How your GPA is calculated
Three GPAs appear on a Central Piedmont student's academic record: cumulative GPA, term GPA, and cumulative program GPA.
When a course is repeated, the higher grade is used to recalculate the student's cumulative GPA and cumulative program GPA; all grades earned remain on the transcript.
Students may apply for Academic Forgiveness on certain unsuccessful grades (D, F, I, R) earned at least three college terms prior to applying, for a maximum of 16 credits attempted over three consecutive terms. To qualify, a student must be currently registered for credit classes and must have earned a term GPA of 2.0 or greater while attempting at least 6 credit hours within the 12 months prior to applying. Forgiveness is a one-time, irreversible decision (except in case of college error). Forgiven grades remain on the transcript marked with an "N" prefix (e.g. ND, NF, NR) but no longer calculate into the Cumulative or Program GPA and do not count toward minimum graduation requirements — they do, however, still count toward Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP GPA and 67% completion rate), so forgiveness does not improve financial-aid eligibility.
Source: 3.08 Grading System Policy, Central Piedmont Board of Trustees policy manual — verified Aug 2026
Excessive incompletes, fails, and withdrawals
A student who has received three "I", "F", and/or "W" grades in a given course is not permitted to register again for that course until receiving permission from the division that offers it.
Source: 3.08 Grading System Policy, Central Piedmont Board of Trustees policy manual — verified Aug 2026
Minimum GPA to graduate
A student must have a cumulative 2.0 program GPA to receive a degree, diploma, or certificate. For students enrolled in certain programs, grades of C or better in certain courses may also be required.
Source: 3.08 Grading System Policy, Central Piedmont Board of Trustees policy manual — verified Aug 2026
How forgiven grades transfer
Some transfer colleges and universities may use all grades earned — including those forgiven under Central Piedmont's Academic Forgiveness policy — when computing grade-point averages for admissions and other purposes.
Source: 3.08 Grading System Policy, Central Piedmont Board of Trustees policy manual — verified Aug 2026