California State University, Dominguez Hills
University Advisement Center
www.csudh.edu/uac
What is Academic Probation?
The University expects all students to maintain good standing (2.0 GPA – “C” average – or
above) in all classes taken at CSUDH, and in all transferable courses from other colleges and
universities. Academic probation at CSUDH results when students receive deficient grade
points below the 2.0 GPA in their CSUDH GPA and/or overall GPA. Undergraduate students on
academic probation are subject to disqualification if they have CSUDH and/or overall GPAs
below the four minimum GPAs listed as follows:
Freshmen (0 – 29 units completed) with a CSUDH or overall GPA below 1.5
Sophomores (30 – 59 units completed) with a CSUDH or overall GPA below 1.7
Juniors (60 – 89 units completed) with a CSUDH or overall GPA below 1.85
Seniors (90+ units completed) with a CSUDH or overall GPA below 1.95
Undergraduate students have two weeks, after being notified of academic disqualification, to file
an Academic Disqualification Appeal to extend their academic probation for one additional
semester. Students must complete an Academic Disqualification form which will be available
after disqualification notification.
To file an appeal, students must believe that they have met the following criteria:
Documentation of serious and compelling circumstances clearly beyond their control
which led to their current academic situation, OR
Ability to clear probation and return to good academic standing (2.0 overall and CSUDH
GPAs) after one additional semester. This means that students can clear their grade
point deficiency balance to a zero.
If the appeal is granted, academic probation may be extended for one additional semester.
Understanding your Grade Point Average (GPA)
One of the first steps in achieving good academic standing is to learn how to calculate your
GPA. Once you know the GPA, you can then figure out exactly what grades you will need to
raise your CSUDH and total grade point averages to 2.0 or higher.
How is GPA calculated?
The grade-point average (GPA) is obtained by dividing the total number of grade points earned
by the total number of GPA units attempted.
Total grade points earned
GPA =
*Total GPA units attempted
* Units from courses in which you earned grades of A-F, IC, or WU.
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How are Grade Points assigned?
As illustrated in the grading chart below, grade points are assigned based on the grade earned
and unit value of the course. To determine the grade point value, the points are multiplied by the
units. For example, if a student took POL 101, a 3-unit course, and earned a C+, the student
would earn 6.9 grade points (3 units X 2.3 points for a C+ = 6.9).
Points
X
1-Unit
Course
2-Unit
Course
3-Unit
Course
4-Unit
Course
5-Unit
Course
A
4.0
Outstanding
4
8
12
16
20
A-
3.7
3.7
7.4
11.1
14.8
18.5
B+
3.3
3.3
6.6
9.9
13.2
16.5
B
3.0
3
6
9
12
15
B-
2.7
2.7
5.4
8.1
10.8
13.5
C+
2.3
2.3
4.6
6.9
9.2
11.5
C
2.0
2
4
6
8
10
C-
1.7
1.7
3.4
5.1
6.8
8.5
D+
1.3
1.3
2.6
3.9
5.2
6.5
D
1.0
Poor
1
2
3
4
5
F, WU, IC
0.0
Failing
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Grades
Good
Average
*Note:
CR grades earn units toward graduation, but are not calculated in your GPA
NC grades do not earn units toward graduation, and are not calculated in your GPA
W grades do not earn units, and are not calculated in your GPA
Example: How to Calculate Your GPA
Semester Courses
ENGL 99
THE 120
PSY 101
MAT 153
BIO 102
Total:
GPA Units
X
Grades
3
3
3
4
3
13
=
CR
A
BC
C+
Grade Points
--12
8.1
8
6.9
35.0
In this example, the student earned 35 total grade points and attempted 13 GPA units (the CR
earned for ENG 99 is NOT calculated in GPA). Therefore to calculate GPA:
GPA =
35 (Grade Pts)
13 (units attempted)
= 2.692
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What is a Grade Point Deficiency or GPD?
A 2.0 GPA is the minimum expectation of the University. Points below the 2.0 GPA become
deficient grade points. Each letter grade has a number of points assigned to it per unit: “A” = 4,
“B” = 3, “C” = 2, “D” = 1, and “F,” “WU,” or “IC” = 0 grade points. This number is multiplied by the
number of units per course. For example a 3 unit “C” grade (2 x 3) gives six (6) grade points. A
grade point deficiency occurs when students fall below the “C” grade point average (2.0 GPA).
Example:
UNITS of
COURSE
WORK
GRADE
POINTS
GRADE
CUMULATIVE
GRADE POINTS
GRADE POINT
DEFICIENCY
“C”
2
X
3
=
6
=
0
“D”
1
X
3
=
3
=
-3
“F/WU/IC”
0
X
3
=
0
=
-6
How can I improve my GPA?
The University expects a minimum of a “C” (2.0 GPA) in students’ overall and CSUDH GPAs.
The only way students can improve their academic standing is to receive “A”s and “B”s to offset
previously earned low grades. This is one way students can reduce their grade point deficiency.
Example:
3 UNIT COURSE
A
3
X
4
=
12
B
C
3
3
X
X
3
2
=
=
9
6
(+6)
(+3)
(+0)
What is the Repeat and Cancel Policy?
The Repeat and Cancel policy may be used only by students working toward a baccalaureate
degree.
1. In the case of a repeated course, the subsequent grade is substituted for the earlier one
in the computation of units attempted and grade point average. The previous course
grade(s) remain(s) on the record, but is/are annotated as being discounted from grade
point average calculations.
2. Repeat and Cancel may only be used on courses taken at CSU Dominguez Hills and
repeated at CSU Dominguez Hills through open university, regular university or special
sessions.
3. Beginning Fall 2009, Repeat and Cancel may be used for no more than 16 semester
units taken at CSU Dominguez Hills during the entire undergraduate degree program.
For most students, this means they can only repeat three to four courses. Any courses
repeated and canceled before the Fall 2009 term do not count toward the 16-unit limit.
4. Repeat and Cancel may be used only on grades of C-, D+, D, F, WU, or IC.
5. Undergraduate students may be permitted to repeat an additional 12 units, i.e. units in
addition to the 16 units for which grade forgiveness is permitted. In such instances the
repeat grade shall not replace the original grade, instead, both grades shall be
calculated into the student's overall grade-point average.
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6. Undergraduate students may repeat an individual course for grade forgiveness no more
than two times.
7. Students must complete a Notice of Repeated Course form for each course repeated
that meets all Repeat and Cancel policy guidelines if the original course was taken prior
to fall 2008 or if they wish to select which eligible courses are to be excluded from the
grade point average computation.
8. A grade entered as a result of the student disciplinary procedures under Executive Order
No. 1043 cannot be cancelled and will be included in the grade point average.
It is important that students who are on academic probation seek advice from an academic
advisor before repeating courses.
NOTE: Any courses repeated and canceled before the fall 2009 term do not count toward the
16-unit limit.
How can I decide if I should Repeat & Cancel?


Make a list of courses in which you received a “C-“or lower at CSUDH.
Consider each class. Can you do better the second time around? If you believe you can
earn a “C” grade or better, enroll in the course or courses using my.csudh.edu. You can
choose a different instructor but the course must be the same course in which you
previously received a C-, D+, D, F, WU, or IC.
Should I drop a course in which I am having trouble?
During the first two weeks of the semester, there are several points to consider which will help
you determine if you should withdraw early or drop any classes in which you could potentially
receive a C-, D+, D, F, WU, or IC.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Are there any prerequisites? Have I met them?
Do I understand the instructor?
Do I understand the assigned book?
Will I have enough time to spend on reading, writing, or research assignments? Note: An
“A” or “B” grade may require as much as nine (9) homework hours per week for each
three (3) unit class.
If you have a negative response to any of these questions, it is now important that you officially
drop/withdraw within the first two weeks of the semester. You must officially drop/withdraw from
any course you do not attend. Failure to do so will result in a “WU” (an administrative “F”). You
cannot afford any “C-“or lower grades.
Should you receive a C-, D+, D, F, WU, or IC in a class and you believe you should have
received a better grade, consider talking with the instructor of that class. Remember, it is your
responsibility to prove to your instructors (with test results or other materials) that you deserve a
better grade.
NOTE: Effective fall 2009 Executive Order 1037 discusses a new withdrawal policy.
Under the new policy, undergraduates may withdraw from no more than 18 semester
units during their entire CSUDH undergraduate college career. Early withdrawal, within
the first two weeks, will not affect this new unit limit for withdrawal.
***It is now imperative you review your courses carefully during the first two weeks of the
semester and make any necessary adjustments.
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