Grading System
Southwest uses a point grading system ranging from 0.0 to 4.0. The academic performance level of each student is designated on the transcript by a letter grade which has an assigned point value. Grades earned are determined by instructors at the end of each semester and are recorded on the student’s transcript which is maintained by the Records Office.
Grades used in calculating the Grade Point Average (GPA)
| Grade |
Quality Points |
Designated |
|
| Per Credit Hour |
Level |
Performance |
|
| A |
4 |
Excellent |
|
| B |
3 |
Good |
|
| C |
2 |
Average |
|
| D |
1 |
Poor |
|
| F |
0 |
Failing |
|
| FA |
0 |
Stopped Attending |
|
The following grades are not used in calculating the grade point average:
| P |
Passing |
| |
Used for special courses or to indicate completed courses by an alternative method |
| S |
Satisfactory |
| |
Used for special courses or to indicate that the student meets sufficient standards for credit to be earned through an alternative method |
| U |
Unsatisfactory |
| |
Used for special courses or to indicate that the student does not meet sufficient standards for credit to be earned through an alternative method |
| ES |
Credit-By-Examination Satisfactory |
| EU |
Credit-By-Examination Unsatisfactory |
| E |
Credit given for experiential learning, portfolio satisfactory |
| W |
Withdrawal |
| |
Used to indicate that the student officially withdrew from the course |
| I |
Incomplete |
| |
Used to indicate that the student has not completed the courses due to extenuating circumstances, and he/she is being allowed an opportunity to complete the work because of previous satisfactory performance. The student must complete the work by the deadline published in the academic calendar, or the “I” grade will change to an “F” grade. |
| AU |
Audit |
| X |
No grade submitted by the instructor |
Good Standing
A student who maintains a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 will be considered in good standing.
Academic Probation
A student who fails during any term to attain an institutional combined GPA of at least 2.0, for the credit hours attempted, will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent term. Students on academic probation may enroll and are encouraged to contact their advisor during the semester of probation to develop a plan for academic success. Students on academic probation must see an advisor before registration. Students on academic probation may not register for the subsequent semester before the end of their probationary term.
Academic Suspension
A student who fails to meet the minimum standards for good standing at the end of the probationary term, or who does not earn a combined institutional GPA of at least 2.0 during the probationary term, will be suspended for one regular semester. The summer term does not count as a regular semester. Students suspended in the spring may not enroll in either the summer or fall term. Students may appeal the suspension to the Appeals Committee. If the appeal is denied, the student must apply for readmission before returning to the College.
Appeal of Academic Suspension
A student with extenuating circumstances may appeal an academic suspension and may be readmitted upon the recommendation of the Appeals Committee. To appeal, the student must complete the Appeal Form provided by the Suspension Appeals Committee. The late registration fee will be waived for students who are approved for readmission. If a student does not earn a 2.0 GPA after being readmitted through an appeal in the previous semester, they are not eligible to submit another appeal. The student will be required to sit out for one regular semester; the summer term does not count as a regular semester.
Note: This appeal process is separate from Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Students wishing to appeal SAP should contact the Financial Aid Office or a Financial Aid Specialist for assistance.
Transfer and Transient Students
Transfer and transient students who have been suspended from a previous institution may not enroll until the period of one regular semester has expired. The summer term is not counted as a regular semester. Students may request an exception to the policy and be admitted on probation upon the recommendation of the Appeals Committee.
Academic Fresh Start
Students who have at one time attended a college or university but have not been enrolled for at least four years may be eligible for admission under the provisions of Southwest’s Academic Fresh Start. As the name implies, Academic Fresh Start allows the individual to begin his or her college-level studies anew and without consideration of past academic performance. The following conditions pertain:
- Students may apply for a fresh start at the time of admissions or readmission as a degree-seeking student, in consultation with their Professor Academic Advisor, detailing their academic plan.
- It is highly recommended that students see an advisor or counselor to discuss the Academic Fresh Start before enrollment. Veterans applying for benefits and financial aid applicants must notify the appropriate office before making an application for Academic Fresh Start to determine how financial benefits may be affected.
- Once granted, Academic Fresh Start is irrevocable and will be noted on the student’s official transcript and permanent academic record. Academic Fresh Start can only be granted once.
- Courses with a failing grade previously attempted or completed at Southwest or at any higher education institution accepted in transfer will continue to appear on the student’s official transcript, but they will not be included in the calculation of the student’s grade point average, nor can they be used to satisfy any course requirement.
- In granting Academic Fresh Start, Southwest gives no assurance or warranty that transcripts will be accepted by any other higher education institution at which the student may later enroll.
Academic Standards for Allied Health Sciences and Nursing Programs
The satisfactory progress and retention standards for students enrolled in Allied Health Sciences and Nursing programs are listed in the Allied Health Sciences and Nursing sections of this catalog.
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