GPA Calculation, Repeats, and Academic Clemency
GPA is computed by multiplying the credits for each course by the grade point value earned, summing those grade points across all courses taken at the college, and dividing by the total number of credits attempted. When an Incomplete ("I") grade is recorded, that course's credits and grade points are excluded from the GPA calculation entirely until the incomplete is resolved, at which point the calculation is updated.
Repeat Policy: a course may be repeated to earn a higher grade; all attempts remain on the transcript, but only the best grade earned at CSM for that course is calculated into the GPA. A course may be taken for credit no more than two times without permission from the appropriate Division Chair or Program Coordinator for a further attempt.
Academic Clemency: removes the credit value and quality points of the affected course(s) from the GPA calculation, though the original grades remain visible on the transcript. Students should be aware that a transfer institution may recalculate the GPA to include the original letter grade(s), which can affect admission or scholarship eligibility.
Source: CSM Catalog 2026-2027, Academic Standards and Policies, "Grade Point Average", "Grade Calculation", "Repeat Policy", "Academic Clemency" headings — verified Aug 2026
Academic Standing
At the end of each semester, a student's academic performance is reviewed to determine if the student is in Good Academic Standing, based on the cumulative GPA for all academic work attempted at CSM.
| Total Credits Attempted | Minimum Cumulative GPA |
|---|---|
| 6 - 18 | 1.50 |
| 19 - 31 | 1.75 |
| 32 - 44 | 1.85 |
| 45 or more | 2.00 |
Students who fall below these standards are placed into one of the following categories:
- Academic Warning (P13): triggered after six credits (or two college-preparatory courses) are attempted and the student falls below the Minimum Standards for Good Standing. Students on academic warning may not register for more than 13 credit hours in a semester and must achieve a 2.00 or higher semester GPA every semester in this status.
- Academic Restriction (P7): results when a student on academic warning fails to reach the Minimum Cumulative GPA and does not achieve a 2.00 semester GPA. Students may register for up to two courses with advisor approval.
- Academic Suspension: results when a student on academic restriction fails to achieve at least a 2.00 GPA during the current enrollment period. Precludes registration for at least one semester (fall or spring).
- Academic Dismissal: a student suspended or dismissed for academic reasons a second or subsequent time is barred from registering for any courses for one full calendar year.
Students placed on academic warning, restriction, suspension, or dismissal may appeal to the Chief Academic Officer, whose decision is final. Appeals must be in writing, received no later than two weeks before the start of the semester in which re-enrollment is sought. Upon reinstatement after suspension or dismissal, a student is placed on Academic Restriction (P7).
Source: CSM Catalog 2026-2027, Academic Standards and Policies, "Academic Standing" heading — verified Aug 2026
Dean's List and Phi Theta Kappa
Students who have earned 12 or more credits at CSM are eligible to be considered for the Dean's List. At the end of the fall, spring, and summer sessions, the Registrar's Office publishes a list of full- and part-time students who completed at least six credits during the semester and earned a term GPA of 3.5 or better.
Currently enrolled students who were on the Dean's List the previous semester are invited to join Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. Students may participate in Phi Theta Kappa once they have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and completed 15 credits.
Source: CSM Catalog 2026-2027, Academic Standards and Policies, "Dean's List" and "Phi Theta Kappa" headings — verified Aug 2026
