Grades

Grading Policies

Course Repeat Policy

Only courses listed the Austin College Bulletin as repeatable for credit may be repeated for additional credit.

When a course is repeated to raise a grade, the following policies apply:

• All attempts and grades remain on the transcript with flags to indicate that the course has been repeated.
• Only the FINAL attempt is used to determine credit earned and grade point average (unless the grade for       the final attempt is a W, WP, WF or WU, in which case the previous attempt is used to determine credit and grade point average).
• Students should contact the Office of the Registrar when a course is being repeated to raise a grade to insure that the earlier grade is not included in the grade point average.
• A course that may be repeated for credit may be repeated to raise a grade only if the department offering the course approves.
• Courses cross-listed in the bulletin (such as BA 361 and ECO 361) are treated as if they are the same course.
• Only courses taken at Austin College may be used to replace a grade.

Academic Probation and Suspension

Students’ academic records are reviewed at the end of each fall and spring term. A cumulative grade point average of 2.00 is the minimum standard for graduation. Only Austin College grades are included in this calculation. A student whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.00 will automatically be placed on academic probation through the following 14-week term. At the end of the probationary term the following action may be taken:

• If the student’s cumulative grade point average is above 2.00, the student will be removed from academic probation.
• If the student’s cumulative grade point average is below 2.00 but the student earns a term grade point average of 2.25 or higher and completes a full course load (3 credits) during the probationary period, the student’s academic probation will be extended through the following 14-week term.
• If the student’s cumulative grade point average is below a 2.00 and the student’s probationary term grade point average is less than 2.25, the student may be suspended from the college.

A notation of probationary status is placed on the transcript of any student on academic probation.

Probation is intended to alert the student to current difficulties and the need for corrective action. Students on academic probation remain in good standing, but are strongly urged to consult with their mentor or the Office of Student Affairs and Athletics to work out a plan for earning removal from probation. Students on probation are required to concentrate primarily on academic endeavors until their level of academic achievement improves so they can be removed from probation. Those students on academic probation may not hold an office or hold committee responsibility in student organizations, but they may continue to be members of organizations and may attend social functions. Such students are not allowed to represent the college in any official capacity. When there is sufficient justification, an exception to these restrictions may be granted by the Academic Standing Committee.

Any student whose term or cumulative grade point average falls below 1.00 is not considered to be making satisfactory progress and may be suspended. A notation of suspension is placed on the transcript of the student’s academic record. Suspension does not apply to students who have officially withdrawn from Austin College prior to the end of the term. Each case is considered individually.

Readmission Following Suspension

A student placed on academic or disciplinary suspension may apply for readmission after a specified period of one or two regular terms. Readmission is at the discretion of Austin College. To be considered for possible readmission, a student must have a personal conference with the vice president for Academic Affairs and the vice president for Student Affairs and Athletics (or their designees) one month prior to the term for which readmission is sought. If readmitted, the student will be on probation with specific stipulations of the progress required for continuation. Failure to meet these stipulations will lead to suspension for a full academic year.

Any credits earned elsewhere during a period of academic suspension will not be accepted as transfer credit toward an Austin College degree. In the case of disciplinary suspension, the vice president for Student Affairs and Athletics, in consultation with the registrar, will determine the acceptance of transfer credit.