Readmission Policy
Graduate students who have been academically dismissed from Western Michigan University may apply for readmission to the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, subject to departmental requirements and approval.
The department offers rolling admissions. Students seeking readmission should submit a complete application at least six weeks before their intended enrollment deadline to allow sufficient time for review and processing.
Readmission Eligibility and Requirements
- Eligible programs: Readmission applicants will only be considered for the M.S. in Earth Sciences or the Certificate in Applied Hydrogeology.
- Required waiting period: Students must wait one full semester following academic dismissal before beginning coursework in the department.
- Online application: Applications must be submitted through WMU's Graduate Application Portal. Review the Graduate Application Types and Readmission Instructions to determine the appropriate application process. Only complete applications will be considered.
- Admission requirements: Applicants must meet the same admission requirements as new graduate students. Review the Graduate Programs and Certificate Programs pages for program-specific requirements.
- Application materials: Students may reuse materials from their original graduate application, including transcripts, résumés or CVs, and letters of recommendation. However, a new statement of purpose and supplemental program application are required.
- Academic conditions: Readmitted students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 during their first semester following readmission. The Graduate Admissions Committee may establish additional conditions, including completion of prerequisite coursework.
Application Review and Timeline
Once all required materials have been received and processed by WMU, the completed application is forwarded to the departmental Graduate Admissions Committee (GAC).
- Review period: Allow approximately three weeks for committee review.
- Late applications: Applications received fewer than three weeks before the final day of the open enrollment add/drop period will be considered for the following semester or summer session.
- Admission decision: Readmission requires a majority vote of the GAC. The committee chair reports the decision to the departmental graduate advisor, who may approve readmission following a favorable vote.
Applicants will be notified once a decision has been reached.
Steps Following Acceptance
Students approved for readmission must complete the following steps before the applicable enrollment deadline:
- Schedule an appointment with departmental graduate advisor Dr. Peter Voice to complete the required readmission paperwork.
- Allow WMU to process the paperwork and update their academic status.
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with the graduate advisor to register for courses.
Important: All readmission processing and course registration must be completed before the applicable enrollment deadlines.
Questions About Readmission?
Prospective students are encouraged to contact the department well in advance of their intended semester to discuss eligibility, application requirements, and the readmission process.