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Suspension FAQ

If you have been suspended or are facing suspension for an academic integrity violation, we’re here to help you understand what happens next. We’ve gathered key resources to guide you through the process. The information below explains how it might affect your academic standing, housing, financial aid, or visa status (if you're here on a student visa), and the steps you'll need to take to return to UC San Diego after your suspension. We recommend using the resources below to help you prepare for a suspension.

Access to Campus Resources

During your suspension, you will not have access to the following campus resources and services that are funded by your student fees:

You will, however, have access to the following:

  • Advising: College and department advising services via the Virtual Advising Center
  • Single Sign-On: Canvas and other student single sign-on tools for up to 2 quarters
  • Email: Email account for up to 2 quarters (after which it will be deactivated if you are still suspended)

Prepare for Suspension

We've created a checklist to help you prepare for your suspension in order to ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible. Feel free to download and/or print the Preparing for Suspension Checklist (PDF).

General Suspension Questions

What does it mean to be suspended?

Students who are suspended are not eligible to take classes at the University of California (including UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies) during the time period they are suspended.

What is the difference between Academic Disqualification and Suspension?

Academic disqualification is related to a student’s academic standing at the University, whereas suspension is a disciplinary action. A student is subject to academic disqualification if their GPA falls below a specified threshold for one or multiple quarters. While these processes are separate, students who are suspended as the result of an Academic Integrity violation often face academic penalties in the reported class, which may impact academic standing. If you are on academic probation or subject to academic disqualification, please visit the Back on Track website for more information. If you have questions about academic disqualification, contact Academic Advising:

What happens to my transcript?

During the duration of your suspension, a notation will be placed on your transcript indicating that you have been suspended due to an academic integrity violation. The notation will be placed on your transcript for the length of your suspension.

Who oversees my suspension?

Your college Dean of Student Affairs (undergraduate) or the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies (graduate) oversees your suspension. At the start of your suspension a hold will be placed on your account. This hold will prevent admission, registration, and the awarding of your degree.

I have been suspended but I have already completed my degree. What happens now?

A hold will be placed on your account which will delay and defer the conferral of your degree. At the end of the suspension, the hold will be removed and your degree awarded date will reflect the date of the end of your suspension (e.g., if you were scheduled to graduate at the end of SP22, but were suspended for FA22, your degree will not be conferred or dated until the end of FA22, rather than in SP22).

Can I enroll at another school while I am suspended?

Yes, you are eligible to enroll in another (non-University of California) university or community college during your suspension period to continue taking classes and progressing towards your degree. You should schedule an appointment with an academic advisor to discuss what classes you should take to maximize this situation.

Can I enroll at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies or another UC campus while I am suspended?

No, you are not eligible to enroll at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies or another UC campus.

I appealed my suspension. Should I enroll in classes?

Yes, you should enroll in your classes. If your suspension is upheld, you will be administratively withdrawn from your classes and your fees refunded.

I’ve been suspended but I am still enrolled in my classes. What is going on?

Student suspensions are manually processed. This sometimes leads to delays in enacting the suspension. If your suspension is final, meaning you are not pending an appeal decision, you should prepare to be administratively withdrawn from your classes and your fees refunded. If your suspension is scheduled to occur in a future quarter, you will not be administratively withdrawn until the start of that quarter.

I’ve been suspended for this quarter after it already started, will I be refunded my fees?

Yes. You will receive a 100% refund of your fees.

When will I be able to enroll in classes after my suspension ends?

If you have been suspended for one quarter, the hold preventing you from enrolling in classes will be removed in time for you to enroll in courses for the next quarter. If you have been suspended for two quarters or longer, you will need to reapply before you can enroll (see next question).

Graduate students, please contact your department/program graduate coordinator for more information.

Will I have to apply to return to UC San Diego?

This depends on how long your suspension is. If you have been absent for only 1 quarter, you are considered a continuing student and will not need to apply to return. However, if you have been absent for 2 quarters or more, you must apply to return to UCSD. After you have applied, you will be notified by e-mail of your application status and follow-up steps. See  Returning to UC San Diego After an Absence for more information.

Graduate students, please contact your department/program graduate coordinator for more information.

Does summer count towards my suspension?

No, students are only suspended for regular academic quarters: Fall, Winter, and Spring. If you are suspended for the Fall quarter, you are eligible to take summer courses. If you are suspended for multiple quarters which encompass the summer, you will also be able to enroll in summer courses. However, you will need to contact your college Dean of Student Affairs (undergraduates) or Assistant Dean of Graduate Division (graduate students) to temporarily lift your hold to enable you to enroll in summer courses. Note that this exception for summer courses only applies to academic integrity cases.

Is there anyone I can talk to about how the suspension will impact my academic plan and planning my courses?

All students facing suspension should reach out to an Academic Advisor to make plans regarding their classes, academic progress, and/or degree conferral:

You can also use additional advising tools to help you plan.

Housing

I have been suspended but I currently live on campus. Do I have to move?

University housing is reserved only for currently enrolled students so yes, you must move out of campus housing. You should contact Housing Administrative Services and the Residence Life office of your living area to cancel your contract and make arrangements to move out prior to the start of your suspension.

Will I be reimbursed for my housing and dining contract?

Your housing and dining dollars will be prorated based on when you complete the moveout process. To successfully complete the move out process, you must meet all the conditions of Residence Life and Housing Administrative Services such as returning your keys and submitting your Housing Contract Termination Request. Please contact the Housing Administrative Services and the Residence Life office of your living area to make arrangements.

I live off campus but am going to leave San Diego. What do I do about my lease?

You will need to review your lease carefully to determine your options. Depending on your lease, you may face penalties if you terminate your lease early, and you may have specific responsibilities you must meet. If you have further questions about your rights and responsibilities, Student Legal Services is a free and confidential resource.

Can I move back on campus at the end of my suspension?

You will have to apply for on-campus housing when you return from your suspension. Note that due to the limited amount of housing available on campus, you will need to add your name to the housing waitlist.

I need help securing off-campus housing. Who can assist me?

Off campus housing resources and information is available through the Basic Needs Hub. If you need additional support, contact:

International Students

What does a suspension mean for International students?

Students who are suspended are not eligible for enrollment at UC San Diego during the quarter(s) of their suspension. This means that if you are on a F-1 or J-1 visa, your visa status will be impacted. You need to take immediate action to avoid negative impacts to your visa status (see answer to next question).

Who can help me with my visa status?

To understand how your suspension will impact your visa status, meet with an advisor at the International Students and Program Office (ISPO) as soon as possible. Each student’s timeline may vary. (as soon as you learn you are facing a suspension, even if the suspension isn’t finalized.) Once the suspension goes into effect, you have a short amount of time to take action, so do you best to prepare. For more information regarding how suspensions may impact visa status, visit Student Services at the International Services and Engagement Office.

How do I contact an advisor at the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO)?

You can contact an advisor at ISEO by viewing their contact page.

As an international student, what options do I have if I am suspended?

Navigating your visa status can be complicated. Meet with an advisor at the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) as soon as possible to work through your options and make a plan that is best for you. Generally, international students maintaining a valid visa status in the U.S. may be eligible to remain in the U.S. and transfer their SEVIS record out or choose to depart the U.S. during the term(s) of suspension. Before you meet with an advisor, learn more about these general options by visiting the ISEO website.

If I leave the United States during my suspension, how do I return to school?

You should contact the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) to make arrangements for your return.

If I transfer my SEVIS record to another institution, how do I return to UC San Diego?

You will need to work with the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) at UC San Diego as well as the International Student Advisor at your current institution to make arrangements for your return. 

Financial Aid and Scholar Athletes

How is my financial aid impacted by my suspension?

All students’ financial aid is unique and is often contingent on enrollment. Note that you may be required to repay financial aid that has already been disbursed to you prior to the start of your suspension. If you have questions regarding your financial aid, please make an appointment to discuss your options with UC San Diego Financial Aid and Scholarships.

I am a scholar athlete, what should I do?

Contact your designated NCAA Academic Advisor as soon as possible and inform them of your suspension. It is important that you meet with them so they can walk you through any NCAA requirements and procedures to maintain your eligibility. Find your NCAA Academic Advisor through the NCAA Eligibility Advising section on the UC San Diego Athletics webpage.

FAQ Downloads

These frequently asked questions are available in a PDF format. You can download them below.