Answers to Questions about Grades, Grade Replacement Opportunities and GPA

1.     How is my Grade Point Average (GPA) calculated? How can I figure out what grades I need to bring up my GPA?

Each letter grade is worth grade points: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, E = 0. For each course you have taken, multiply the number of units (credits) for each course by the number of points for the grade you received. For example:

26 divided by 13 = 2.0 GPA.

To figure out what grades you need to get to attain a target GPA, go to the A/B Deficit Calculator on the University Learning Center's web site.

2.     My roommate said he was going to GRO a course. What's that?

GRO stands for Grade Replacement Opportunity. If you earn a C, D or E in a course, you can GRO the class if you want to. Here are the steps to follow:

• Register for the identical course a second time.
  
• File a GRO form at the Registrar's Office by the deadline.
  
• The first grade is taken out of your grade point average. It will, however, stay on your transcript.
  

You can GRO 3 classes, or 10 units, whichever comes first.

3.     I didn't do very well last semester. Can I take courses at Pima Community College or another community college to raise my GPA?

No, the grades from courses you take at other institutions do not affect your UA grade point average. The units will transfer to the UA as long as you earn at least a "C" in the course and it is transferable credit. The grades, however, will not transfer.

It's very important that you see an advisor before taking a class at another institution. You may need to provide a course description for pre-transfer approval.

4.     I'm not doing very well in my classes this semester. What will happen if I get low grades?

If your cumulative GPA is below a 2.00 (that's a C average), you will automatically be put on academic probation. It is important to meet with an advisor as soon as you are placed on probation to discuss your academic progress and make a plan for getting back into good standing at the University. Determining the reasons why you were not successful academically will be important in making the necessary changes to improve your GPA. Students on academic probation risk the possibility of disqualification.

5.     What is disqualification?

• Students in University College with a cumulative GPA below 2.0 may be disqualified from the University if they fail to get at least a 2.0 semester GPA after being put on probation.
• Disqualification means that you are no longer a student at the U of A. Any classes you have registered for during priority registration for the upcoming semester will be dropped.
• You need to speak to an advisor immediately if you think you are at risk for disqualification.
• If you complete 24 transferable units at a community college with a GPA of at least 3.0, you may be considered for readmission but it is not guaranteed.
• Students in other colleges should see their college advisor to find out disqualification policies.

6.     My friend and I both got a 3.5 GPA last semester. She was on the Dean's List but I wasn't; I got "Honorable Mention." Why is there a difference?

Congratulations to both of you on your good grades! Your friend apparently completed more units than you did. The on-line General Catalog explains this under Academic Policies, Academic Honors & Awards:

Three categories of Dean's List are awarded every semester based on units completed for credit and letter grade (excluding all Pass/Fail [P/F] and Superior/Pass [S/P] grades). Also, all Incomplete (I) grades must be made up before the honor is bestowed.
• Dean's List with Distinction -- is based on 15 units and a 4.000 grade-point average.
• Dean's List -- is based on 15 units and a grade-point average of 3.500-3.999.

• Honorable Mention -- is based on 12 units of 3.500 and above grade-point average.

Students awarded these academic honors are recognized by their primary college (i.e. the college of their first major or their first degree program), either at the Honors Convocation the following fall or through other means determined by the college. This recognition becomes part of the official record and appears on the transcript.

The following wording about how/when you may take a course pass/fail comes from the General Catalog under the Academic Policies section:

For certain courses, a qualified student may elect to register under the pass/fail option. Under such registration, the only final grades available to the student are "P" (pass) or "F" (fail). Undergraduate students may elect to take courses under the pass/fail option only after they have attained sophomore standing and only if they have earned grade-point-averages of 2.000 or better.

Students registering for a course under the pass/fail option must meet the prerequisites or otherwise satisfy the instructor of their ability to take the course. Undergraduate students may register under the pass/fail option for not more than two courses per semester up to a maximum of 12 courses. Further, they must carry a minimum of 12 units of regular grades other than "P/F" during each semester in which they elect courses under the pass/fail option. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the student's academic dean.

Courses taken under the pass/fail option must be electives only, and may not be used to fulfill major, minor, or other specified curriculum requirements.