Suspension Override

Students are typically expected to serve their term of suspension. However, students are able to request an early return from suspension by submitting a suspension override request to their academic dean's office. Additional policies and the procedure for requesting this can be found below.

Requesting a Suspension Override

  1. Review all policies pertaining to suspension overrides.
  2. Bring the form to your academic advisor to determine best courses to take, and to have your advisor sign the form. Students should aim to repeat courses in which they have previously received an F grade. 
  3. Fill out the remainder of the form with your explanation as to why you should be allowed to take courses while on suspension.
  4. Submit the form to the Undergraduate Academic Affairs office.
  5. Monitor your Mason email account to receive a decision.

All requests for an override of suspension must be submitted by the student to our office at least 2 weeks prior to the first day of classes for the semester in which the student seeks a return.

Suspension Override Policies

In order to request a suspension override, students must first meet with their academic advisor to fill out a Suspension Override Request form. The Undergraduate Academic Affairs office will not accept this form without an advisor's signature.

No student on suspension is guaranteed an override, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. If an override is approved, it is on a part-time basis only (no more than 7 hours of coursework). Students are not allowed more than one override. A third suspension results in dismissal, which is considered permanent. Students with outstanding incompletes (INs) are not permitted early returns and should make their top priority the successful completion of those INs by the university deadline.

Suspension overrides are only for academic suspensions. Non-academic suspensions are not eligible for an override. (e.g. those issued by the office of student conduct or office of academic integrity)

Factors Affecting Suspension Overrides

Factors considered by the deans when reviewing requests for an override may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Documented reasons for student's unsatisfactory performance (illness, unforeseen personal circumstances, etc.) and evidence of positive changes.
  • The number of credit hours successfully completed by the student in past semesters.
  • The possibility of additional suspension or dismissal if the student is allowed an override.
  • Willingness to complete the requirements of the Path to Academic Student Success (PASS) program with the Undergraduate Academic Affairs office.
  • Willingness to speak with other offices that could help student improve academically (possibly including the Office of Disability Services, the Counseling Center, or the Writing Center).
  • Willingness to repeat appropriate courses to improve cumulative GPA.
  • A well-defined plan of action in which the student states academic and career goals and lists courses necessary to help achieve these goals.
  • Timing of the request - the sooner, the better to allow a full, fair evaluation.

Students who are within 12 hours of meeting all degree requirements and who could reasonably bring their cumulative GPA up to the required 2.00 may request a special exception to the above conditions, which will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Students have the right to appeal denial of a request. Information on submitting an appeal can be found at the bottom of this page.

Suspension Override