Academic Standing and Warning

A student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) is 3.0 or higher is in good academic standing, which is required for graduation. In accordance with the Degree Requirements policy, a 3.0 GPA is required for all courses applied to each degree or certificate program. If a student’s GPA drops below 3.0, he or she will be placed on academic warning. The GPA must be restored to 3.0 within 9 credits completed from the term in which the GPA fell below 3.0. The 3.0 average may be restored by repeating courses or by taking additional courses. There are no limitations to the number of times a student can fall below 3.0 and restore their GPA. However, no more than 3 courses or 9 credits beyond those required for the degree can be used to raise the GPA, unless an extended academic warning is granted.  Any additional coursework taken outside of the degree requirements and outside of the academic department, for the purpose of raising the GPA, must be approved by the program director prior to enrollment. Students who receive veterans' (VA) benefits or federal student loans should consult with the Office of Financial Aid prior to enrolling in any coursework outside of their program to ensure it is permissible. All coursework taken towards degree/program completion must be completed within the time limit policy.

 If a student is at risk of being academically dismissed, they can request to transfer to another degree program more suitable to their academic background and needs (see Changing from One Degree Program to Another section).  Any credits earned in the original program that will apply to the new program will be calculated in the cumulative GPA.  As part of Hood's Fresh Start policy, grades from the original program that are not applied to the new program, will not be calculated in the cumulative GPA, though they will remain on the transcript for historical purposes.