Academic Advising

I’ve been suspended, now what?

Everyone's Stanford journey looks different, and academic suspension isn't the end of the road. Every year, many students return to Stanford after a completed academic suspension and go on to successfully earn their degrees.

Academic suspension is not an end to your studies, but rather a pause designed to give you time to reassess your goals, think through any obstacles you may be facing, and to make plans and implement changes that will support both your academic success and your personal wellness.

We understand that many of the challenges students face are complex and ongoing. You do not need to have your life perfectly "fixed" in order to return to Stanford. But you do need a thoughtful plan about how you are going to tackle these challenges and get the support that you need, in order to set yourself up to thrive at the university.

Talk with your Academic Advisor about positive ways to use your time away from Stanford. This could include:

  • Focusing on improving your health and wellness (consult with Vaden Health Services if you need help transferring your care or discussing your options)
  • Working to support yourself and build new habits
  • Working in a field of interest to gain experience
  • Helping to support your family
  • Working on a personal or passion project
  • Taking classes at another institution (note: you may be able to transfer these classes to Stanford when you return. Please consult with your UAD and see the transfer credit page for more information)

Your UAD is available to provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your suspension period.  You can find information about more resources available to you during your suspension here: Resources for Discontinued Students.

Planning for Your Return

As you near the end of your suspension period, reflect on your progress and talk with your Academic Advisor about whether to return to your undergraduate studies right away, or whether you need more time to address the circumstances that impacted your academic performance. You have the option to take additional time away if you feel you are not yet ready to return to Stanford.

Sometimes students feel pressure to return before they are ready; in other cases, they are tempted to push themselves even harder upon their return, or try to finish their requirements as quickly as possible in order to "make up for lost time." But these self-imposed pressures are often counter-productive. As you plan for your return, keep your academic plans thoughtful, realistic, and forgiving, allowing yourself time to readjust before trying to ramp things up. Your UAD can help you plan for your return quarter.

Support After Your Return

Once you return to Stanford, we encourage regular meetings with your Academic Advisor to help you navigate being back at the university.  Students returning from a completed academic suspension will also be invited to participate in the Joint Advising and Coaching Support (JACS) program to support you in your academics.  Keep an eye on your inbox for your JACS invitation!

A list of additional resources helpful for students who have taken time away can be found here: Resources for Returning Students.

For official information on Stanford's academic suspension and reinstatement policies, you may consult the following pages:

 

Return to the Advising Student Handbook