Production Participation Academic Standards Policy

Students typically must have a minimum University GPA of 2.5 at the time of auditions or practicum enrollment to participate in departmental productions in performance or leadership roles as determined by the faculty.

Students will be asked to self-report their current GPA on their audition form or when submitting practicum placement requests. For performers, these GPAs will be verified prior to the cast list being posted. For others, GPAs will be verified before final practicum assignments are posted. Students who falsely reported their GPA will not be cast or placed in leadership roles.

This policy is intended to support overall student success by ensuring that students are not placed in time-consuming roles when they may benefit from focusing on their academics. However, in recognition that some students may be experiencing extenuating circumstances, students with GPAs between 2.0 and 2.49 may submit an appeal to have the GPA requirement waived. Students with GPAs equal to or below 1.99 are not eligible to appeal, nor are directors/supervisors to advocate for exceptions for such students.

If a student submits an appeal (following the procedures below), it will be reviewed by the Chair in consultation with the faculty to determine if a GPA waiver is potentially feasible. If so, before finalizing any cast lists/leadership practicum assignments, the Chair will consult with any director who is considering casting the student and/or with faculty/guest artists overseeing the leadership role.

At this point, the director/supervisor may choose between the following two options:

1. Not cast/supervise the student.
2. Cast or supervise the student on a probationary basis, subject to the terms below.

Terms of Probationary Participation

1. The director/supervisor must provide mentorship and academic support to the student above and beyond what is typically considered within the scope of their role. This includes:
   1. Meeting with the student prior to the commencement of their involvement in the production to provide resources and develop a support plan.
   2. Providing the Chair with a support plan which must, at minimum:
      1. Include individual meetings with the student at least once per week from the time they are cast/assigned until the production is complete.
      2. Specify the conditions under which the student will be replaced.
      3. Indicate how the director/supervisor will monitor these conditions.

Appeal Application

Students who wish to submit an appeal must submit an application of no greater than 1 page that answers the following questions:

1. Please describe, specifically, why you believe your overall academic performance will improve if you are simultaneously involved with this production.
2. Please describe the specific plans you will implement to ensure that you improve your academic performance while simultaneously being involved in the production.
3. Optional: If there are reasons you feel it would be especially beneficial to participate in this specific production that would not be applicable to other productions, please explain these.