Grade Review Overview

At the end of each long semester (Fall and Spring), the institution reviews all students who are below a 2.0 GPA cumulatively and/or for that term. Below you will find additional information on how this process works, possible outcomes, and resources.

FAQ

Probation Information

Suspension Information

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Variance mean?: What does Variance mean?
In grade review, the institution bases outcomes on a student's variance. Students’ grades are weighed based on the number of credit hours of a class and the grade they earn. In order to remain in good academic standing, students must earn at least a “0” in variance points in both their semester and overall GPA - this equates to a 2.0 GPA. Earning A’s and B’s will add points to the overall variance while earning D’s and F’s will remove points from the overall variance. Earning a “C” does not earn either positive or negative variance points, because a C is considered a 2.0 and a 2.0 GPA is considered “good” academic standing.

Here is an example of how variance would be calculated for a sample schedule:

MATH 150 (4 credit hours) - Grade: B
ENGL 104 (3 credit hours) - Grade: B
POLS 206 (3 credit hours) - Grade: C
CHEM 119 (4 credit hours) - Grade: A

A grade of A equates to +2 times the number of class credit hours; a grade of B equates to +1 times the number of class credit hours; a grade of C equates to 0. So this student achieved a variance of (1 x 4) + (1 x 3) + (0 x 3) + (2 x 4), for a total term variance of +15. If this student started the term with a cumulative variance of +10, you would add these numbers together to calculate their new cumulative variance of +25.
How do I calculate my GPA and/or Variance?: How do I calculate my GPA and/or Variance?
Click here and download the GPA/Variance Calculator spreadsheet; this is the easiest way to calculate possible GPA and Variance outcomes.
What is the Variance cut-off for University Suspension?: What is the Variance cut-off for University Suspension?
While each student is considered through holistic review in the grade review process, there is a standardized variance threshold that places students on University Level Suspension. Dependent on their classification, a student with a cumulative variance below these thresholds will be placed on University Level Suspension unless removed for extenuating circumstances.

U1 - Freshman: Grade point deficit of -18
U2 - Sophomore: Grade point deficit of -18
U3 - Junior: Grade point deficit of -14
U4 - Senior: Grade point deficit of -10
What does Probation mean?: What does Probation mean?
Probation is permission granted by your college and department to continue in your program for the coming semester even though you have not met the academic requirements. If you are on probation, you will receive notification, by e-mail, from your college.

The letter will outline the terms of probation—special things that must be done in order to regain good standing. Terms of probation often include meeting grade requirements, registering in specific courses, meeting regularly with an academic advisor or an academic coach, or attending an academic assistance program.
What does Dismissal/Suspension mean?: What does Dismissal/Suspension mean?
There are three possible levels of Dismissal/Suspension for students in Galveston majors. You will also receive a letter from your college explaining that you have been dismissed/suspended. This is an important letter, because it provides details on your level of dismissal and outlines how you can appeal a dismissal.

You can be dismissed from your major. In this case, you will be required to gain entry into an alternate major in order to continue at the University. Typically, your primary option will be to shift into the General Academics major temporarily while working to regain good standing.

You can be dismissed from the college. This requires you to take one full term (Fall or Spring) away from the institution. In order to continue at the institution following your semester away, you must apply for readmission.

You can be suspended from the university. This requires you take one full year (one Fall term and one Spring term) away from the institution. In order to continue at the institution following your semester away, you must apply for readmission.
How do I know my grade review outcome?: How do I know my grade review outcome?
Grade review will take place immediately following the posting of final grades. The process can take several days, so you can anticipate receiving information on your status within one week of grades posting. For all possible outcomes, you will receive an e-mail to your official University account with the details of your status. If you are placed on University Level Suspension, you will additionally receive a paper copy of the notification at your permanent address.
Can I appeal my probation/suspension?: Can I appeal my probation/suspension?
If you are placed on academic probation, it is not possible to appeal that decision. If you have a grade change or other special situation that brings your GPA above a 2.0, both cumulatively and for the term, you can request removal from probation.

If you receive any of the three possible dismissal/suspension outcomes, you are able to appeal. Please look at the section below titled "Information for Students on Suspension/Dismissal" for details.
What is the deadline to appeal suspension?: What is the deadline to appeal suspension?
Students will have 10 business days following notification of suspension or dismissal (or 5 business days before the start of fall/spring - whichever comes first) to initiate an appeal through the proper channels. Students should not delay in starting their appeal process. If the student does not initiate an appeal within the stated time frame then the original decision will be upheld.
Will this impact my financial aid?: Will this impact my financial aid?
While being below a 2.0 GPA could impact your financial aid eligibility, the requirements and processes related to financial aid are wholly separate from the academic grade review process. As such, being placed on academic probation will not impact your aid eligibility in and of itself.

To learn more about the specific requirements for maintaining eligibility for financial aid purposes, click here.
How are decisions made in Grade Review?: How are decisions made in Grade Review?
Once final grades post, any students below a 2.0 GPA, cumulatively and/or for the term, are automatically pulled into the grade review process. These students go through a two-level holistic review process. Each student is first reviewed first at the departmental level, based on their major, and then at the college level.

If a student's variance falls below the threshold for University Level Suspension, they begin with that default outcome. Students are only removed from that outcome if significant extenuating circumstances are known by the academic department or college.

For all other students, decisions are made based on a combination of GPA, variance, progression in degree, specific course grades, engagement with support opportunities, and any other known factors.
What is the Pathways program?: What is the Pathways program?
Any student placed on Probation Level 2, and some placed on Departmental Suspension, is required to participate in the Pathways Program. It is designed for students that may benefit from regular and structured support, and provides a semester-long plan for improving success. The weekly Pathways Learning Community session is supplemented with personalized professional and peer coaching across the course of the semester. Following notification of your probationary status, you will receive follow up communications with required next steps for this program.

Students that are placed on Probation Level 1, or are not in the grade review process, are welcome to opt in to Pathways if they feel it will benefit them. To discuss this option, contact coaching@tamug.edu.
What is the Pathways Thrive program?: What is the Pathways Thrive program?
Some students are placed into the Pathways Thrive program through either the Grade Review or Suspension/Dismissal Appeal process. This specialized program is aimed at improving outcomes for students with critically deficit variances. If you are placed in the Thrive Program, you will complete a contract outlining the requirements you must meet for the term.

Information for Students on Probation

If you are below a 2.0 GPA, either cumulatively or for the term, but are above the threshold for suspension - you will be placed on academic probation. Your probation letter states whether you are on Probation Level 1 or Probation Level 2. It will additionally detail the terms of your probation level.

Probation Level 1

If you are placed on Probation Level 1, there are not any specific academic requirements you must complete during your probationary term. We strongly encourage you to utilize available support services in order to get your GPA above 2.0 by the end of the term. Though you are not required to participate in the Pathways Program for Level 1 Probation, contact coaching@tamug.edu if you with to opt in.

Probation Level 2

Students on Probation Level 2 are provided added support through participation in the Pathways Program. This program includes enrollment in a 0-credit-hour course as well as one-on-one meetings with both professional and peer coaches. It is designed to help you develop academic skills and connect with campus resources that will aid in bringing your GPA back up to the required 2.0. Your probation letter includes further details on the requirements for the Pathways Program, including your next steps to get registered.

Information for Students on Suspension/Dismissal

There are three possible levels of Suspension or Dismissal; be sure to consult your grade review letter to identify your level of Suspension/Dismissal.

Departmental Dismissal

If you have received a Departmental Dismissal, you are able to continue on at Texas A&M Galveston in a different program of study. You must complete an application to change to an alternate major in order to continue. In some cases, it might be possible to move directly into another degree-granting program on the campus. In most cases, though, we encourage you to apply for the General Academics program. General Academics, or GACD, is a holding place major. Students may enter GACD for up to two terms while working towards entry into their desired degree-granting major.

In order to appeal your Departmental Dismissal, you should work with your departmental academic advisor.

Campus Dismissal

If you have received a Campus Dismissal, you must take at least one long semester (fall or spring) away from the institution. We strongly encourage you to talk with your departmental academic advisor in order to develop a plan for your term away; taking classes at a community college is encouraged to stay on track with your program. In order to return to the institution following your semester away, you must complete the application process to be re-admitted.

In order to appeal your Campus Dismissal, your first step will be meeting with an academic coach. You will receive additional information via e-mail, or reach out directly to coaching@tamug.edu.

University Suspension

If you have received a University Suspension, you must take at least two long semester (fall and spring) away from the institution. We strongly encourage you to talk with your departmental academic advisor in order to develop a plan for your term away; taking classes at a community college is encouraged to stay on track with your program. In order to return to the institution following your time away, you must complete the application process to be re-admitted.

If you intend to appeal, note that you MUST initiate your appeal prior to the deadline. Students will have 10 business days following notification of suspension or dismissal (or 5 business days before the start of fall/spring - whichever comes first) to initiate an appeal through the proper channels. Students should not delay in starting their appeal process. If the student does not initiate an appeal within the stated time frame then the original decision will be upheld.

In order to appeal your University Suspension, your first step will be meeting with an academic coach. You will receive additional information via e-mail, or reach out directly to coaching@tamug.edu.

Additional Resources

Academic Coaching

General Academics

Academic Advising