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.

What are my next steps to submit my application for reinstatement?

Once you have read through the information provided on this page, you may select to submit an application for reinstatement (see link below). 

Why is there a hold on my account? 

Once a student has been academically dismissed, there is a hold preventing them from registering for classes. All students reserve the right to submit an academic dismissal appeal. Only if your appeal has been approved will students be reinstated and the hold be lifted. 

Is this the same as a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal (SAP)? 

No, the SAP appeals process is in relation to a student's financial aid eligibility. Students who have questions regarding their SAP status should contact the Office of Financial Aid. 

Are there any tips on what I should include in my appeal?

Please see the list of Dismissal Appeal Writing Tips. 

How long will it take to review my application?

The deadline to submit a reinstatement application for Fall 2026 consideration is June 22, 2026. Applications received after this date will be deferred and considered for October 2026 review. Students who submit a complete application by the June 22 deadline will receive a reinstatement decision by the end of July 2026.

Note: This timeline applies only to Kean University students who were enrolled during Spring 2026.

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.

   a. 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 were academically dismissed following the Spring 2026 semester, please refer to your email for the Academic Dismissal Appeal application. 

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

Academic Dismissal and Reinstatement Information for Former New Jersey City University Students

Effective July 1, 2026, upon the merger of New Jersey City University (NJCU) and Kean University to establish Kean Jersey City, students formerly enrolled at NJCU who did not meet the University's minimum academic standing requirements have been academically dismissed for the Fall 2026 semester.

Academic standing requirements are as follows:

• Undergraduate students: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00
• Graduate students: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00

Official academic dismissal notifications were sent via email on June 22, 2026, by the Center for Student Persistence and Success.

Students who have not received their notification are encouraged to check their spam or junk email folders. If you remain uncertain of your academic standing, please contact the Office for Student Retention and Educational Innovation at retain@kean.edu.

Reinstatement Application Deadline

Students wishing to return for the Fall 2026 semester may submit a reinstatement application using the link below no later than July 13, 2026.

Kean Jersey City Reinstatement Application: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?KeanUniv&layout_id=96 

Applications received after July 13, 2026, will be reviewed for October 2026 consideration, contingent upon the availability of online course offerings through Kean Global. If enrollment through Kean Global is not available or applicable, reinstatement requests will be deferred for Spring 2027 consideration, with review beginning in January 2027.

Before You Apply

Students are strongly encouraged to review the information and resources provided on this page before submitting a reinstatement application. These resources are designed to help students understand the reinstatement process, eligibility requirements, and expectations for returning to the University. Please reach out to The Office for Student Retention & Educational Innovation with any questions.