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ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Grade Points and Achievement Levels
In order to evaluate the overall quality of course work, a system of grade points is used. The number of grade points earned in a given course is the number of credits for that course multiplied by the grade point corresponding to the grade earned in that course, as follows:
| Grade |
Grade Pts. |
Achievement Level
|
A
|
4.0 |
Excellent |
| AB |
3.5 |
|
| B |
3.0 |
Very Good |
| BC |
2.5 |
|
| C |
2.0
|
Satisfactory
|
CD
|
1.5
|
|
| D |
1.0 |
Minimal Pass
|
F
|
0.0
|
Failure
|
| I |
|
Incomplete
|
| P |
|
Pass (A, AB, B, BC, C) |
NC
|
|
No Credit (CD, D, F) |
| AU |
|
Audit
|
| W |
|
Withdrawl
|
X
|
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Unauthorized withdrawal which computes as F in GPA
|
Grade Point Average
The grade point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the total grade points earned by the total number of credits attempted.
Dean’s List
Superior scholastic performance is recognized each semester by the publication of the Dean’s List. Students qualify for the Dean’s List by earning a semester grade point average of 3.600 or above with a minimum of 12 credits, at least 9 of which are on the A–F grading system, with no grade of CD, D, F, NC, X, or I.
Academic Penalties
A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.000, but is above the probation/dismissal standards listed below will be placed on academic jeopardy. This status warns the student and the academic advisor that the student is in danger of being placed on probation or of being dismissed. Academic jeopardy indicates a significant academic deficiency which warrants the immediate concern of the student.
Program for Academic /Success (PASS) students are required to earn a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA by the end of their first academic year. PASS students who do not earn the 2.000 GPA will be eligible for dismissal. A PASS student whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.000 but is above 1.750 may be placed on monitored jeopardy.
The two major academic penalties are academic probation and dismissal. Probation indicates that a student’s grades are such that continued performance at that level will prevent the student from earning a degree. Dismissal is indicated when a student’s pattern of performance shows a lack of progress towards graduation. Probation and dismissal standards are based upon grades and, ultimately, a grade point deficiency.
A transfer student’s class standing is determined by the number of semesters he/she attended prior to matriculation at Saint Mary’s. For example, a transfer student may be in his/her first semester of attendance at SMU, but actually be classified as a second semester sophomore if he/she attended three semesters as a full-time student elsewhere. In this case, the student’s fourth semester status would be used in applying the appropriate probation/dismissal standards.
Academic Probation
A full-time student is placed on academic probation if the cumulative GPA is:
- below 1.600 at end of first semester;
- below 1.750 at end of second semester;
- below 1.900 at end of third semester; or
- below 2.000 at end of any subsequent semester.
Academic Dismissal
A full-time student is dismissed for low scholarship upon failure in any semester to earn six credits, if the GPA is less than 1.000 in any given semester, or if the cumulative GPA is at a probationary level for a second consecutive semester. Students in PASS are required to earn a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA by the end of their first academic year or face academic dismissal.
A part-time student is dismissed for low scholarship if the GPA is less than 1.000 in any given semester.
Appeal for Academic Reinstatement
A student who has been dismissed for low scholarship may appeal for reinstatement in person to the academic standing committee after one semester has lapsed. A student who is a second semester senior may appeal immediately. If the committee determines that readmission is appropriate, the student will be placed on monitored probation, wherein the student must sign a contract which specifies restrictions, requirements, and minimum academic achievement. It should be emphasized that a student on monitored probation may have to conform to more rigid requirements than the general student body. Students who are reinstated must also complete the application process through the admission office.
Academic Dishonesty Policy |
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