Narrative of the Academics Flow Chart

How it works

At MUST University, each student's academic path follows a structured flow, designed to support academic success, timely graduation, and compliance with institutional policies. Below, this flow is told as a sequence of decisions, starting from the Active Student status. For the full glossary of each status and the visual diagram, see the Academic Flowchart article listed under See also.

1. Active Student

The academic path begins with the Active Student status: the student is enrolled and attending classes according to the planned educational schedule. From this point, different situations can lead to other statuses.

2. Temporary leave: LOA and PLOA

A student facing personal or professional difficulties can request a Leave of Absence (LOA) or a Personal Leave of Absence (PLOA), which allows studies to be paused without penalty. The return to classes must occur within the approved deadline; otherwise, the student is withdrawn for abandonment.

3. SAP paths (Satisfactory Academic Progress)

MUST University tracks academic performance through Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) evaluations:

• SAP Warning: applied to a student who does not meet the minimum progress criteria in an evaluation period. The student receives an improvement plan and has up to 15 weeks to meet the criteria.
• SAP Appeal: a student who does not complete the SAP Warning plan within the deadline can submit a formal appeal to the appeals committee, requesting one more chance to remain enrolled.
• SAP Probation: if the appeal is approved, the student enters SAP Probation under a new academic plan. Failure to meet that plan leads to dismissal.

4. Capstone (final stage of the program)

After completing all prerequisites, the student advances to the Capstone, the program's final course. The deadline to complete the Capstone is 15 weeks. In case of failure, a single repeat is allowed with prior approval; further attempts require a formal appeal.

5. Dismissal or withdrawal

A student can be withdrawn from the institution due to lack of participation, unpaid financial obligations, or failure to meet SAP standards without an approved LOA/PLOA. In cases of serious violation of the code of conduct, academic integrity, or other institutional policies, the student can be dismissed.

6. Reentry

Students previously dismissed or withdrawn can request reentry. Once the request is approved, the student is considered a Reentry student until classes formally begin, at which point the Active Student status is restored.

7. Graduation scenarios

After successfully completing all courses and program requirements, the student is considered a Graduate. If all academic requirements are met but a financial balance remains, the status becomes Graduate with Balance until the balance is paid off.

Step by step

Below is the same path shown as a sequence of questions and decisions, starting from the Active Student status.

• Does the student need a temporary leave?
  • Yes: requests LOA/PLOA.
    • Returns within the approved deadline? Yes: back to Active Student. No: withdrawn for abandonment.
  • No: remains an Active Student.
• Does the student meet SAP standards?
  • Yes: continues as an Active Student.
  • No: receives a SAP Warning.
    • Completes the improvement plan within 15 weeks? Yes: back to Active Student. No: submits a SAP Appeal.
      • Appeal approved? Yes: enters SAP Probation.
        • Meets the new academic plan? Yes: back to Active Student. No: dismissed.
      • Appeal denied: the student is dismissed or withdrawn.
• Has the student completed all program prerequisites?
  • Yes: advances to the Capstone.
    • Completes within 15 weeks? Yes: becomes a Graduate or Graduate with Balance. No: is entitled to one repeat.
      • Completes on the repeat attempt? Yes: becomes a Graduate or Graduate with Balance. No: needs a formal appeal for another attempt.
• Is the student inactive, academically or financially, without an approved LOA/PLOA?
  • Yes: withdrawn.
• Did the student violate the code of conduct or academic or institutional policies?
  • Yes: dismissed.
• Has the student completed all courses in the program?
  • Yes: is there a financial balance due?
    • No: becomes a Graduate.
    • Yes: becomes a Graduate with Balance.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between this article and the Academic Flowchart article?

This article narrates the academic flow as a sequence of questions and decisions, in running text. The Academic Flowchart article shows the same flow as a visual diagram, along with the full glossary of each status.

What happens if I don't return from LOA/PLOA within the approved deadline?

The student is withdrawn for abandonment. To resume studies afterward, reentry must be requested.

Can I repeat the Capstone if I don't pass it on the first attempt?

Yes, the course can be repeated once, with prior approval. For any further attempts, a formal appeal is required.

What happens if my SAP Appeal is denied?

The student is dismissed or withdrawn from the university, depending on the case, and can request reentry afterward.

How does reentry work after a dismissal or withdrawal?

The student requests reentry. Once the request is approved, the student is considered a Reentry student until classes formally begin, at which point the Active Student status is restored.

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See also

In the Knowledge Base

• Academic Flowchart
• SAP Appeal Process
• Leave of Absence (LOA) and Personal Leave of Absence (PLOA)
• Student Dismissal Policy
• How Does the Capstone Work?