What happens when a “hold” is placed on a student's account?

A hold prevents a student from registering for or dropping classes until the hold has been lifted.

Why does A&S sometimes place holds on student accounts?

A&S uses holds in only three instances.

First, a hold is placed on a student's account when the A&S student has earned at least 80 hours without having applied for a degree. A&S places this hold in order to ensure that students are, indeed, making progress toward graduation. In order to have an 80 hour hold lifted, a student must meet with an advisor and initiate the application for degree process. [application for degree process]

Second, a hold is placed on a student's account if a student is placed on probation. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. If an A&S student fails to maintain a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA (and this has not happened previously), the student is placed on probation. During the probationary period, the student must demonstrate the ability to meet the 2.0 cumulative GPA academic standard of the College. See p. 122 of the 2003-05 Catalogue for details. A student on probation is subject to suspension if the cumulative 2.0 GPA standard is not met at the end of the probationary period and during subsequent semesters.

Third, a hold is placed on a student's account if a student is suspended. A student who fails to make academic progress in meeting the 2.0 cumulative GPA standard of the College—and who has already been granted a probationary period for showing his or her ability to meet the GPA eligibility requirements of the College—is suspended. Students may petition and appeal the suspension by completing a form in the A&S Advisement Center. See p. 122 of the UNM Catalogue for details.

Are holds ever placed on student accounts by units other than the A&S Advisement Center?

Yes. Holds can be placed on student accounts for a variety of reasons.

Students who have outstanding debts to UNM may have holds placed on their accounts by the Bursar's Office; in such cases, students should contact the Office of the Bursar directly.

Athletes sometimes have holds placed on their accounts by the Athletics Department, and they should meet with advisors in the Athletics Department to have such holds lifted.

Advisement Centers in other Colleges (University College, Engineering, etc.) also use holds.