• Are intended to encourage early connection to academic resources

Students receiving an academic progress report are strongly encouraged to communicate with their instructors and to use academic support resources available through the Paul L. Foster Success Center and the academic colleges. In some cases, a student may choose to drop a course for which a progress report has been issued; however, consultation with an academic advisor is required prior to doing so.

Academic Notice

A student is placed on Academic Notice when the term GPA and/or cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 (4.0 scale). Notification is issued by the dean of the student’s academic unit, and Academic Notice applies to the subsequent enrollment term.

Academic Notice is a formal academic warning intended to provide structured support, accountability, and guidance while the student works to improve academic performance. Students on Academic Notice must meet with an academic advisor prior to registration for future terms.

Academic Improvement Plan
All students on Academic Notice are required to develop and follow an Academic Improvement Plan, as directed by the academic unit in collaboration with the Office of Student Success and Engagement. This plan outlines required interventions based on academic history and progression while on notice.

Required Interventions While on Academic Notice
Required academic support measures are assigned based on the number of semesters a student has been on Academic Notice and the student’s term and cumulative GPA at the conclusion of the previous term.

First Semester on Academic Notice

Term GPA below 2.0 and cumulative GPA at or above 2.0

• Required Academic Improvement Plan
• Required participation in monthly academic coaching sessions

Term GPA below 2.0 and cumulative GPA below 2.0

• Required Academic Improvement Plan
• Required enrollment in STL 1101.04, including weekly academic mentoring
• Optional enrollment in PUBH 1103: The Science of Thriving

Second Semester on Academic Notice

Term GPA below 2.0 and cumulative GPA at or above 2.0

• Required Academic Improvement Plan
• Required enrollment in STL 1101.04, including weekly academic mentoring
• Optional enrollment in PUBH 1103: The Science of Thriving

Term GPA below 2.0 and cumulative GPA below 2.0

• Required Academic Improvement Plan
• Required enrollment in STL 1200
• Optional enrollment in PUBH 1103: The Science of Thriving

Third Semester on Academic Notice
Students entering a third semester on Academic Notice are reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis by the academic unit in collaboration with the Office of Student Success and Engagement.

• Required Academic Improvement Plan
• Additional academic requirements or enrollment conditions may be assigned at the discretion of the academic unit

Removal from Academic Notice
A student is removed from Academic Notice when both:

• The term GPA is at least 2.0, and
• The cumulative GPA is at least 2.0

If the term GPA is 2.0 or higher but the cumulative GPA remains below 2.0, Academic Notice continues until the cumulative GPA requirement is met.

Academic Notice is recorded on the student’s academic transcript.

Academic Suspension

A student who has previously been placed on Academic Notice and subsequently earns a term GPA below 2.0 is subject to Academic Suspension.

Suspension Process

Students subject to academic suspension are notified in writing by the dean of the academic unit. The suspension notice provides five (5) calendar days from the date of the letter to submit a written appeal.

Appeals may include relevant information such as grade changes, documented medical circumstances, or other significant factors. After review, the dean may uphold the suspension or extend the period of Academic Notice. The final decision is communicated in writing.

• First suspension: two enrollment terms (summer counts as one term)
• Second suspension: three subsequent enrollment terms

A student reinstated following suspension returns on Academic Notice and must meet all notice requirements to remain enrolled.

Reinstatement Following Academic Suspension

To return to Baylor following an academic suspension, a student must apply for reinstatement. The application includes a written explanation of the reasons for prior academic difficulty and a plan for future academic improvement.

The reinstatement application deadline is 10 full business days prior to the first day of class for the intended term. Students must also complete the Returning Student Reactivation Form: https://registrar.web.baylor.edu/enrollment-registration/returning-student-reactivation.

The dean may approve reinstatement or extend the suspension for an additional term.

Academic Dismissal

A student who fails to achieve a term GPA of at least 2.0 after reinstatement following a second academic suspension may be considered for permanent dismissal.

Students subject to dismissal are notified in writing and have five (5) calendar days to appeal. Dismissal appeals require a meeting with the academic dean, and the dean’s decision is final.

Academic dismissal is recorded on the academic transcript.

Honor Code Policy and Procedures

Baylor University students, staff, and faculty shall act in academic matters with the utmost honesty and integrity. A Baylor University student violates the Honor Code if the student engages in dishonorable conduct in connection with an academic matter. Details regarding the Honor Code can be found online in the University Student Policies and Procedures, at http://www.baylor.edu/honorcode.

Baylor University Career Center

The Baylor University Career Center provides support and direction for all Baylor students as they follow their calling into a successful career.  The Career Center offers the highest quality career coaching and resources available, while continually researching best practices nationwide to position our students for success.  Each one of the Career Success Professionals specializes in an academic area with specific majors.  They assist students in career discovery, resume development, internship and job searches, applications, interview preparation, networking, negotiations and more. Students should plan to meet with a Career Success Professional to discuss their career direction and their personal and professional career development to ensure their career success.

Paul L. Foster Success Center

The Paul L. Foster Success Center (PLFSC) provides a challenging, invigorating, enriching, and supportive environment for all students by fostering deep engagement in the academic community as well as fulfillment of personal goals and aspirations.

Office of Access and Learning Accommodation (OALA)

OALA provides services and accommodations for students with disabilities in order to support them in their academic success.

Office of Student Success and Engagement
baylor.edu/successcenter | 254-710-8696

ACADEMIC SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Provides multiple forms of free academic assistance designed to help students develop the academic and personal strategies necessary for success in the Baylor classroom.

► ACADEMIC COACHING
As needed, one-on-one meetings with a staff member or trained graduate academic coach providing assessment of current study skills and in-depth guidance for means of improvement. 

► ACADEMIC MENTORING
Weekly meetings throughout the semester with a trained graduate academic mentor providing encouragement, information, instruction, and guidance to support the transition to the college classroom and campus life.

► NAVIGATE
A student success platform that provides personalized to-do items, event reminders, and appointment scheduling for advising, tutoring, and other support services.

► NEW STUDENT EXPERIENCE (NSE)
A coordinated set of courses and programs designed to support students as they transition into Baylor's rigorous academic environment.

► STRATEGIC INTERVENTION
Targeted academic support and coordinated resources for students experiencing academic difficulty, designed to help maximize academic success.

► STRATEGIC LEARNING COURSES
Credit-bearing courses focused on developing effective strategies for notetaking, test preparation, test-taking, academic resilience, and related learning skills.

► STUDY SKILLS CENTER
Support for academic skill development, including time and stress management, effective notetaking, study tool creation, goal setting, test preparation, and academic resilience. Available by appointment or walk-in, Monday-Thursday, 11 AM-7 PM, in The Learning Commons on the first floor of the Sid Richardson building.

► SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION (SI)
Structured, peer-led group study sessions held twice weekly for selected courses. Sessions are facilitated by trained peer leaders who have previously demonstrated success in the course.

► TUTORING 
Course-specific academic support provided by trained peer tutors. Tutoring is available by appointment or walk-in, Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m., in The Learning Commons on the first floor of the Sid Richardson Building. For additional information about these and other services including group tutoring, video tutorials on YouTube, online weekly study guides and any other virtual service offerings for course based, please visit our websitewww.baylor.edu/tutoring.

Some academic support programs may be required as part of an Academic Improvement Plans or Academic Notice.

STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAMS
This area is designed to enhance the connection of all students to the Baylor community through various resources and initiatives.

► CAMPUS CLOSET: PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE PROGRAM 
Provides students, based on need, it, with professional attire such as (blazer, pant, skirt, shirt, and shirt) for interviews as they prepare to enter the job market or graduate school.

► FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Provides values-based money management education, personalized coaching, and workshops to empower students toward financial stewardship to build knowledge and skills for a lifetime of financial well-being.

► FIRST IN LINE
Provides first-generation college students tailored programming and opportunities for engagement to help them achieve success and holistic personal growth.

► THE STORE
Baylor’s on-campus food pantry that combats food insecurity by providing fresh and nonperishable food options to students, ensuring every Baylor student has what they need to succeed.

► TRANSFER STUDENT SUCCESS
Provides comprehensive support, programming, and advocacy for transfer students to ensure a smooth and enriching experience throughout their Baylor experience.

► VETERAN EDUCATIONAL AND TRANSITION SERVICES (VETS)
Offers student veterans support, programming, and advocacy as they transition to their next chapters of servant leadership.

GRANT AND SPONSORED PROGRAMS
Delivers personalized support, mentorship, research experiences, and guided access to academic, leadership, and graduate opportunities to help Baylor students thrive and reach their full potential.

► ADELANTE
This program is open to all students and equips undergraduate Latino students with the skills, information, and support systems needed to identify student services, improve academic performance, and graduate from college through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and continuous opportunities for community and civic engagement.

► McNAIR SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Prepares low-income, first generation and other underrepresented undergraduate students in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and capacities necessary to successfully navigate a path to a Ph.D. program following graduation through immersion in research and a variety of scholarly activities.

► PATHFINDERS
Provides undergraduate students in their first year at Baylor with the tools and resources necessary to identify research opportunities and apply for research and graduate preparation programs such as the McNair Scholars Program.

► STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Provides comprehensive, individualized support for first-generation, low-income and students with documented disabilities through academic coaching, financial aid and scholarship guidance, career and graduate school preparation. workshops, mentoring, and referrals to campus resources that promote academic, personal, and professional growth.