POLICIES

Academic Performance Review for MBA, MBA+MSDi and Dual Degree Students

The MBA Center monitors students’ academic performance at the end of modules, Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters up until the time of graduation. An MBA, MBA+MSDi or dual degree student must maintain a cumulative Questrom grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.70 (on a 4.0 scale) to be in good academic standing (i.e., to graduate). Coursework taken outside Boston University Questrom School of Business is not calculated into the student’s CGPA.

The MBA Program Development Committee (PDC) has final responsibility for decisions regarding MBA, MBA+MSDi and dual degree students with poor academic standing. The PDC determines whether students with poor performance will be withdrawn or permitted to stay in the MBA, MBA+MSDi and dual degree program and, if so, what specific steps must be taken to regain good academic standing.

All MBA, MBA+MSDi and dual degree students who are not in good academic standing (i.e., with CGPAs below 2.70) after 8 credits attempted will be referred to the PDC for review. Students will be informed of their academic position via their BU email address prior to the start of the subsequent semester or module. All students in poor academic standing must meet with their GDC advisor (in person or by telephone) within 48 hours of receipt of this communication to discuss the situation. If a Student Statement (described below) is submitted, this is due within 72 hours of the performance notification. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the tight window between notice and action and plan accordingly.

Based on the student’s Questrom CGPA there are two categories of poor academic performance:

1. MBA, MBA+MSDi and dual degree students with a Questrom CGPA less than 2.70 but equal to or greater than 2.55 after 8 credits attempted will be placed on academic probation. The PDC will take one of the following probationary actions: (1) written warning, (2) written warning with requirements, or (3) required suspension for one or two semesters. The PDC determines the terms of the probation. The student will have the opportunity to provide a written statement concerning their academic performance to inform the PDC’s probation plan (See Student Statement, below). To remain in the program, students must make progress as outlined in the probation plan.
2. MBA,  MBA+MSDi and dual degree students with a Questrom CGPA less than 2.55 after 8 credits attempted will be informed that they have been flagged for withdrawal from the program. All withdrawal cases come to the PDC for a final review. As input into the PDC decision regarding permanent academic withdrawal, the student has the opportunity to provide a written statement explaining their academic performance (See Student Statement, below).

After all program credits are completed, all MBA, MBA+MSDi and dual degree students must achieve a 2.70 or higher CGPA in each of their degrees in order to graduate. Students are not permitted to take additional credits beyond the semester in which they have completed their degree requirements in order to improve their CGPA or restart enrollment, nor can they withdraw and re-enroll.

Please be aware that your CGPA can also affect your eligibility for continuing financial aid including scholarships and loans. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (at least 2.70 CGPA) in order to be eligible for continued Federal Stafford Loan and private educational loan funding.

Student Statement: The Student Statement is voluntary though it is strongly encouraged as it offers the sole opportunity for student input into PDC decisions. The statement is self-reflective and provides the student’s explanation for their poor academic performance. The statement is due within 72 hours of notice of poor performance by the MBA Center. The statement is the student’s individual work product and must be prepared accordingly.

Academic Performance Review for MS in Mathematical Finance Students

The Graduate Academic & Career Development Center monitors students’ academic performance at the end of the Fall and Spring Semesters, up until the time of graduation. A student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.70 (on a 4.0 scale) to be in good academic standing (i.e., to graduate). Coursework taken outside the Boston University Questrom School of Business, which does not count toward the MS in Mathematical Finance degree, will not be calculated into the student’s CGPA.

The Mathematical Finance Faculty Program Development Committee (PDC) has final responsibility for decisions regarding students with poor academic performance. The committee determines whether students will be permitted to stay in the program, and if so, what specific steps must be taken to regain good academic standing.

Students with a CGPA below 2.70 after the Fall and Spring semesters will be referred to the PDC for review. Students will be informed of their academic position via their BU email address prior to the start of the subsequent semester. All students in poor academic standing must meet with their Master’s and PhD Center  advisor (in person or by telephone) within 48 hours of receipt of this communication to discuss the situation. If a Student Statement (described below) is submitted, this is due within 72 hours of the performance notification. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the tight window between notice and action and plan accordingly.

After 16 credits attempted, Mathematical Finance students with a CGPA less than 2.30 will be withdrawn from the program. Students with a CGPA between 2.3 and 2.69 after 16 credits may be academically withdrawn from the program or receive a written warning with recommendations for improvement.

After 32 credits attempted, students with a CGPA less than 2.30 will be automatically withdrawn from the program. Students with a CGPA between 2.3 and 2.69 after 32 credits may be academically withdrawn from the program or receive a written warning with recommendations for improvement. Mathematical Finance students are not permitted to take additional credits, beyond the semester in which they have completed their degree requirements, to improve their CGPA.

After all program credits are completed, all students must achieve a 2.70 or higher CGPA in order to graduate. Students are not permitted to take additional credits beyond the semester in which they have completed their degree requirements in order to improve their CGPA or restart enrollment, nor can they withdraw and re-enroll.

Please be aware that your CGPA can also affect your eligibility for continuing financial aid, including scholarships and loans. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (at least a 2.70 CGPA) in order to be eligible for continued Federal Stafford Loan funding and private educational loan funding.

Student Statement: The Student Statement is voluntary, though it is strongly encouraged as it offers the sole opportunity for student input into PDC decisions. The statement is self-reflective and provides the student’s explanation for their poor academic performance. The statement is due within 72 hours of notice of poor performance by the Master’s and PhD Center. The statement is the student’s individual work product and must be prepared accordingly.

PhD Performance Review–Management and Mathematical Finance Students

The Doctoral Program Committee will review the progress of each doctoral candidate. Students must maintain a 3.30 cumulative grade point average in all courses to remain in good academic standing. Students who are not in good academic standing will be allowed one semester to correct their status. Prior to the start of the semester, the student must submit a letter to the PhD department liaison (who will forward it to the PDC) explaining why he/she has fallen short of the CGPA requirement and how he/she plans to correct the situation. Failure to increase the CGPA to acceptable levels may result in probation or withdrawal from the program, at the discretion of the PhD Doctoral Program Development Committee.