Permission to Take Classes During Suspension
As outlined in AP.1.4.2 Permission to Study Elsewhere and the Office of the Registrar, students are not permitted to take classes at other institutions during their suspension period. Any credits earned during this time at other colleges, whether for academic or nonacademic reasons, will not be accepted toward their degree program at George Mason University. Suspension periods are designed to help students address personal or academic challenges and to develop a plan for returning to their studies in the strongest possible position.
Requesting Permission to Take Classes During Suspension
In cases where documented extenuating circumstances affected a student's performance, the student may appeal to the Office of Student Success and Academic Services for permission to take courses while on suspension. To submit an appeal, students must provide the following to busreqst@gmu.edu:
- Written Statement: A detailed letter explaining why the student should be allowed to take classes while on suspension. This statement should include an explanation of what happened, what has changed since the suspension, and what support services have been utilized, if any.
- Supporting Documentation: All third-party, verifiable documentation that supports the student's written statement. Documentation will remain confidential and will not be shared with other offices or external parties.
Deadlines and Review
Requests must be submitted before the first day of classes for the intended semester. Any requests received after the semester begins will be automatically denied. Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and encourage students to provide as much information as possible to support their case.
With that said, such requests are considered an appeal to academic policy and are rarely approved. The decision to grant permission is made carefully, considering the student's best interests and their chances for future success. Suspension periods are intended to give students time to reflect on their challenges and to prepare for a successful return to their studies.
If approved, students will be required to participate in the Return to Success intervention program and meet all program requirements.