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April 2: Update to students from Provost Knetl

Campus Announcement from Dr. Brian Knetl, Provost

Requesting a Financial Credit to Retake a Class and the New Grade Option for Winter 2020: Credit/No Credit

Dear Students,

Earlier this week you were sent an email previewing options GRCC is implementing for students currently enrolled in Winter 2020 courses. We appreciate your continued patience as we have worked through these details.

Everyone at GRCC encourages you to continue in your classes and finish strong! Every day you are closer to completion! We know many of you have adapted well to the changing circumstances, but GRCC wants to be flexible and responsive to your concerns.

Accordingly, we are providing several options for your consideration. You will have the option to continue in your classes for the remainder of the semester and accept the final grade you earned. At the end of the semester, after grades have been recorded, you will have the option to change a letter grade to a Credit/No Credit grade. GRCC is also offering the option to retake a Winter 2020 class at a later semester.

Additionally, GRCC is suspending the Academic Standing Policy for Winter 2020, and as such a student’s academic standing will not be adversely affected by Winter 2020 grades.

Please note that the class retake option is time-sensitive. You will need to withdraw from your class(es) by April 10, 2020, to participate in this option (details below).

Take care,

Dr. Brian Knetl, GRCC Provost 

Requesting a Financial Credit to Retake a Class

Students are being offered a one-time opportunity to request a tuition and course fee financial credit that will cover the retake of their Winter 2020 semester class(es). To participate in this option, please review the details below:

  • Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an advisor or a faculty member in their program before selecting this option. If receiving financial aid, you should also consult with a financial aid specialist as well.
  • If an employer or other organization is paying tuition for the student, the student should consult with the employer to determine if retaking a class is an acceptable option.
  • Middle College and dual-enrolled students should consult with their high school counselor and the GRCC Director of High School Partnerships (rsterk@grcc.edu or 616-234-2583).
  • The tuition and course fee financial retake credit can be applied to Summer 2020, Fall 2020, or Winter 2021 semesters. You do not have to retake your classes in the same semester.
  • Winter 2020 semester classes that were completed by March 11, 2020, are not eligible for the retake credit.
  • You must withdraw from your class(es) by April 10, 2020, to be eligible for financial credit on your student account to retake your class(es). See Steps 1 and 2 below.
  • If you are unsure when you want to retake the class(es), please wait to complete the Future Retake Credit Form until you have your class(es) rescheduled for a later semester (i.e., Steps 3 and 4 below do not have to be completed by April 10, 2020 - only the withdrawal step).

Step 1 - Determine Class(es) to Retake

  • Determine which Winter 2020 class(es) you wish to retake in a future semester -- either Summer 2020, Fall 2020, or Winter 2021.
  • Seek advice from an Academic Advisor and Financial Aid Specialist. 

Step 2 - Withdraw and Reenroll in Class(es)

  • Log into your Online Student Center.
  • Withdraw from Winter 2020 class(es) no later than April 10, 2020.

Step 3 - Re-enroll and Request Financial Credit for Retake Class(es)

  • Reenroll in the same class(es) for a future semester -- either Summer 2020, Fall 2020, or Winter 2021.
  • Log into your Online Student Center. From the Student Home Page, click on the "Future Retake Credit Request" tile.
  • Review the information provided on the request form -- the action in step 2 will automatically populate your information into the request form. 
  • Confirm that you discussed your decision with an academic advisor and -- if you receive financial aid or plan to receive financial aid in a future semester -- a financial aid specialist.
  • From the drop-down menu on the form, select the class for which you wish to receive a future retake credit.
  • Select "Yes" under the Request Credit column.
  • To add another class, click the + icon to insert a row and repeat these steps.
  • Select "Submit" once you have added all classes. 

Step 4 - Confirm Process Completion

  • The class(es) selected for retake credit will appear as a "W" on your college transcript.
  • Any approved credit amount will count as estimated financial assistance in the semester in which it is used.
  • After submission, you will be notified through your GRCC email once your retake credit has been applied to your account.

New Grade Option for Winter 2020: Credit/No Credit

Students will be provided with the opportunity at the end of the semester to petition for a class to be changed to a credit/no credit (CR/NC) grade. Faculty will grade classes as they normally would. Students who earn a C grade or higher will have the option to petition for a CR (credit) grade. Students who earn a C-minus or lower will have the option to petition for an N (no credit) grade. Students must submit a petition for this change by May 12, 2020.
 
What students need to know about CR/NC grades:

  • Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an advisor, a faculty member in their program, and a financial aid specialist before selecting this option. Middle College and dual-enrolled students should consult with their high school counselor and the GRCC Director of High School Partnerships.
  • Before selecting this option, students who plan to transfer should consult with transfer institutions to understand how CR/NC grades will be accepted.
  • This option provides students with maximum flexibility. Students who want or need a letter grade will have the option to keep a letter grade on their transcript.
  • A CR grade is equal to a “C or higher.”
  • CR/NC grades are not factored in students’ overall cumulative GPA calculation.
  • CR grades will count toward graduation and degree requirements at GRCC unless prohibited by external accreditors or specific program requirements.
  • If an employer or other organization is paying tuition for the student, the student should consult with this organization to determine if a CR/NC grade is an acceptable option.
  • Students will be provided with the opportunity at the end of the semester to petition for a course to be changed to credit/no credit (CR/NC) grading. Communication and a petition form will be sent to all registered students after winter semester 2020 grades are recorded.
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