Graduate Advisors
Current policy assigns advising continuity to the academic unit and requires published timelines for permanent advisor or lab placement after rotations.
Graduate Advisors
A graduate student is expected to have a faculty advisor at all times during their graduate studies. Academic units must assign a temporary advisor to each graduate student if the academic unit does not require the student to select a faculty advisor to supervise their research at matriculation or if a continuing student needs to secure a new faculty advisor (see Academic Notice procedure, p.32). The timeline for finding a permanent faculty advisor to supervise the student’s research and/or securing a permanent research lab after a set number of rotations must also be published in program requirements. Alternatively, if a faculty advisor is assigned to the program as a whole (usually for master’s programs) this should be so stated.
For doctoral programs, faculty advisors must be an individual authorized to teach independent study and research courses, per Systemwide Senate Regulation 750. Please note: faculty advisors serving as chair or co-chair on the student’s doctoral committee must also satisfy university minimum requirements for doctoral committee constitution (see p.13).
For master’s programs, the faculty advisor supervising individual students or multiple students for the program as a whole may be a faculty member as described above or academic staff in the Academic Administrator series. Please note: Academic Administrators must be approved by the Graduate Council to teach independent or research study courses. Please refer to the UCLA Course Approval Manual for further guidance (p.17). For plan I students, faculty advisors chairing the student’s master’s thesis committee must also satisfy university thesis committee regulations (see p.12). For plan II students, faculty members administering comprehensive examinations or capstone projects must adhere to regulation 510 (GC Am. 4/3/2026).
The Graduate Adviser
At matriculation, a graduate student usually selects, or is assigned, a faculty adviser who assists the student in program planning and completing degree requirements. Sometimes this role is temporarily assumed by a faculty adviser assigned to the program as a whole. When a student’s master’s or doctoral committee is established, the chair of the committee assumes the adviser’s role.
The Graduate Adviser
At matriculation, a graduate student usually selects, or is assigned, a faculty adviser who assists the student in program planning and completing degree requirements. Sometimes this role is temporarily assumed by a faculty adviser assigned to the program as a whole. When a student’s master’s or doctoral committee is established, the chair of the committee assumes the adviser’s role.
The Graduate Adviser
At matriculation, a graduate student usually selects, or is assigned, a faculty adviser who assists the student in program planning and completing degree requirements. Sometimes this role is temporarily assumed by a faculty adviser assigned to the program as a whole. When a student’s master’s or doctoral committee is established, the chair of the committee assumes the adviser’s role.
Standard of Scholarship: probationary language replaced by Academic Notice
The prior “probationary status and subject to dismissal” paragraph now routes sub-3.0 scholarship through good-standing analysis and Academic Notice, with Associate Dean control.
Standard of Scholarship
UCLA requires at least a ‘B’ (3.0) average in all courses taken in graduate status at the University, and in all courses applied toward advanced degrees. This standard applies to all graduate students, including candidates in graduate-level certificate programs. In courses graded on an S/U basis, a grade of S (Satisfactory) shall be awarded only for work which would otherwise receive a grade of ’B’ or better. Only courses in which a grade of ‘C’ or better is received may be applied toward graduate degrees unless the program requirements set a higher standard (GC Am. 06/07/2019).
A student is not meeting minimum scholarship requirements if the cumulative scholarship in all work attempted in graduate status falls below a ’B’ (3.0), or if the student’s work in any two consecutive terms falls below a ’B’ (3.0) average. Students who do not meet minimum scholarship requirements are not in good academic standing and may be placed on Academic Notice status in accordance with the Academic Notice policy and procedures. An Associate Dean in the Division of Graduate Education determines a student’s eligibility to continue graduate study, including whether Academic Notice status should be imposed and whether academic disqualification should be considered. If allowed to continue, the student is required to make expeditious progress toward improvement in scholarship. If a student is allowed to continue as a graduate student, this action does not constitute an exception to policies governing any other situation in which a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required (e.g., an apprentice personnel appointment) (GC Am. 4/3/2026).
Standard of Scholarship
UCLA requires at least a ‘B’ (3.0) average in all courses taken in graduate status at the University, and in all courses applied toward advanced degrees. This standard applies to all graduate students, including candidates in graduate-level certificate programs. In courses graded on an S/U basis, a grade of S (Satisfactory) shall be awarded only for work which would otherwise receive a grade of ’B’ or better. Only courses in which a grade of ‘C’ or better is received may be applied toward graduate degrees unless the program requirements set a higher standard. (GC Am. 06/07/2019)
A student is considered in probationary status and subject to dismissal if the cumulative scholarship in all work attempted in graduate status falls below a ’B’ (3.0), or if the student’s work in any two consecutive terms falls below a ’B’ (3.0) average. The Dean of the Graduate Division determines a student’s eligibility to continue graduate study. If allowed to continue in probationary status, the student is required to make expeditious progress toward improvement in scholarship. If a student is allowed to continue as a graduate student, this action does not constitute an exception to policies governing any other situation in which a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required (e.g., an apprentice personnel appointment).
Standard of Scholarship
UCLA requires at least a ‘B’ (3.0) average in all courses taken in graduate status at the University, and in all courses applied toward advanced degrees. This standard applies to all graduate students, including candidates in graduate-level certificate programs. In courses graded on an S/U basis, a grade of S (Satisfactory) shall be awarded only for work which would otherwise receive a grade of ’B’ or better. Only courses in which a grade of ‘C’ or better is received may be applied toward graduate degrees unless the program requirements set a higher standard. (GC Am. 06/07/2019)
A student is considered in probationary status and subject to dismissal if the cumulative scholarship in all work attempted in graduate status falls below a ’B’ (3.0), or if the student’s work in any two consecutive terms falls below a ’B’ (3.0) average. The Dean of Graduate Education determines a student’s eligibility to continue graduate study. If allowed to continue in probationary status, the student is required to make expeditious progress toward improvement in scholarship. If a student is allowed to continue as a graduate student, this action does not constitute an exception to policies governing any other situation in which a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required (e.g., an apprentice personnel appointment).
Standard of Scholarship
UCLA requires at least a ‘B’(3.0) average in all courses taken in graduate status at the University, and in all courses applied toward advanced degrees. This standard applies to all graduate students, including candidates in graduate-level certificate programs. In courses graded on an S/U basis, a grade of S (Satisfactory) shall be awarded only for work which would otherwise receive a grade of ’B’ or better. Only courses in which a grade of ‘C’ or better is received may be applied toward graduate degrees unless the program requirements set a higher standard. (GC Am. 06/07/2019)
A student is considered in probationary status and subject to dismissal if the cumulative scholarship in all work attempted in graduate status falls below a ’B’ (3.0), or if the student’s work in any two consecutive terms falls below a ’B’ (3.0) average. The Dean of Graduate Education determines a student’s eligibility to continue graduate study. If allowed to continue in probationary status, the student is required to make expeditious progress toward improvement in scholarship. If a student is allowed to continue as a graduate student, this action does not constitute an exception to policies governing any other situation in which a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required (e.g., an apprentice personnel appointment).
Academic Standing: university-wide progress duties added
Fall 2026 adds a dedicated Academic Standing section covering published milestones, annual review, regular written evaluations, deficiency notice, corrective steps, reasonable improvement time, and review dates.
Academic Standing
To be in good academic standing, a graduate student must meet both university and program standards including:
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B average) in all courses taken in graduate status at the university, unless the program sets a higher standard.
- Complete all required coursework, as defined in the program’s published program requirements.
- Satisfy examination and other program milestones as defined by the program in published program requirements.
- Secure a faculty advisor who agrees to guide the student’s research and chair the thesis or dissertation committee within the program’s established time limits.
- Advance to candidacy and complete the degree, within normative time-to-degree limits
Academic units are responsible for monitoring their students’ overall progress toward degree completion. They must:
- Clearly communicate expectations for satisfactory progress through published program requirements.
- Conduct a review of each continuing graduate student’s degree progress at least once annually, in consultation with the student, student’s advisor, and thesis or dissertation committee (if applicable).
- Provide all students with regular written evaluations that summarize degree progress and identify issues of concern.
If an academic unit assesses that a graduate student’s degree progress is unsatisfactory, it must:
- Notify the student in writing.
- Provide a clear description of academic deficiency as it relates to published program requirements.
- Outline the steps the student must take to correct the academic deficiency.
- Specify a reasonable time period for the student to show improvement.
- Indicate an approximate date on which the student’s record will next be reviewed. (GC Am. 4/3/2026).
The September 2025 sequence moves from Change of Major/Classification directly to Academic Disqualification and Appeal of Disqualification.
The January 2025 contents list Standard of Scholarship, Change of Major/Classification, then Academic Disqualification and Appeal of Disqualification.
The August 2022 contents list Standard of Scholarship, Change of Major/Classification, then Academic Disqualification and Appeal of Disqualification.
Academic Notice: formal intermediate status and extension path added
Fall 2026 creates an Associate-Dean-controlled intermediate status, a minimum term for correction, written removal criteria, and an extension option with a new academic plan.
Academic Notice
Graduate students may be placed on Academic Notice status for failing to meet one or more of the requirements for good academic standing. Only an Associate Dean in the Division of Graduate Education may place a student on official Academic Notice status. Similarly, a student may be removed from Academic Notice status and returned to good academic standing by an Associate Dean in the Division of Graduate Education. (GC Am. 4/3/2026).
General Procedure
Academic units may recommend to an Associate Dean in the Division of Graduate Education a student be placed on Academic Notice status for one or more terms for failing to meet one or more university and program requirements for good academic standing (see Academic Standing section above).
If, after reviewing the recommendation, it is determined that the criteria for Academic Notice status have been met, an Associate Dean in the Division of Graduate Education sends a letter to the student. The student will also receive written information from their academic unit addressing the unsatisfactory degree progress and the steps required to remove Academic Notice status, in adherence to the requirements for providing students with written information about their degree progress (see above).
If, after at least one term, all academic deficiencies have been removed and no other circumstances warranting Academic Notice status developed in the interim, an Associate Dean in the Division of Graduate Education sends a letter of Academic Notice status removal to the student. If the academic deficiencies have not been corrected by the end of at least one term, the student’s academic unit may request an extension of the Academic Notice status, with a new academic plan as appropriate, or recommend the student for Academic Disqualification (see below). (GC Am. 4/3/2026).
The former SPFGS uses “probationary status” in the Standard of Scholarship section and proceeds through the existing Academic Disqualification procedure.
The former SPFGS uses “probationary status” in the Standard of Scholarship section and proceeds through the existing Academic Disqualification procedure.
The former SPFGS uses “probationary status” in the Standard of Scholarship section and proceeds through the existing Academic Disqualification procedure.
Procedures for students without a permanent faculty advisor or lab
Fall 2026 adds a dedicated bridge procedure for specified continuing students who need a new permanent advisor or lab because of changed research focus or circumstances outside their control.
Procedures for students without a permanent faculty advisor or lab
If a continuing graduate student is in good academic standing as described above and needs to secure a new faculty advisor or lab due to a change in research focus or circumstances outside of their control (e.g. if the faculty member leaves the university), the academic unit must provide appropriate advisement to help facilitate this process.
While the student searches for a new permanent advisor, the academic unit assigns a temporary faculty advisor to the student, in adherence to university minimum requirements for faculty advisors (see the Graduate Advisor p.6). The temporary advisor role is usually assumed by the chair or vice-chair of the student’s program. In such situations, the student should be directed to enroll in an independent study or research course with the temporary advisor until the student secures a new permanent faculty advisor or lab, so the student’s degree progress can be evaluated and graded.
Course expectations for students without a permanent advisor could include attendance at weekly meetings with the temporary advisor, providing emails or other written evidence documenting efforts to secure a new permanent faculty advisor or lab, and research activities, if the temporary advisor is in the same subfield or familiar with the student’s work. See UCLA Guidance on Directed Studies Courses for further details
If a student fails to secure a new advisor or lab after one term, they are no longer considered to be in good academic standing and the academic unit may recommend the student be placed on Academic Notice status as described above.
If a student fails to secure a permanent advisor or lab within time limits established in program requirements and/or the student’s existing faculty advisor ends the relationship due to the student’s failure to meet other university and program requirements for good academic standing, the academic unit may request the student be placed on Academic Notice status immediately as described above.
If the student does not secure a permanent faculty advisor or lab by the end of the Academic Notice period, the academic unit may request an extension of the Academic Notice status or recommend the student for Academic Disqualification (see below) (GC Am. 4/3/2026).
Academic Disqualification: open-ended grounds replaced by staged current policy
The older “variety of reasons” formulation, including lack of progress and poor core-course performance, is replaced by a structured General Policy linked to Academic Notice, GPA below 2.0, and failed comprehensive/qualifying examinations.
Academic Disqualification and Appeal of Disqualification
“Dismissal” vs. “Academic Disqualification”
There are two ways a graduate student may be removed from their current program: “Dismissal” and “Academic Disqualification”. “Dismissal” refers to the decision to remove a student from a graduate program for disciplinary reasons related to violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Violations of the Student Code of Conduct are determined by the Dean of Students Office at the recommendation of the Office of Student Conduct. “Academic Disqualification” refers to the decision to remove a graduate student from a program due to academic reasons (see below). Academic Disqualifications are under the purview of the Division of Graduate Education. (GC Am. 4/3/2026).
General Policy
A graduate student may be subject to academic disqualification if:
- The student has been on Academic Notice status for one or more terms.
- The student’s cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) is below 2.0 at any time.
- The student has failed the master’s comprehensive or doctoral written or oral qualifying examination (see Academic Disqualification for Failed Examinations below). (GC Am. 4/3/2026).
Regulation 904 of the Academic Senate states that “Disqualification of graduate students is at the discretion of the Dean of Graduate Education concerned.” This means that the Graduate Dean has final authority over this decision and that an appeal can go no higher. If a student wishes to appeal (i.e., ask for reconsideration of) the decision, the student should follow the appropriate appeals process detailed below. Physical presence in the country is not required for appeal.
The record for any student who is subject to disqualification will be reviewed by an Associate Dean in the Division of Graduate Education, in consultation with the Chair or Vice Chair of the student’s program and the student’s advisor, as appropriate. A student who is found to be subject to disqualification, in accordance with Standards and Procedures for Graduate Study at UCLA, will be disqualified from further registration in their current program, and will be given written notice stating the reasons for this action. [UCLA SR Appendix VI, Am 07 Jun 2018].
A student who is academically disqualified in one program would remain eligible to apply to a graduate program in an unrelated field on the same campus. [UCLA SR Appendix VI, Am 07 Jun 2018]
Academic Disqualification and Appeal of Disqualification
The Graduate Council amended the following Academic Disqualification procedure and process on November 2, 2018:
A graduate student may be disqualified from continuing in the graduate program for a variety of reasons. The most common is failure to maintain the minimum cumulative grade point average (3.0) required by the Academic Senate to remain in good standing (note that some programs require a higher grade point average). Other examples include failure of examinations, lack of progress toward the degree, poor performance in core courses, etc. Probationary students (those with cumulative grade point averages below 3.0) are subject to immediate dismissal upon the recommendation of their department.
Regulation 904 of the Academic Senate states that “Disqualification of graduate students is at the discretion of the Dean of the Graduate Division concerned.” This means that the Graduate Dean has final authority over this decision and that an appeal can go no higher. If a student wishes to appeal (i.e., ask for reconsideration of) the decision, the student should follow the appropriate appeals process detailed below. Physical presence in the country is not required for appeal.
The record for any student who is subject to disqualification for reasons other than failure to maintain a grade point average greater than 3.0 will be reviewed by an Associate Dean in the Graduate Division, in consultation with the Chair or Vice Chair of the student’s program and the student’s advisor, as appropriate. A student who is found to be subject to disqualification, in accordance with Standards and Procedures for Graduate Study at UCLA, will be disqualified from further registration in their current program, and will be given written notice stating the reasons for this action. [UCLA SR Appendix VI, Am 07 Jun 2018]
A student who is academically disqualified in one program would remain eligible to apply to a graduate program in an unrelated field on the same campus. [UCLA SR Appendix VI, Am 07 Jun 2018]
Academic Disqualification and Appeal of Disqualification
The Graduate Council amended the following Academic Disqualification procedure and process on November 2, 2018:
A graduate student may be disqualified from continuing in the graduate program for a variety of reasons. The most common is failure to maintain the minimum cumulative grade point average (3.0) required by the Academic Senate to remain in good standing (note that some programs require a higher grade point average). Other examples include failure of examinations, lack of progress toward the degree, poor performance in core courses, etc. Probationary students (those with cumulative grade point averages below 3.0) are subject to immediate dismissal upon the recommendation of their department.
Regulation 904 of the Academic Senate states that “Disqualification of graduate students is at the discretion of the Dean of Graduate Education concerned.” This means that the Graduate Dean has final authority over this decision and that an appeal can go no higher. If a student wishes to appeal (i.e., ask for reconsideration of) the decision, the student should follow the appropriate appeals process detailed below. Physical presence in the country is not required for appeal.
The record for any student who is subject to disqualification for reasons other than failure to maintain a grade point average greater than 3.0 will be reviewed by an Associate Dean in the Division of Graduate Education, in consultation with the Chair or Vice Chair of the student’s program and the student’s advisor, as appropriate. A student who is found to be subject to disqualification, in accordance with Standards and Procedures for Graduate Study at UCLA, will be disqualified from further registration in their current program, and will be given written notice stating the reasons for this action. [UCLA SR Appendix VI, Am 07 Jun 2018]
A student who is academically disqualified in one program would remain eligible to apply to a graduate program in an unrelated field on the same campus. [UCLA SR Appendix VI, Am 07 Jun 2018]
Academic Disqualification and Appeal of Disqualification
The Graduate Council amended the following Academic Disqualification procedure and process on November 2, 2018:
A graduate student may be disqualified from continuing in the graduate program for a variety of reasons. The most common is failure to maintain the minimum cumulative grade point average (3.0) required by the Academic Senate to remain in good standing (note that some programs require a higher grade point average). Other examples include failure of examinations, lack of progress toward the degree, poor performance in core courses, etc. Probationary students (those with cumulative grade point averages below 3.0) are subject to immediate dismissal upon the recommendation of their department.
Regulation 904 of the Academic Senate states that “Disqualification of graduate students is at the discretion of the Dean of Graduate Education concerned.” This means that the Graduate Dean has final authority over this decision and that an appeal can go no higher. If a student wishes to appeal (i.e., ask for reconsideration of) the decision, the student should follow the appropriate appeals process detailed below. Physical presence in the country is not required for appeal.
The record for any student who is subject to disqualification for reasons other than failure to maintain a grade point average greater than 3.0 will be reviewed by an Associate Dean in the Division of Graduate Education, in consultation with the Chair or Vice Chair of the student’s program and the student’s advisor, as appropriate. A student who is found to be subject to disqualification, in accordance with Standards and Procedures for Graduate Study at UCLA, will be disqualified from further registration in their current program, and will be given written notice stating the reasons for this action. [UCLA SR Appendix VI, Am 07 Jun 2018]
A student who is academically disqualified in one program would remain eligible to apply to a graduate program in an unrelated field on the same campus. [UCLA SR Appendix VI, Am 07 Jun 2018]
Academic Disqualification for Failed Examinations
Fall 2026 adds a presumptive reexamination opportunity with Academic Notice and three prerequisites for denying a second examination attempt.
Academic Disqualification for Failed Examinations
Students who fail a master’s comprehensive examination or a doctoral written or oral qualifying examination on their first attempt must be offered an opportunity for reexamination after a reasonable period of preparation, during which they are placed on Academic Notice status. However, a program chair may recommend to the Division of Graduate Education that a second examination attempt not be offered and that the student be recommended for academic disqualification, subject to the following conditions:
- The program chair, vice-chair, and the examination committee must unanimously agree that reexamination should not be offered.
- The decision must be based on an assessment that the student’s academic performance is unlikely to improve, even with additional preparation time.
- The program must provide copies of emails, syllabi, student handbooks, or examination forms showing that the student was informed in writing, prior to the examination, that reexamination is not guaranteed and that failure may result in academic disqualification. (GC Am. 4/3/2026).
Failed examinations appear within the broader open-ended examples of academic disqualification grounds.
Withdrawal by Mutual Agreement
Fall 2026 creates a written DGE-reviewed resolution mechanism that can involve a terminal master’s degree or voluntary withdrawal and requires a documented academic-unit willingness to readmit later.
Withdrawal by Mutual Agreement
When a graduate student and their academic program mutually agree to end the student’s enrollment, either through the awarding of a terminal master’s degree or voluntary withdrawal from graduate study, the program chair must document this agreement in writing. To ensure transparency and protect against misuse of this process as a substitute for academic disqualification, the following conditions must be met:
- The academic unit must be willing to readmit the student to the program at some subsequent date or within a specified time limit (providing all university minimum admission requirements are met). This commitment must be clearly stated in the written agreement.
- The agreement must be signed by both the student and the academic unit, and submitted to the Division of Graduate Education.
- Final authority to approve or deny withdrawal by mutual consent agreements rests with an Associate Dean in the Division of Graduate Education, who will review the documentation to ensure compliance with university policy and equitable treatment. (GC Am. 4/3/2026).
Appeals Policy: May 17, 2024 procedural and nondiscrimination appeal revisions
The May 17, 2024 Graduate Council amendment changed the appeal trigger from the date of notice to receipt of written notice, allowed combined procedural-error and nondiscrimination grounds to proceed separately, tightened procedural-error content and deadlines, and preserved the DGE mitigation/CDP pathway.
Appeals Policy
The decision to disqualify a graduate student for failure to meet the minimum University GPA requirement is not subject to appeal. Disagreements over evaluation of academic quality will not be considered as an appropriate basis for appeal. An individual may appeal the academic disqualification decision if they believe and can provide evidence indicating that it was based on: (a) procedural error and/or (b) non-academic criteria in violation of the University of California nondiscrimination policies. Further information about the nondiscrimination policies is available in the General Catalog on the UCLA Registrar’s Office website.
If an individual believes that their academic disqualification violated UCLA nondiscrimination policies, they must submit the appeal on this basis on the timeline indicated below. If they have initiated a complaint with a campus investigative office, the Division of Graduate Education will set the appeal in abeyance pending the outcome of the investigation. Student appeals alleging that disqualification decisions were based on procedural errors and non-academic criteria in violation of the University of California nondiscrimination policies will be reviewed separately through both appeal procedures described below. (GC Am. 5/17/2024).
Student Appeals Process – Procedural Error
Within 30 calendar days after the individual receives written notice of the disqualification from the Division of Graduate Education, the individual who has been academically disqualified may submit a written appeal for reconsideration for cause, specifically procedural error, to the Dean of Graduate Education. The appeal should state concisely specific reason(s) the individual believes the decision should be overturned in the context of procedural error. The appeal should explain how the alleged procedural error directly impacted the decision to proceed to academic disqualification (e.g. a department did not follow its published requirement for the number of times an examination can be taken). No additional information, including new alleged procedural errors, can be considered after the 30-calendar day deadline (GC Am. 5/17/2024).
30 calendar days after the individual receives written notice of the disqualification from the Division of Graduate Education, the Division of Graduate Education will forward the appeal to the individual’s program or department. The Chair of the program or department will then provide the Division of Graduate Education and the individual with a written response to the appeal within fifteen (15) business days (GC Am. 5/17/2024).
The Division of Graduate Education will review the departmental response and send the individual a decision regarding the appeal within fifteen (15) business days of the department’s response. The Graduate Dean retains final authority on the decision. The decision is final and no further appeal is available.
Student Appeals Process – Grounds other than Procedural Error
Within 30 calendar days after the individual receives written notice of the disqualification from the Division of Graduate Education, the individual who has been academically disqualified may submit a written appeal for reconsideration for cause, specifically judgments based on non-academic criteria in violation of the University of California nondiscrimination policies, to the Dean of Graduate Education (GC Am. 5/17/2024).
Appeals for cause related to non-academic criteria as covered by University of California nondiscrimination policies require the individual also to report the allegation(s) to the appropriate office(s) to investigate. These offices include the ADA/504 Compliance Office, Discrimination Prevention Office, Title IX Office, Committee on Privilege and Tenure, the Staff Diversity & Compliance, and others as may be established by university policy. If the individual has not already filed a report, the Division of Graduate Education will refer such cases to these offices.
The individual must notify the Division of Graduate Education in writing that an investigative office has accepted the matter for consideration and is processing their report. It is the responsibility of the individual to initiate the report and utilize the investigative office to support their appeal request. However, Division of Graduate Education will refer cases to these offices if the individual has failed to do so, which may result in delay in the process.
While an investigatory office is processing the allegations, the Division of Graduate Education will hold the appeal decision in abeyance until that process has completed. When an appeal decision is in abeyance, the academic disqualification remains in place.
Once the investigatory office completes its process, said office will notify the Division of Graduate Education of the outcome, including providing appropriately redacted versions of any written investigation report (hereafter “Investigation Materials”). Based on the Investigation Materials, the Division of Graduate Education will determine whether the report reflects substantive mitigating circumstances that could have affected a disqualified student’s academic performance.
When the Investigation Materials do not reflect possible substantive mitigating circumstances, the academic disqualification will stand. In that event, within 30 calendar days of the Division of Graduate Education’s receipt of the Investigation Materials, the Division of Graduate Education will notify the individual in writing that the appeal is denied. The Graduate Dean retains final authority on the decision. The decision is final and no further appeal is available.
When the Investigation Materials do reflect possible substantive mitigating circumstances:
Within 30 calendar days of the Division of Graduate Education’s receipt of the Investigation Materials, the Dean of Graduate Education will refer the individual’s written appeal and the Investigation Materials to the Graduate Council’s Committee on Degree Programs (CDP) for a recommendation. As set forth in CDP-approved procedures, the individual is entitled, upon written request, to a personal appearance before the Committee.
This Committee, after reviewing the individual’s written appeal and Investigation Materials, and consideration of information provided by the individual at the personal appearance, if any, will make a recommendation to the Dean as to the disposition of the case. The Graduate Dean retains final authority on the decision. Good faith reasonable efforts will be made by the Division of Graduate Education to transmit a final decision to the individual within 21 calendar days of receipt of the recommendation from CDP. The Graduate Dean retains final authority on the decision. The decision is final and no further appeal is available.
Appeals Policy
The Graduate Council amended the following Academic Disqualification appeals policy and process on October 18, 2019:
The decision to disqualify a graduate student for failure to meet the minimum University GPA requirement is not subject to appeal. Disagreements over evaluation of academic quality will not be considered as an appropriate basis for appeal. An individual may appeal the academic disqualification decision if they believe and can provide evidence indicating that it was based on: (a) procedural error or (b) non-academic criteria in violation of the University of California nondiscrimination policies. Further information about the nondiscrimination policies is available in the General Catalog on the UCLA Registrar’s Office website.
If an individual believes that their academic disqualification violated UCLA nondiscrimination policies, they must submit the appeal on this basis on the timeline indicated below. If they have initiated a complaint with a campus investigative office, the Graduate Division will set the appeal in abeyance pending the outcome of the investigation.
Student Appeals Process – Procedural Error
1. Within 30 calendar days after the date of the notice of disqualification from the Graduate Division, the individual who has been academically disqualified may submit a written appeal for reconsideration for cause, specifically procedural error, to the Dean of the Graduate Division. The appeal should state concisely specific reason(s) the individual believes the decision should be overturned in the context of procedural error. The individual should state the alleged procedural error and provide specific information and documentation to support the claim (e.g. the department did not follow its own published regulation for the number of times an examination could be taken).
2. The Graduate Division will forward the appeal to the individual’s program or department, whose chair will provide the Graduate Division and the individual with a written response to the appeal within fifteen (15) business days of receiving it.
3. The Graduate Division will review the departmental response and send the individual a decision regarding the appeal within fifteen (15) business days of the department’s response. The Graduate Dean retains final authority on the decision. The decision is final and no further appeal is available.
Student Appeals Process – Grounds other than Procedural Error
Within 30 calendar days after the date of the notice of disqualification from the Graduate Division, the individual who has been academically disqualified may submit a written appeal for reconsideration for cause, specifically judgments based on non-academic criteria in violation of the University of California nondiscrimination policies, to the Dean of the Graduate Division.
Appeals for cause related to non-academic criteria as covered by University of California nondiscrimination policies require the individual also to report the allegation(s) to the appropriate office(s) to investigate. These offices include the ADA/504 Compliance Office, Discrimination Prevention Office, Title IX Office, Committee on Privilege and Tenure, the Staff Diversity & Compliance, and others as may be established by university policy. If the individual has not already filed a report, the Graduate Division will refer such cases to these offices.
The individual must notify the Graduate Division in writing that an investigative office has accepted the matter for consideration and is processing their report. It is the responsibility of the individual to initiate the report and utilize the investigative office to support their appeal request. However, Graduate Division will refer cases to these offices if the individual has failed to do so, which may result in delay in the process.
While an investigatory office is processing the allegations, the Graduate Division will hold the appeal decision in abeyance until that process has completed. When an appeal decision is in abeyance, the academic disqualification remains in place.
Once the investigatory office completes its process, said office will notify the Graduate Division of the outcome, including providing appropriately redacted versions of any written investigation report (hereafter “Investigation Materials”). Based on the Investigation Materials, the Graduate Division will determine whether the report reflects substantive mitigating circumstances that could have affected a disqualified student’s academic performance.
When the Investigation Materials do not reflect possible substantive mitigating circumstances, the academic disqualification will stand. In that event, within 30 calendar days of the Graduate Division’s receipt of the Investigation Materials, the Graduate Division will notify the individual in writing that the appeal is denied. The Graduate Dean retains final authority on the decision. The decision is final and no further appeal is available.
When the Investigation Materials do reflect possible substantive mitigating circumstances:
Within 30 calendar days of the Graduate Division’s receipt of the Investigation Materials, the Dean of the Graduate Division will refer the individual’s written appeal and the Investigation Materials to the Graduate Council’s Committee on Degree Programs (CDP) for a recommendation. As set forth in CDP-approved procedures, the individual is entitled, upon written request, to a personal appearance before the Committee.
This Committee, after reviewing the individual’s written appeal and Investigation Materials, and consideration of information provided by the individual at the personal appearance, if any, will make a recommendation to the Dean as to the disposition of the case. The Graduate Dean retains final authority on the decision. Good faith reasonable efforts will be made by the Graduate Division to transmit a final decision to the individual within 21 calendar days of receipt of the recommendation from CDP. The Graduate Dean retains final authority on the decision. The decision is final and no further appeal is available.
The January 2025 wording is substantively the same as the current Fall 2026 excerpt shown at left, apart from surrounding 2026 ADQ-architecture additions and DGE naming/layout updates.
The September 2025 wording is substantively the same as the current Fall 2026 excerpt shown at left.
Academic Disqualification Procedure: continuity surrounding the 2026 additions
The core procedure remains in place around the new 2026 architecture: written deficiencies, an academic plan, adequate correction time, program consultation with DGE, and Associate-Dean action after review.
Academic Disqualification Procedure
The graduate program recommends to the Division of Graduate Education that a graduate student be subject to academic disqualification based on the reasons listed above.
Programs should recommend disqualification only after a student has been informed in writing of deficiencies, given an academic plan, and provided adequate time to correct deficiencies. The program should consult with the Division of Graduate Education regarding this process. If the program faculty determines that the student has not resolved the deficiencies to meet the degree requirements, the program chair recommends academic disqualification to the Dean of Graduate Education.
After reviewing the recommendation and accompanying materials, if it is determined that the criteria for academic disqualification have been met, an Associate Dean in the Division of Graduate Education sends a letter of academic disqualification to the student and informs the program and Registrar. The Division of Graduate Education also places a hold on the student’s record that blocks further registration and enrollment in graduate status at UCLA.
Academic Disqualification Procedure
The graduate program recommends to the Division of Graduate Education that a graduate student be subject to academic disqualification based on the reasons listed above.
Programs should recommend disqualification only after a student has been informed in writing of deficiencies, given an academic plan, and provided adequate time to correct deficiencies. The program should consult with the Division of Graduate Education regarding this process. If the program faculty determines that the student has not resolved the deficiencies to meet the degree requirements, the program chair recommends academic disqualification to the Dean of Graduate Education.
After reviewing the recommendation and accompanying materials, if it is determined that the criteria for academic disqualification have been met, an Associate Dean in the Division of Graduate Education sends a letter of academic disqualification to the student and informs the program and Registrar. The Division of Graduate Education also places a hold on the student’s record that blocks further registration and enrollment in graduate status at UCLA.
Academic Disqualification Procedure
The graduate program recommends to the Division of Graduate Education that a graduate student be subject to academic disqualification based on the reasons listed above.
Programs should recommend disqualification only after a student has been informed in writing of deficiencies, given an academic plan, and provided adequate time to correct deficiencies. The program should consult with the Division of Graduate Education regarding this process. If the program faculty determines that the student has not resolved the deficiencies to meet the degree requirements, the program chair recommends academic disqualification to the Dean of Graduate Education.
After reviewing the recommendation and accompanying materials, if it is determined that the criteria for academic disqualification have been met, an Associate Dean in the Division of Graduate Education sends a letter of academic disqualification to the student and informs the program and Registrar. The Division of Graduate Education also places a hold on the student’s record that blocks further registration and enrollment in graduate status at UCLA.
Academic Disqualification Procedure
The graduate program recommends to the Graduate Division that a graduate student be subject to academic disqualification based on the reasons listed above.
Programs should recommend disqualification only after a student has been informed in writing of deficiencies, given an academic plan, and provided adequate time to correct deficiencies. The program should consult with the Graduate Division regarding this process. If the program faculty determines that the student has not resolved the deficiencies to meet the degree requirements, the program chair recommends academic disqualification to the Dean of the Graduate Division.
After reviewing the recommendation and accompanying materials, if it is determined that the criteria for academic disqualification have been met, an Associate Dean in the Graduate Division sends a letter of academic disqualification to the student and informs the program and Registrar. The Graduate Division also places a hold on the student’s record that blocks further registration and enrollment in graduate status at UCLA.
Readmission: unchanged competitive baseline contrasted with the new mutual-agreement route
The ordinary readmission rule remains competitive. The new Fall 2026 mutual-agreement section creates a distinct written commitment structure within a defined agreement.
Readmission
Eligibility
University requirements state that unless granted a formal leave of absence, continuing graduate students who fail to register are considered to have withdrawn from the University and must compete for readmission with all other applicants. Thus, applicants who were previously registered at any time as graduate students at UCLA, whether having completed a graduate program or not, must submit an online application with the application fee. A formal application for readmission is not required for students who are returning from an official leave of absence.
Deadlines
A student should check with the department regarding any deadlines.
Readmission
Eligibility
University requirements state that unless granted a formal leave of absence, continuing graduate students who fail to register are considered to have withdrawn from the University and must compete for readmission with all other applicants. Thus, applicants who were previously registered at any time as graduate students at UCLA, whether having completed a graduate program or not, must submit an online application with the application fee. A formal application for readmission is not required for students who are returning from an official leave of absence.
Deadlines
A student should check with the department regarding any deadlines.
Readmission
Eligibility
University requirements state that unless granted a formal leave of absence, continuing graduate students who fail to register are considered to have withdrawn from the University and must compete for readmission with all other applicants. Thus, applicants who were previously registered at any time as graduate students at UCLA, whether having completed a graduate program or not, must submit an online application with the application fee. A formal application for readmission is not required for students who are returning from an official leave of absence.
Deadlines
A student should check with the department regarding any deadlines.
Readmission
Eligibility
University requirements state that unless granted a formal leave of absence, continuing graduate students who fail to register are considered to have withdrawn from the University and must compete for readmission with all other applicants. Thus, applicants who were previously registered at any time as graduate students at UCLA, whether having completed a graduate program or not, must submit an online application with the application fee. A formal application for readmission is not required for students who are returning from an official leave of absence.
Deadlines
A student should check with the department regarding any deadlines.
Change of Major/Classification: unchanged status gateway
The internal change-of-major mechanism remains tied to continuing graduate status and good academic standing. Its continuity helps identify the status barrier a corrective resolution would need to address.
Change of Major/Classification
Eligibility
Continuing graduate students in good academic standing may petition for a change of major/classification after discussing their plans with their new program/department. The Major/Classification Change petition is available on the Division of Graduate Education website.
Note: Students who have completed and been awarded their degrees must go through the admissions process.
Deadlines
While there is no deadline for Major/Classification Change petitions, students and departments should submit petitions before the end of the tenth week of instruction for changes in the current quarter. Students should consult with their department about any deadlines before completing a Major/Classification Change petition.
General Provisions
Students must be officially approved in the major and degree objective in which they are to receive their degrees at the time the degrees are awarded.
Change of Major/Classification
Eligibility
Continuing graduate students in good academic standing may petition for a change of major/classification after discussing their plans with their new program/department. The Major/Classification Change petition is available on the Division of Graduate Education website.
Note: Students who have completed and been awarded their degrees must go through the admissions process.
Deadlines
While there is no deadline for Major/Classification Change petitions, students and departments should submit petitions before the end of the tenth week of instruction for changes in the current quarter. Students should consult with their department about any deadlines before completing a Major/Classification Change petition.
General Provisions
Students must be officially approved in the major and degree objective in which they are to receive their degrees at the time the degrees are awarded.
Change of Major/Classification
Eligibility
Continuing graduate students in good academic standing may petition for a change of major/classification after discussing their plans with their new program/department. The Major/Classification Change petition is available on the Division of Graduate Education website.
Note: Students who have completed and been awarded their degrees must go through the admissions process.
Deadlines
While there is no deadline for Major/Classification Change petitions, students and departments should submit petitions before the end of the tenth week of instruction for changes in the current quarter. Students should consult with their department about any deadlines before completing a Major/Classification Change petition.
General Provisions
Students must be officially approved in the major and degree objective in which they are to receive their degrees at the time the degrees are awarded.
Change of Major/Classification
Eligibility
Continuing graduate students in good academic standing may petition for a change of major/classification after discussing their plans with their new program/department. The Major/Classification Change petition is available on the Graduate Division website.
Note: Students who have completed and been awarded their degrees must go through the admissions process.
Deadlines
While there is no deadline for Major/Classification Change petitions, students and departments should submit petitions before the end of the tenth week of instruction for changes in the current quarter. Students should consult with their department about any deadlines before completing a Major/Classification Change petition.
General Provisions
Students must be officially approved in the major and degree objective in which they are to receive their degrees at the time the degrees are awarded.