Grades and Academic Difficulty

How do I find out my grades?

The Registrar mails grades to students at their permanent address at end of the semester. Grades are also posted on the web and viewable through Interactive Services.

Can a professor really fail me if I miss more than a certain number of classes?

Yes, professors can enforce strict policies on attendance. It is the student's responsibility to find out what each professor expects in terms of attendance. If you must miss class, always try to e-mail or call a professor ahead of time to let him or her know about your absence. Extenuating circumstances, such as an extended illness or personal crisis, should be discussed with the professor or the Dean of Students.

I'm not doing well in a class. What can I do?

You have several options. The best first step is to schedule a meeting with your professor or drop by during his/her office hours to discuss your progress in the class. You may also benefit from a visit to the Writing and Academic Resource Center, located on the 5th floor of 216 Tremont (617/824-7874). They offer writing assistance, tutoring, and workshops on study skills and time management.

If your academic performance is suffering because of personal problems, the Counseling Center on the 2nd floor of 216 Tremont (617/824-8595) is available to assist you. Call the Academic Advising Center at 617/824-7876 and make an appointment to learn more about these options and discuss alternative plans, such as withdrawing from a course or asking for an Incomplete.

What do I need to do to avoid Academic Probation?

First year students need to maintain a 1.7 GPA and all other students must maintain a 2.0 in order to avoid Academic Probation. All students must also successfully complete at least 75% of attempted coursework. A grade of WP, WF, I or F does not constitute successful completion of a course. For instance, a student who receives 2 A's and 2 WP's, resulting in a 4.0 GPA but only 50% successful completion of attempted coursework, would be put on academic probation.

If a student is put on probation as a result of GPA or the "75% rule", they have the following semester to improve their standing. Two semesters in a row of academic probation will result in academic suspension. If suspended, students must leave the college for no less than a year. After a year they may petition to the Office of Academic Affairs to be reinstated.