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Feeling Like a
Prisoner of Bad Grades?
There is a lot of help out there.  If you need help with classes you can get a lot of it at Marshall.  There are many classes and student services to help you do better in classes.  Below you will find some suggestions to get help.
Why Am I Behind?
Your Professor
Your Advisor
Your Catalog
D/F Repeat Rule
Writing Center
Tutoring Center
Counseling Center
Disabled Student  
Services
Academic Advising  
Center

Learning Skills Classes

UNI 101
New Student Seminar
Study Hints
New Student Guide
H.E.L.P. Program
 
Why Are You Behind?
      In order to maintain a "C" average, you must maintain quality points that average a 2.0.  Each time you get a "C" you maintain a 2.0 average.  When you get below a "C" you get one deficiency point per letter grade below a "C" for each hour of credit.  If you get a "D" in a three hour class, you would receive three deficiency points.  If you get a grade above a "C" in a course, you get an extra quality point for each letter above a "C" for each credit.  If you get a "B" in a three hour course you will receive three extra quality points. 
      When you get a grade below a "C," you must counter the deficiency points by getting a grade in a course which is equivalent to the grade you received below the "C."  For a "D," you will need to get a "B" in a course with the same number of hours to counter the deficiency points.  In other words, for each hour of "D" you will need an hour of "B" to cancel the deficiency points.  For each hour of "F," you will need an hour of "A" to cancel out the deficiency points.  
      However, there is another way to cancel your deficiencies or improve your quality points. Index
The D/F Repeat Policy
      For any class in which  you earn a "D" or "F" during the first attempted 60 hours of classes, you may repeat the class before you graduate and the new grade, whether higher or lower, will replace the original grade.  For example, if you retake an "F" and get a "C" the second time you will get rid of the deficiency points for that F grade.  Repeating an "F" grade and getting a "C" in the class is the equivalent of taking another class and getting an "A" in it.  Repeating a "D" grade and getting a "C" is the equivalent of taking another class and getting a "B" to get rid of the deficiencies.  If you get a grade higher than a "C" when repeating a class, you get surplus quality points. 
      To repeat a "D" or "F", you must take the same course (some substitutions are available for discontinued classes, consult your Associate Dean).  The grade you get the second time, except for a "W," will replace the grade for you GPA calculation.  The original grade will remain on you transcript but will be marked as a repeat.  When repeating a D or F you must fill out a form which you can get in the College of Liberal Arts Office, 107 Old Main.  The second grade becomes the permanent grade and cannot be subject to the D/F repeat policy again.  However, you can retake the class and the new grade will be included in your GPA without replacing the repeat grade.   Index
Your Professor
      The person who knows the most about your course and its requirements is your professor.  If you find yourself lost or not understanding, ask your professor in class when you get lost or confused or immediately after class when your questions are fresh.  If you cannot speak with the professor at  either of these times, check the professor's office hours and go by and see him/her.  
      Faculty Members' Office Hours can be found on your syllabi, the faculty members' doors or on their Web Pages.  You can connect to Departmental Web Pages from  the Liberal Arts Home Page  Professors are glad to discuss class with you.  If they are busy, they will make an appointment to help you.  

      Please keep this in mind.  The only stupid question is one not asked.  If you don't know or understand something ask.  By asking questions you help the professor know whether or not you understand, and you often help other students who are too shy to ask a question.  When you don't understand and you ask questions you get answers.  When you don't understand and you don't ask questions, you get "Fs."    Index

Your Advisor
      If you need advice about studying or classes, see your Advisor.  Each Liberal Arts Student an Advisor when they declare a Major (Undecided Students are assigned to the Academic Advising Center).  If you do not know your Advisor, stop and see him/her.  If you don't know who your Advisor is, go to the College of Liberal Arts Office, 107 Old Main, and they will tell you who you advisor is.  
     Your Advisor can be especially helpful in planning your academic career and in scheduling classes.  Freshmen and Sophomores must see their Advisor to schedule classes.     Index
Classes to Help You Study and Learn 
  There are many classes which are designed to help you improve your studying and to do better in classes.  Some of these are:  
UNI 101 New Student Seminar. 1 hr. CR/NC;  
COL 098 Reading Improvement. 3 hrs. CR/NC. 
COL 138 Academic Skills Review. 3 hrs. CR/NC.     Index
 
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Modified August 27, 2009 by Sam Dameron, LA and CJ Web Master