Undergraduate Academic Retention and GPA Standards Policy

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TBR Policy Reference: 02:03:01:01

Approved by: President's Cabinet

Original Date Effective: 2021-11-29

Last Modified: 2024-01-22

Introduction

Jackson State Community College has established minimum criteria for undergraduate academic standards under the guidance of the Tennessee Board of Regents. 

Grading System

The following grading system is used at Jackson State: 

A .........................................Outstanding
B .................................... Above Average
C ................................................Average
D ................. Passing but below average
F .................................................. Failing
FA ...................... Failing for Attendance
I .............................................Incomplete
N .................... Audit, no grade or credit

W ............................................Withdraw 

Grading Scale:

JSCC uses a 10- point grading scale*:

A = 90-100

B = 80-89

C = 70-79

D = 60-69

F= 59 and below

*Exceptions to this grading scale may occur in select admission programs.

Incomplete “I” Grade

The grade of “I” will be awarded when the student is unable to complete the final course requirements or the final exam.  A student must complete the necessary course requirements within six weeks of the end of the term in which the “I” grade was received; otherwise, the “I” grade will be changed to an “F” grade. When the "I" grade is changed to an "F" grade, it will become part of the student’s permanent record. Some programs and courses require completion of prerequisite courses prior to enrollment. An “I” grade will not satisfy the prerequisites to such requirements.

Grade Point System 

The following grade point system is to be used in determining averages: 

  • For each credit hour of A: 4 grade points. 
  • For each credit hour of B: 3 grade points. 
  • For each credit hour of C: 2 grade points. 
  • For each credit hour of D: 1 grade point. 
  • For each credit hour of F: 0 grade points. 

The grade point average is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours which the student attempted except for credit hours in courses from which the student withdraws in good standing (see Add/Drop and Withdrawal Standards).. 

Student Status 

Full-Time Student Credit Load 

Minimum Credit Load for Full-time Status ........................... 12 hours

Recommended Credit Load ............................................... 15 hours

Maximum Credit Load (without permission*) ...................... 20 hours

Maximum Credit Load (with permission) ............................. 22 hours 

Any student desiring a credit load of more than 20 hours, including summer semester, must secure permission from the Academic Affairs Office before registering. A student should have a 3.00 cumulative GPA to request more than 20 hours of work. The GPA along with other criteria will be considered in determining overload approval. Part-Time Student Credit Load Any student with a credit load of 1-11 hours will be considered a part-time student. 

Academic Classification 

For administrative purposes, a student will be classified as a freshman until he/she completes 28 semester hours of credit. After such time, the student will be classified as a sophomore. Those not accepted as degree students will be classified as special students. 

The Student Transcript 

A JSCC student transcript will include term and cumulative GPA calculations. The transcript will include the following: 

  • A GPA comprised only of hours taken in courses numbered college level courses 1000 and above ("college only" GPA) and 
  • A GPA comprised of hours taken in college level courses 1000 and above and hours taken in learning support courses ("combined" GPA). 

The following uses are based on each calculation: 

  • The "Total Institution" GPA will be used in calculating the required GPA for graduation. 
  • The "Total Institution" GPA will be used in determining graduation honors. 
  • The "Total Institution" GPA will be used in determining term honors. 
  • The "Overall Combined" GPA will be used in determining suspension and probation. 
  • The "Overall Combined" GPA will be used in determining financial aid eligibility. 
  • The "Overall Combined" GPA will be used in determining athletic eligibility. 

Repeating Courses:

For the purpose of raising a grade point average, a student may only repeat a course in which a previous grade earned is a “C” or lower.  When a course is repeated for the first time, the most recent grade is used in the calculation of the student’s quality/grade point average.  Exceptions to these preceding policies for repeating a course may be granted only with the approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

The grade earned in the thirst and subsequent attempts will be used in calculating the QPA/GPA.  The credit hours earned by repeating a course will be counted only one time in the cumulative total hours earned. 

Veterans repeating courses for which they have passing grades (“D” or higher) are advised to speak with the College’s VA certifying official concerning eligibility for benefits since the VA typically does not pay to repeat a course that has been successfully completed.

Retention Standards 

JSCC GPA 

  • The minimum quality point average required to achieve the associate degree is 2.0. 
  • In addition, a student who fails during any term to attain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 for the credit hours attempted will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent term. 
  • At the end of the next term of enrollment, a student on academic probation who has failed to attain a 2.0 GPA for that term will be suspended for one term. The summer term is not to be counted as the term of suspension but if a student is suspended after the spring term, their required term to sit out would be fall. 
  • Students who have been suspended from the College due to academic performance have the option of filing a suspension appeal to the Admissions and Standards Committee. If the appeal is approved, the student may be allowed to enroll again before the complete suspension period has ended. 
  • Students appeal forms must explain severe extenuating circumstances that contributed to their recent academic performance. Documentation of the extenuating circumstance should be attached to the Academic Suspension Appeal form. A compelling argument for how recent performance would not be repeated if an appeal were granted must also be included. 
  • If the appeal is denied by the Admissions and Standards Committee, the student can appeal to the Vice President of Student Services. 

Add/Drop and Withdrawal Standards 

Add/Drop:
  • After the official registration period is over, students may make adjustments in their schedule through the process of adding and/or dropping courses. The last date for students to add or drop a course without a penalty is indicated in the catalog and JSCC academic calendar. 
  • After the add/drop period ends, and no later than two-thirds into the part-of-term, a student may officially withdraw from a course(s) or the institution.
Withdrawal “W” Grade:
  • The grade of “W” is assigned for a student who officially -withdraws from a course or the college prior to or on the last day to withdraw. The last day to withdraw is listed in the academic calendar. The “W” grade is non-punitive and will appear on the student’s transcript.
  • “W” grades are also assigned to all
  • A withdrawal is initiated by the student.  Students are encouraged to speak with both an academic and financial advisor before withdrawing from a course(s).
Withdrawal from the College:
  •  courses when a student makes a total withdrawal from the college prior to the withdrawal deadline. To withdraw from the college, a student must officially withdraw from all classes. In case of serious illness, serious injury, death, or failure to comply with school policy regarding the repeat of a grade of “B” or higher, the college may administratively withdraw a student. In such cases, the “W” grade will be recorded.
Late Withdrawal:
  • After the deadline to withdrawal has passed, students who can demonstrate unusual circumstances or hardships may request a late withdrawal using the appropriate form and submitting it to the office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs prior to the end of the term.  No late withdrawal will be considered after six (6) weeks from when the term for which the request is being made has ended.  , Please note: Continue attending classes if at all possible until permission is granted. Submitting a request does not signify permission will be granted.
FA Grade:
  • A student who stops attending class and does not officially drop or withdraw from class will receive the grade of FA.

Sources/References:

TBR Policy No.  2.03.01.01