For degree granting schools such as Westwood, we must evaluate a students progress at least every 8 weeks since we are not on an academic semester. In order for students to graduate they must have at least an overall GPA of 2.0 on the 4.0 grading system as well as as satisfactory grades in all required courses.
Ashley ,
Your answer is correct, according to the TWC CSC rules. In addition and, apart from the GPA requirement for graduating, does your Satisfactory Progress policy contain provisions for minimum required GPA at points in time prior to graduating?
JP Mehlmann
My school campus, I evaluate students at mid-point of six week term, and re-evaluate and end of term, they must complete all courses and maintain 2.0GPA.
A school must evaluate student progress at least every eight weeks, for a school that is offering a course longer than eight weeks there should be mid term grade or messure. The minumum requirements for graduation would be a cum gpa of 2.0 and completion of all course work.
Karina,
That sounds correct. When you say "completion of all course work", do you mean that the student has passed all courses? This is a standard provision of most progress policies. Some policies require a minimum grade for all courses such as a "B" or "C".
JP Mehlmann
We evaluate student progress at the end of each six week term for morning students and the end of each eight week term for evening and/or online students. Students must complete the entire program of study and earn a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale to complete the program and graduate.
Kevin,
I'm assuming you meet with the student at midpoint and counsel the student, do you include a contract or better yet an improvement plan with checkpoints that an academic advisor and instructor assess?
Minnie,
I don't know if Kevin is available to reply so I will try: you need to document that progress is being monitored and action taken to help students improve. Many schools use some type of student advisement form and/or improvement plan with the students name, program, progress info etc., as well as the student's signature. The student must be aware of the consequences of not meeting the satisfactory progress requirements.
JP Mehlmann
90% attendance and 70% on all other categories.
Thomas,
Keep in mind that the TWC rules state any program in excess of 200 clock hours, progress must be evaluated at least every eight weeks. For credit hour programs, evaluation of a student's progress comes at the midpoint and end-of term for academic semester or academic quarter or at least every eight weeks.
JP Mehlmann
The evaluation of students in programs is determined by the length of the program and it's policies. For example: Progress for programs over 200 clock hours will assess progress at the end of each grading period not over eight weeks. Graduation is determined by the requirements of the program.
Minnie,
Usual graduation requirements include some variation of the following: passing each course, cumulative GPA of 2.0, attendance of 80% of the program, and completion within 150% of the normal time to complete.
JP Mehlmann
At our school, students are given Progress reports for grades and attendance every three week grading cycle, which is 90 hours of class time.
James,
That sounds within the TWC CSC rules. What are your requirements for graduation? Also, if visited by the CSC, you might be asked to provide documentation of advising and/or other actions taken for students not meeting the progress policy.
JP Mehlmann
We evaluate student performance at the end of every grading period. Students who fail to achieve minimum requirements at the end of a period meet with one of our advisors to determine the best path moving forward. Failure to meet minimum standards for 2 consecutive grading periods may result in suspension.
Dave,
This is fine as long as progress is evaluated at least every eight weeks. Graduation requirements usually include: the student satisfactorily pass all courses and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
JP Mehlmann
Our institution carries it even further. Instructors review and meet with any student who is struggling in class on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Struggling is defined as no participation in class, work submission for grading is late, and grades for weekly quizes are poor. The goal is to make a positive impact early enough for the student to progress with passing grades the first time and have a positive, successful academic experience. We provide tutoring for our students in need of help. The key is early intervention.
Dan,
Excellent points. The progress policy rules are intended to ensure that students are advised on their progress PRIOR to any negative consequences such as loss of aid eligibility, probation, and/or termination. Early intervention helps minimize the worst consequences.
JP Mehlmann
Students are required to pass with a 70% in all three week classes within their program. That program length can be anywhere from 45 weeks to 90 weeks, depending on what they signed up for. The overall attendance has to be 90% or above at the time of their graduation. Our Student Services Department monitors that.
Schools with programs of 200+ clock hours must evaluate student progress at the end of every grading period (not to exceed 8 weeks) and students must have cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in order to graduate.
