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Students : Academic
Advising
Calculating the GPA
Raising the GPA
Consequences of unsatisfactory GPAs
Class/academic difficulties
Class withdrawal
Full-time status
Credit hours and student classifications
Dean's list requirements
Graduating with honors
Calculating the GPA
Grade point averages are calculated using the formula below:
GPA = Quality Points/Quality Hours
To obtain Quality Points, students must multiply the credit hours for each course by the numeric value of the grade received in the course (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0). After multiplying each course by the numeric grade, add each value from the individual classes together for total Quality Points.
Quality Hours are the number of credit hours taken that will receive a letter grade (grades other than A, B, C, D, or F don't count).
An overall GPA is a running total of all of the Quality Points earned each semester divided by the total number of Quality Hours accumulated.
Here's an example of a student taking 13 credit hours during her first semester:
| Course |
Credits grade |
Grade points |
| ENGL 101 | 3 B (3) | 9 |
| PSYC 101 | 4 C (2) | 8 |
| MATH 131 | 3 B (3) | 9 |
| HIST 103 | 3 A (4) | 12 |
| Total | 13 | 38 |
The total grade points (38) divided by the credit hours she received (13) gives her a 2.92 GPA for the semester.
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Raising the GPA
There are two ways to raise an overall GPA. The most emphasized
method of raising a GPA is studying harder and performing
better in future semesters. It is wise for students to achieve
satisfactory grades from their first semester at VCU throughout
their college career. This not only ensures academic success,
but also eliminates prolonged graduation expectations.
Another way to improve a GPA,
is to repeat any course in which a "D" or "F"
was earned. When repeating the course, students may petition
to have the first grade removed from their GPA (the credits
will be removed as well). If students do not petition, the
original course and grade will remain on their transcript.
Students may only repeat the course in which they received
the unsatisfactory grade once. Other attempts will factor
into the GPA. Students are encouraged to consult their academic
advisor before repeating a course.
Students should try combining the two strategies for the
biggest impact on the overall GPA.
If a student wants to repeat a course, a Historical Repeat
Course Option Form should be completed, which is available
at the Student Services Center, Founders Hall, Room 104.
The repeat course option is not available for grades above "D."
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Consequences of unsatisfactory GPAs
If a student's overall GPA falls below a 2.0, they will be placed on academic
warning, probation or possibly suspension from VCU. Academic
warning and probation allow students to continue taking classes,
but they may be limited to the number of hours they may take
until the overall GPA is raised above a 2.0.
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Class/academic difficulties
Many college students have difficulty in classes because they do not enjoy them. Most colleges and universities require students to take some form of mathematics, science, history, social science and English courses. It is the requirement of a well-rounded education.
If students' aren't interested in any course, including courses in their major,
there may be other issues they need to resolve. Students should
speak first with their professor to discuss their performance
in the class and what they can do to improve. Academic advisors
also can help identify the source of the problem and determine
if another major might be better suited to fit their interests
and also direct students' to resources on campus that will
assist them.
If improvement in academic performance is due to inadequate
study habits, students might try some tips
for improving their grades.
If students with academic difficulty want to withdraw from a class, please refer below to the class withdrawal section for information.
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Class withdrawal
A "W" (withdrawal) on transcripts is usually preferred instead of an "F" because a "W" doesn't affect grade point averages and it doesn't look as negative on academic records. However, a pattern of "W's" is not good because (1) there may be a financial aid penalty for too many withdrawals and (2) withdrawing from too many courses raises questions about a student's ability to be academically successful. Graduate or professional schools may look unfavorably upon a pattern of withdrawals from key courses.
Before withdrawing, students should speak with their instructors first. They
should make certain they know their academic standing in the
course and check with their academic advisor, health insurance
provider and financial aid counselor. If a student withdraws
from a class, they may hinder their full-time status requirement,
which they may need to maintain for some health insurance
plans or to assure a full financial aid package.
Some reasons for withdrawing might be when students experience academic difficulty and receive at least two grades of "D" or "F," prior to the withdrawal date because they cannot grasp the material, yet have spoken with the instructor and have sought assistance in understanding the course work. On the other hand, not liking the professor, disliking the course, or lacking motivation to do course work should not be substantial reasons for withdrawing from a class.
If students choose to withdraw, they should observe the withdrawal deadline. It is not wise to wait until the last minute. Unless the instructor has provided no feedback on a student's progress in the course prior to the Friday of the eighth week of classes, every effort should be taken to meet the withdrawal deadline.
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Full-time status
Students are considered full-time when they are enrolled
in 12 or more credit hours. They may not exceed 19 credit
hours per semester without special permission from their advisor.
No student is permitted to take more than 21 hours in any
one semester.
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Credit hours and student classifications
Students must earn 24 credit hours to be considered a sophomore, 54 credits to be classified a junior and 85 credits to be classified as a senior. All programs require a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate, and some may require more.
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Dean's list requirements
Students must be full-time (minimum of 12 hours of graded courses) and earn a GPA of at least a 3.5 for the semester to be eligible for the Dean's list. However, if a student earns an I (incomplete) or PR (progress) grade for the semester, they will be ineligible for the honor.
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Graduating with honors
Graduating with honors is based on a student's cumulative GPA. All courses taken at VCU as well as credits accepted from other institutions, determines if a student qualifies. Three levels of honors include Cum Laude (3.30 to 3.59 GPA), Magna Cum Laude (3.60 to 3.89 GPA) and Summa Cum Laude (3.90 or better). Students also may graduate with University Honors by completing the University Honors Program requirements. This involves completing 18 hours in honors courses and maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher. For further information about this program, contact the Honors program at (804) 828-1803.
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