Understanding Grade Forgiveness at Penn State: A Guide for Students and Parents
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Navigating the academic landscape can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding policies that can impact your GPA and academic standing. Penn State has introduced a grade forgiveness policy that offers a helping hand to undergraduate students striving to improve their grades and, ultimately, their GPA. Here’s a simplified breakdown of what you need to know about this policy:
What is Grade Forgiveness?
Grade Forgiveness is a policy that allows undergraduate students at Penn State to improve their GPA by repeating a course in which they received a D or F grade. If the student earns a higher grade upon repeating the course, the original grade can be "forgiven." This means the initial grade will remain on the transcript but will not count towards the student's GPA, allowing for an opportunity to improve academic standing.
How Does It Work?
Eligibility: This option is available to degree-seeking undergraduate students who have received a D or F in a course.
Process: After repeating the course and earning a better grade, students can submit a Grade Forgiveness Request form via LionPATH under "Academic Records."
Advisory: It's recommended to consult with your academic adviser before submitting the request to understand the full implications.
Important Points to Remember
Transcripts: The original course and grade will still appear on your transcript, but it will not earn credit or affect your GPA once forgiveness is applied.
Limitations: There’s a cap on how many credits can be forgiven (12 credits for baccalaureate degree seekers, 6 for associate degree seekers).
Prior Approval: Ensure to read the H-2 Undergraduate Grade Forgiveness procedure and get advice from your academic adviser or a designated college representative before moving forward.
College Representatives
Each college at Penn State has a designated representative for grade forgiveness matters. Whether you're enrolled in the College of Engineering, Liberal Arts, Nursing, or any other, there’s a specific contact to help guide you through the process. Here’s the full list of college representatives you can reach out to.
Why This Matters
Grade forgiveness is part of Penn State’s commitment to supporting student success and academic recovery. It acknowledges that everyone can have an off semester and provides a pathway to recover without permanently impacting one's GPA.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and utilizing the grade forgiveness policy can be a strategic step towards achieving your academic goals. If you’re considering this option, make sure to discuss it with your academic adviser and review all related materials to make an informed decision.
For complete details on the Grade Forgiveness Policy, including steps on how to apply and a comprehensive FAQ, visit the Penn State Registrar's Grade Forgiveness page.
Are you or someone you know struggling at Penn State? Reach out and we can talk about resources available.