The Group makes every effort to understand the reasons for a student's failure to meet departmental expectations. In some instances, it may recommend withdrawal from the program for one semester. In other instances, the Group asks the student to leave the program permanently. For first year students, the Head Graduate Advisor makes this recommendation, which then gets approved by vote of the entire faculty. For students who have already selected a Research Advisor, the Head Graduate Advisor in consultation with the Research Advisor and the graduate student make this recommendation to terminate the program.

Operating principles for these decisions consist of good faith and the best interests of the student. A student may appeal the decision to the Steering Committee of the Group. Normally, second year and more advanced students who get asked to leave the program may have the option of obtaining an M.S. degree according to Plan II below.