Academic Standing
CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS
Official classifications are made by the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of each academic semester (fall and spring). Transfer credit hours are included in the credits counted toward class standing once an official transcript has been received by the Registrar’s Office and the credits have been applied to the student’s transcript.
Student class standing and enrollment status are classified as indicated in the following tables:
Class Standing by Earned Credit Hours
Class Standing | Cumulative Earned Credit Hours |
Freshman | 0-27.99 |
Sophomore | 28-55.99 |
Junior | 56-84.99 |
Senior | 85+ |
Student Status by Enrolled Credit Hours per Semester
Status | Credit Hours per Semester |
Full-time | 12-18 |
Part-time | 1-11.5 |
3/4 time | 9-11.5 |
1/2 time | 6-8.5 |
Less than half time | .5-5.5 |
Non-Degree Seeking | Fewer than 9; taking courses without the intention of pursuing a degree |
Dual-Enrolled | Fewer than 6; courses double count for high school and college credit |
ACADEMIC STANDING
Academic standing is based on the student’s completed semester grade point average (GPA). The Registrar’s Office team will verify academic standing at the end of the semester according to the table below. The Registrar will notify students on their academic standing upon the completion of each semester. It should be noted that Academic Standing is not the same as Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress(SAP).
On Campus undergraduate students who are part-time (less than 12 credits attempted in a given semester) will be reviewed for suspension or probation on a case-by-case basis and offered support services accordingly. Part-time On Campus students will not be evaluated for Dean’s List, or President’s List.
Academic Standing by Cumulative Credits and GPA
Total Cumulative Credit Hours Attempted* | Semester GPA for Academic Probation |
12-18 | < 1.50 |
19-37 | < 1.75 |
38+ | < 2.00 |
* Applied transfer coursework will be counted toward total semester credits earned.
DEAN’S AND PRESIDENT’S LISTS
At the conclusion of each student’s semester, the University will recognize those students who have successfully completed a minimum of 12 graded credits within a single semester (full time). Students who earn a semester grade point average of 3.50-3.99 will be named to the Dean’s List, while those achieving a semester grade point average of 4.0 will be named to the President’s List. The students who achieve the Dean’s List or President’s List criteria will receive a notification at the time of qualification. Spring semester recipients will be recognized in the Journey Magazine published by Grace Christian University once per year.
ACADEMIC PROBATION
The purpose of Academic Probation to provide resources that will empower the student to become academically successful and to make positive progress toward graduation. Students are expected to earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 during their probationary semester, which will result in a return to Good Standing.
On Campus students who are placed on Academic Probation will be required to limit the credits in the probationary semester to no more than 14, and to enroll in the GEN 100 or GEN 120 Academic Success Program. Any exceptions are by the consent of the Associate Provost. The student’s eligibility for extracurricular activities may be restricted as determined by the Associate Provost.
ACADEMIC SUSPENSION
Probationary students who fail to earn at least a 2.0 GPA during the probationary semester will be academically suspended. Similarly, Conditionally Admitted students who earn a semester GPA lower than the minimum for their attempted credits in their first semester will also be suspended. Students who are academically suspended will not be allowed to enroll in any courses for the equivalent of one semester.
A student who is academically suspended may apply for Re-Admission to Grace after one semester of absence. The application must include an appeal to the Educational Policies Committee which includes:
- a personal statement explaining what extenuating circumstances prohibited the student from meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress
- evidence that the difficulties previously encountered have been overcome
- established accountability to assure that completion of the degree requirements can be reasonably be expected
The decision of the Educational Policies Committee is final, with no option to appeal.
A student whose academic challenges were substantively impacted by extenuating circumstances may appeal the decision by submitting an Academic Appeal form. The student’s participation in academic support efforts (GEN 100, GEN 120 or an Academic Success Plan) will be considered when making this determination. The appeal must be submitted within four weeks of receiving notification of the suspension.