UGS Committee Resolution on Grade Forgiveness

Whereas, the University of Delaware has an existing policy that allows students to repeat courses, and,

Whereas, a student’s grade point average (GPA) currently is calculated by averaging all grades received for the course, and,

Whereas, many students find their first year in college difficult and may find themselves lacking the background necessary for some of their courses, and,

Whereas, students who receive poor grades in an introductory course for their major often can benefit from repeating such a course before proceeding to more advanced courses, and,

Whereas, the University of Delaware is committed to creating an environment that supports academic exploration and flexibility in addition to being one that is academically demanding, be it therefore,

Resolved, that grade forgiveness (where only the second grade will be used to recalculate the student’s GPA) would take place under the following conditions:

1) Eligible courses are those for which a grade of less than “C” was given.

2) Up to two separate courses, not exceeding eight credits, are eligible.

3) The course(s) must be retaken within one year after the original course(s).

4) The student will be allowed to repeat such courses once for an improved grade.

5) Only the second grade will be used to recalculate the student’s GPA.

6) The original course and grade will remain on the student’s transcript.

7) Students who wish to utilize grade forgiveness first must discuss it with their academic advisor and must apply in advance through their Dean’s office.or through the Registrar’s office?

Be it further Resolved, that the following undergraduate students at the University of Delaware are eligible for grade forgiveness:

1) “Traditional” (first-time matriculated) students at the Newark Campus are eligible up to and including the semester in which they accumulate their first 24 credits for courses taken on campus (i.e. their first year).

2) Transfer students to the Newark campus are eligible for courses taken during their first semester on campus.

3) Associate in Arts (AA) students are eligible up to and including the semester in which they accumulate 24 credits for courses taken at their satellite campus. If students do not utilize grade forgiveness while in the AA program, then they would be eligible as are transfer students.

This policy is effective beginning 9/1/12.