Academic Drop - Next Steps

After an academic dismissal, the path forward begins with a period of reflection. Take time to honestly assess what may have contributed to the challenges you faced. Were there external factors like health, personal responsibilities, or work commitments that made it difficult to focus? Were academic skills such as time management, study strategies, or class attendance areas that could be improved? This includes asking yourself if Engineering is right for you. It's OK either way. Reflection is not about assigning blame but about understanding where changes can be made.

Next, regroup by seeking support and creating a plan. Surround yourself with individuals who can offer a community of guidance and encouragement, such as academic advisors, counselors, or trusted mentors. Reach out to your community for resources, whether it’s academic skills workshops, tutoring services, or mental health support. Identify specific actions you can take to address the challenges you faced, and create a structured plan with clear, achievable steps.

Finally, refocus on your goals with renewed determination and clarity. Think about your long-term aspirations and how they align with your academic and career paths. Consider if your current major or program is the best fit, or if adjustments might help you thrive. Set short-term, manageable goals that build toward your larger objectives, and track your progress along the way.

If you’re planning to return to Grainger after being academically dismissed, you’ll need to complete the Petition for Re-Entry by the deadline for the semester you want to return. You can find the deadlines and more information here: go.grainger.illinois.edu/ReEnter.

The Petition for Re-Entry is your chance to show that you’ve worked on the challenges that led to your dismissal and have taken clear steps to improve. It’s a way to demonstrate that you’re ready to succeed with a new approach to your education. Keep in mind that you can only submit a petition after at least two semesters (spring/fall or fall/spring, summer terms do not count towards this requirement) have passed since your dismissal.

Here’s what you’ll need to show in your petition:

• Academic Progress:
  • Complete two semesters of full-time college coursework at another institution.
  • Retake equivalent technical courses for any classes where you earned a grade of C- or below. Use transferology.com to check course equivalencies.
  • Build up to more advanced technical courses by starting with foundational ones.
  • Show strong performance—aim for mostly A’s and B’s in your technical classes, even if the courses don’t transfer to Illinois.

To help you prepare, we encourage you to meet with an academic advisor or dean in The Grainger Academic Advising Center on the 4th floor of Grainger Library's East Wing. They can help you create a solid plan for your re-entry and ensure you’re on track to succeed.

We’re here to support you through this process and look forward to seeing you return stronger and more confident.

Other Important Things to Consider After Academic Dismissal:

• Your Health and Wellness:
  Your physical and mental health play a big role in your academic success. If you believe your health impacted your ability to be successful this semester, please consider having a conversation with The Connie Frank Care Center in The Office of the Dean of Students to determine if a retroactive medical withdrawal is an option for you.

• For International Students:
  It’s important to check in with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to make sure your Visa status is clear. Do this as soon as possible to avoid any issues. We understand that being academically dropped can create additional stress when navigating Visa compliance. If you are searching for another institution to transfer to, talk to them about transferring your Visa to their institution as well.

• Considering a Different Major at Illinois:
  If you’d like to return to the University of Illinois but not to The Grainger College of Engineering, you may have the option to transfer to a different major in another college. Check out the Intercollegiate Transfer Process and meet with advisors in the major you’re considering to understand the requirements and steps.

• For Students in Advanced Coursework:
  If you are a junior or senior and unsure if there are courses to take awhile away from the university, stop in to express advising to see an advisor or dean on duty to talk through a re-entry plan. It MAY look different than just taking courses at another institution.