Seeking Reinstatement After Academic Dismissal

Students who have been away from Kean University for two or more years and left in good academic standing may apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions. Interested candidates can find more information about the Readmission process by emailing readmit@kean.edu or visiting https://www.kean.edu/offices/admissions/readmission-kean 

Students who were academically dismissed from the university may apply for reinstatement. Reinstatement involves an appeals process, and submission of an application does not guarantee approval.

Academic dismissal decisions are made after each academic year (after the conclusion of the spring semester). Students dismissed from the University are notified by Kean University email. Graduate student dismissals are processed after each semester, depending upon the program or college requirements. The only way for a student to return to Kean University after academic dismissal is through the appeals process. Appeals are reviewed by the Academic Standards Committee (ASC), which is composed of faculty and administrative representatives from the University. The committee’s recommendations are advisory and are forwarded to the appropriate college dean, who makes the final decision.

Appeals must be submitted via the form provided within the timeline established within the dismissal notice. Failure to adhere to this time frame can result in the appeal being deferred until the next semester's review. No in-person or verbal appeals will be accepted. All appeals will be reviewed within a reasonable time frame, and the final decision will be communicated via Kean University email (except in cases where the University email has been deactivated).

If a student's appeal is denied, they will have the opportunity to apply for reinstatement no earlier than two subsequent semesters following the denial notification. For example, if a student is dismissed after the spring semester and is denied reinstatement, that student would not be eligible to apply for reinstatement again until the following spring, with an anticipated start term of the following fall semester. Students who have been dismissed for a second time may appeal their dismissal. If the appeal is not accepted and the student remains dismissed, there will be no further provision for reinstatement.

Appeal decisions will result in one of the following outcomes:

• Reinstatement to the previous program – the student is permitted to return to their original major
• Reinstatement with conditions – the student may be required to change their major and/or meet specific conditions for their return
• Decision upheld – the appeal is denied, and the dismissal remains in effect

Note: Kean University reserves the right to require a change of major as a condition of reinstatement. All students who are reinstated are required to participate in the Journey to Success program through the Office for Student Retention & Educational Innovation. Additional conditions for reinstatement may be established at the discretion of the academic program/department, the Dean, and/or the Academic Standards Committee (ASC). Students must meet all reinstatement conditions within the specified timeframe. Failure to do so may result in academic dismissal.

Students who have been away from the University for more than two years may also want to subsequently pursue Academic Amnesty, which can impact the committee deliberations (Academic Amnesty Policy).

Students who have been dismissed for a second time may appeal their dismissal. If the appeal is not accepted and the student remains dismissed, there will be no further provision for reinstatement.

The reinstatement appeals process is different from the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal process. More information about the SAP appeal process can be found here or by emailing finaid@kean.edu. 

Kean University reserves the right to make decisions regarding academic probation and dismissal based on a student’s academic performance at their discretion. Some graduate programs may have additional requirements and/or conditions. Please review your department’s requirements with your respective Program Coordinator, as well as all published handbooks.

1. All students must first complete the Reinstatement Inquiry Form through our office. Once submitted, our office will provide you with the application link to appeal your academic dismissal.
   1. Reinstatement Inquiry Form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?KeanUniv&layout_id=95
2. After your inquiry is received, our office will confirm receipt and share the next steps in the reinstatement process. Note, this is not the academic dismissal appeal form. 

If you have questions about the status of your inquiry or candidacy for reinstatement, please email our office at retain@kean.edu. 

The Journey to Success program is a year-long initiative designed for students who have been reinstated to Kean University. The program provides individualized, one-on-one support throughout the student’s first year back, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and guidance needed to successfully navigate their return to the university. This is accomplished through:

• Monthly one-on-one check-in meetings with an assigned Retention Specialist (based on college)
• Support in ensuring all conditions of reinstatement are met, including tutoring and major/program requirements
• Promotion of academic success and excellence
• Provision of resources to ensure students feel adequately prepared and supported for success at Kean University
• Connection to faculty, academic programs, and academic advisors, with ongoing communication to ensure student concerns are addressed in a timely manner

All students who are conditionally reinstated are required to participate in the program. Failure to participate may result in final dismissal from the university.

"Stepping away from my studies was one of the most difficult experiences I’ve faced, especially as a full-time working single mother. Being given a second chance through the reinstatement program truly changed my life. The support and encouragement I received from the retention team became a constant source of guidance during a time when I needed it most.

Since returning to the university, I have been able to raise and maintain my grades, and I am now on track to graduate with my bachelor’s degree. Participating in the ceremony was incredibly meaningful because it reminded me how far I’ve come and allowed my family to truly see the hard work, dedication, and perseverance behind this journey. I am deeply grateful to the university for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to continue pursuing my goals." 

- Ashley A, Journey to Success Participant