Sometimes students at Drake find themselves on probation for a number of reasons, including personal challenges, family issues, financial difficulties, and more. Drake University uses academic suspension as a strategy to ensure students are making adequate progress toward an undergraduate degree. Academic suspension can offer students an opportunity to reassess their approach to academics and explore their purpose in seeking a degree.
We understand that this situation can be difficult, and we hope to provide students with resources and support to come back stronger after taking some time away from coursework at Drake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Information about appeals is available in the Academic Regulations section of the General Catalog. Appeals are most likely to be granted when students present a thoughtful and compelling account of why there should be an exception to the established policy.
For questions regarding the appeal process, contact the Office of the Registrar for assistance.
At Drake University, Satisfactory Academic Progress standards apply to students who are receiving or applying for financial aid from any of the federal, state, or institutional grant, scholarship, work or loan programs.
Students are encouraged to contact Financial Aid Office to discuss their individual account. They can help answer questions regarding:
Scholarship & aid eligibility following academic suspension
Transferring financial aid to another institution
Financial aid appeals
Students can decide how to spend their time while on suspension. Students may want to consider the options below to maximize their time away from Drake.
Take time off from college
Students may find it useful to disengage from coursework during this time to focus on the issues they encountered. Staff at Drake may be able to help students locate resources that can support their overall well-being, including counseling services. As issues are resolved, the time can be used to heal or recover so that you can return to Drake ready to focus on your academics.
Work or volunteer
Working during your suspension can help you save money and plan for the expenses of future semesters. Working during this time can be especially helpful if you can budget for your future, potentially lessening the need to work during the semesters you are re-enrolled.
If money is not a concern, students may find that this is a great time to immerse themselves in service. It can be rewarding to invest in your community and/or a cause that you support.
Working and volunteering can also help you gain experience that will be useful in the future.
Take courses at another institution
How do I re-enroll when my academic suspension has ended?
Begin by reading theRe-Enrollment Request Formcarefully. The form is only intended to be use by students who:
Were previously enrolled at Drake University for at least one semester.
Have not been enrolled for at least one semester (fall or spring).
Are seeking to return to the same graduate or professional program, or to resume undergraduate studies at the same academic level.
Deadlines for re-enrollment are indicated below, by term. All re-enrollment requests are subject to review and university approval. Students seeking re-enrollment after a Voluntary Medical Leave of Absence (VMLOA) will be required to submit additional information to their Dean's Office as outlined in the VMLOA re-enrollment process.
Re-enrollment deadlines by Term
Desired Re-Enrollment Term
Deadline
Fall
July 1 (registration begins in April)
J-Term/Spring
November 1 (registration begins in November)
Summer
March 1 (registration begins in April)
We recommend students contactFinancial Aid Office regarding their intent to re-enroll to review their student aid eligibility. Students should complete theFAFSAbefore March 1 (Drake’s priority deadline).
We also encourage all students who are returning to Drake to schedule an Academic Coaching appointment with staff fromAccess and Successat the start of each semester.Academic Coachingcan help you plan for a successful return to classes.