FAQ - Academic Standing

Students can improve their academic standing in a number of ways.  They can earn "A"s and "B"s to offset previous low grades. For example, a three unit "F" grade (-6 grade points) is offset by a three unit "A" grade (+6 grade points). In addition, undergraduate students can take advantage of the University's Repeat/Delete policy and repeat a CSULB course.  If the second grade is a "C" or better, it will take the place of the first in the calculation of the student's grade point average (GPA) provided that the repeated course is also taken at CSULB. Moreover, transfer students who enter CSULB with deficient grade points or who wish to exclude "D," "F," or "U" grades in courses taken at another institution, may do so by enrolling in equivalent courses at CSULB, with permission of the department in which the course is taught.  However, only the cumulative GPA is affected.

What if students receive poor grades on the second attempt?

Students who repeat courses to delete "D," "F," or "WU" grades, must receive a "C" or better on the second attempt to delete the first unsatisfactory grade.  Second grades of "D," "F," or "U" will get no special consideration; they will be computed in units attempted and grade points.  If the course is taken a third time, all three grades will be averaged for a final grade point average.

Can post-baccalaureate students take advantage of the CSULB Repeat/Delete policy?

Eligibility is limited to post-baccalaureate students pursuing a second (or subsequent) baccalaureate degree.  Post-baccalaureate students pursuing credentials or certificates, graduate degrees, or no specific objective are not eligible for grade deletions.

How do students request grade adjustments from Enrollment Services for a CSULB course?

Students need not request a Repeat/Delete for courses taken in 1991 or thereafter.  For courses taken before 1991, a Notice of Intent to Repeat a Course petition must be filed in the semester in which the repeated course is taken.  In addition, students may file a Request for Repeat-Delete of a Transfer Course for courses taken at another institution if it is approved by the department offering the course at CSULB. Successful repetition at CSULB of transfer courses does not change grades on transcripts from other institutions or at CSULB; rather it increases the cumulative GPA in all college work attempted.

Can this GPA adjustment be applied to a grade of "D," "F," or "U" transferred from another institution?

Yes. Under CSULB policy provision, transfer students who enter CSULB, with deficient grade points or who wish to exclude from the GPA calculation a "D," "F," or "U" grade in courses taken at another institution, may do so by enrolling in an equivalent course at CSULB with permission of the department in which the course is taught. For this purpose, the student must file an approved Request for Repeat-Delete of a Transfer Course .

Exactly how does this change a student's academic record?

Grades on the transcripts are not changed whether the course is first taken here or at another institution.  Notes are used on the transcript to indicate that this GPA adjustment is in effect.  The only change that results from a successful repetition of a course is in the calculation of the student's GPA.

Can students be placed on academic probation without ever earning a "D" or "F" grade?

Yes. Students who receive the administrative symbol of "U" receive grade point deficiencies in courses from which they do not officially withdraw. Any courses for which students are registered, but wish to drop, must be withdrawn through IVR (or through MyCSULB) during the first two weeks of a semester. To drop courses thereafter, a Schedule of Adjustment form must be filed in Enrollment Services.

What does an "I" (Incomplete) grade mean?
The symbol "I" is used when the faculty teaching the class concludes that a clearly identifiable portion of course requirements has not been met, usually not more than one-third of the coursework.

How long do I have to make up the coursework for an "I" grade?
An "I" grade must normally be made up within one calendar year from the date it was assigned.

Do I re-enroll in an "Incomplete" course?
No, never... just attend the class and complete the coursework.

What is "academic renewal" and how difficult is it to obtain?

Because academic renewal involves very specific criteria, few students are eligible to receive it. Academic renewal means that all grades and units received during one or two semesters of undergraduate course work are disregarded in the computation of GPA and academic standing.  This can be a great help to students who did poorly in their early academic career and are attempting to clean up their early academic record.  If students can meet the terms of academic renewal, they need to be aware that no work, even if satisfactory, taken during the disregarded semester(s), will apply toward the baccalaureate degree.  In addition, all grades and units attempted will remain on record although they will not be computed. The terms of academic renewal are:

• At least five calendar years must have elapsed since the work in question was completed.
• Students must have subsequently completed at least 15 semester units with a 3.0 GPA (or 30 semester units with a 2.5 GPA or 45 semester units with a 2.0 GPA) at this university before filing a request to disregard the early course work in question.
• The petitioning student must certify that the work to be disregarded was not reflective of his/her present level of academic performance.
• The certification must include a statement explaining the extenuating circumstances which caused the poor performance during the semester(s) in question.
• The student must provide evidence that it would be necessary to complete additional units and enroll for one or more additional semesters in order to qualify for the baccalaureate degree if the request were not approved.
  
  Petitions for academic renewals must be submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services.  Final determination will be made by the Vice President of Academic Affairs in consultation with the University Academic Appeals Committee. Please refer to the section on the Academic Appeals process for additional information.