 GRADING SYSTEM GRADE POINT AVERAGE Grade points are computed by multiplying the number of semester hour credits per course by the grade earned. The grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the total number of quality points by the total number of net hours taken. In the calculation of grade point average, the semester hours for the first repetition of a course will not count in computing net semester hours taken, but in subsequent repetitions, semester hours will be included in computing net semester hours taken. For a repeated course, the higher grade of the first two course grades earned plus the grades on all other repetitions will determine the number of quality points earned. Other institutions, however, may recalculate a student's grade point average and include all grades in that calculation. All grades will appear on the student's Francis Marion University transcript. A student with a low grade point average is advised to repeat courses for which a grade of D or F was earned. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher is required for graduation on all work attempted at FMU (including four-year cooperative programs). In addition, a student must maintain an average of 2.0 or higher in his/her major courses in order to meet graduation requirements. Some programs may require a higher GPA for admission, continuance in the program, and/or graduation. Advanced placement credits, credits transferred from accredited institutions (except for credit for specific courses taken in approved fourth-year programs), credits earned through correspondence and/or extension work, and credit for courses taken on a Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory basis are not used in computing a student's grade point average but may be accepted toward a degree. For calculating the GPA for honor graduates, see the "Honor Graduates" section later in this chapter. |
