GRADING POLICIES AND ACADEMIC PROBATION
What kind of grading system is used at Cal State Fullerton?
Cal State Fullerton uses the traditional grading system of A, B, C, D, and F. Individual instructors have the
option of using pluses and minuses to their grading criteria.
In some cases, students may elect to take courses using the Credit/No Credit option. However, all courses
taken to meet general education requirements and major requirements must be taken for a letter grade.
What is the minimum passing grade?
All business and international core courses must be completed with grades of "C" (2.0) or better. The
concentration courses in the accounting, information systems, management science and foreign language
concentrations also require "C's" (2.0) or better. In these cases, a grade of C- or lower is not a passing
grade and must be repeated. Courses in certain categories of General Education must also be completed
with grades of “C” (2.0) or better. Please see GE requirements for details.
How do you calculate the grade point average?
The grade-point average (GPA) is obtained by dividing the total number of grade points by the number of
units attempted.
GPA = Total Grade Points
Total Units Attempted
The following shows grade point values using the traditional 4-point scale:
A+
A
B+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
Grade Points
4.0
4.0
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.0
1.7
1.3
1.0
0.7
0
What does academic probation mean?
Academic probation means that your Cal State Fullerton or cumulative grade point average has fallen below
2.0. If your record does not improve or if your grade point balance falls below a certain point, you may be
academically disqualified.
What happens if I'm disqualified?
Disqualification means that you are no longer eligible to take courses at CSUF. Under certain
circumstances, you may appeal to regain eligibility.
Undergraduate students on academic probation will be subject to academic disqualification if their grade
point average falls below:
Freshmen (fewer than 30 units)
1.50 in all units attempted or at CSUF
Sophomores (30 – 59 units)
Juniors (60 – 89 units)
Seniors (90 or more units)
1.70 in all units attempted or at CSUF
1.85 in all units attempted or at CSUF
1.95 in all units attempted or at CSUF
For further information, please contact Roberto Coronel in the Academic Advising Center, UH 123.
What is the "Grade Forgiveness Policy"?
Undergraduate students may repeat courses at CSUF for which "C-", “D” or failing grades were earned.
After repeating the course, only the most recently earned grade and grade points will be used in computing
the grade point average. The original grade will still remain on the academic record, but will not be included
in the GPA. The Grade Forgiveness Policy can only be applied to the first 16 units of repeated coursework.
How and when do I apply for the Grade Forgiveness Policy?
You apply for the Grade Forgiveness Policy by completing the appropriate form obtained from the
Admissions and Records Information Center (LH 114). The form should be submitted after the course has
been repeated.
Can I retake a course at the community college?
Equivalent courses may be retaken at a community college, however, the Grade Forgiveness will not apply.
The Grade Forgiveness Policy can only apply if the course is repeated at CSUF.
Do I have to repeat a course in the immediately following semester?
Under the Grade Forgiveness Policy, courses can be repeated at any time. However, in most cases it is
advisable to repeat required courses as soon as possible.
How many times can I repeat a course?
Beginning Fall 2009, you may only repeat the same course two times, for a total maximum enrollment of
three times, regardless of whether these takes occur under Grade Forgiveness or Average Grades.
What do I do if I disagree with a final grade?
If you do not agree with a final grade, you should first speak to the instructor. If the instructor made a
clerical error, administrative error, or where the instructor reevaluated the original course assignments and
discovers an error, the instructor may submit a change of grade.