Understanding the UWGB GPA Calculation Method: A Comprehensive Guide

Calculating your Grade Point Average (GPA) at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) is crucial for understanding your academic standing, eligibility for financial aid, and overall progress toward your degree. This article provides a detailed explanation of the UWGB GPA calculation method, drawing from the 2016-2017 catalog and other relevant information.

Introduction

Your GPA serves as a numerical representation of your academic performance at UWGB. It is a weighted average of the grades you have earned in your courses, calculated on a 4.0 scale. Understanding how your GPA is calculated is essential for monitoring your academic progress and ensuring you meet the university's requirements for good standing, financial aid, and graduation.

Key Definitions

Before diving into the calculation, let's define some key terms:

Credits Earned: Credits that count toward the 120 credits required for a bachelor’s degree.
Credits Attempted: Number of credits (excluding audit credits) where a final grade and quality points have been awarded, which are used to calculate grade point average for the term and cumulatively.
Grade Points: Numerical values assigned to letter grades (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0).
Cumulative GPA: Grade point average for all completed terms at UW-Green Bay. It is calculated by dividing the cumulative total grade points earned by the cumulative total grade point credits earned.
Resident GPA: The GPA calculated using only courses taken at UW-Green Bay.
Academic Standing: A student is in good academic standing if the student’s cumulative resident grade point average is 2.00 or greater.

The GPA Calculation Process

The GPA calculation at UWGB involves the following steps:

Assigning Grade Points: Each letter grade you receive is assigned a numerical value:

Read also: Decoding the 5.0 GPA Scale
- A = 4.0
- B = 3.0
- C = 2.0
- D = 1.0
- F = 0.0
Calculating Grade Points Earned per Course: Multiply the grade points for each course by the number of credits the course is worth. For example, if you earn a B in a 3-credit course, you earn 3.0 (grade points) * 3 (credits) = 9 grade points for that course.
Calculating Total Grade Points Earned: Sum the grade points earned for all courses taken at UWGB.
Calculating Total Credits Attempted: Sum the number of credits for all courses taken at UWGB where a final grade (A-F) was assigned. Courses with grades of P-NC, incomplete, grades removed by repeat and audit grades and transfer credits have no effect on grade point average.
Calculating GPA: Divide the total grade points earned by the total credits attempted.
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GPA = (Total Grade Points Earned) / (Total Credits Attempted)
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For instance, if you earned a total of 45 grade points and attempted 15 credits, your GPA would be 45 / 15 = 3.0.

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Example GPA Calculation

Let's consider a hypothetical student who has taken the following courses:

Course 1: 3 credits, Grade A
Course 2: 4 credits, Grade B
Course 3: 3 credits, Grade C
Course 4: 2 credits, Grade D

Grade Points: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1
Grade Points Earned per Course:
- Course 1: 4.0 * 3 = 12
- Course 2: 3.0 * 4 = 12
- Course 3: 2.0 * 3 = 6
- Course 4: 1.0 * 2 = 2
Total Grade Points Earned: 12 + 12 + 6 + 2 = 32
Total Credits Attempted: 3 + 4 + 3 + 2 = 12

Read also: GPA Calculation at UAB
GPA: 32 / 12 = 2.67

Factors Affecting GPA

Several factors can influence your GPA at UWGB:

Course Grades: The most direct impact on your GPA comes from the grades you earn in your courses. Higher grades result in higher grade points, which increase your GPA.
Credit Hours: Courses with more credit hours have a greater impact on your GPA. A low grade in a high-credit course can significantly lower your GPA, while a high grade can significantly raise it.
Repeated Courses: If a course is repeated, the original attempt will still appear on the transcript with the grade earned. If a course is transferred in and then repeated at UW-Green Bay, the grade received when taken at UW-Green Bay will be used to determine the credits earned, attempted credits, grade points earned, and grade point average both for the term and cumulatively. The original transfer course and grade will no longer count toward degree requirements or total credits earned toward a degree. If a course is taken at UW-Green Bay, and then repeated at another institution and transferred to UW-Green Bay, the credits earned and grade received for the course taken at UW-Green Bay is still used to calculate the cumulative GPA, cumulative attempted credits, grade points earned and grade point average.
Incomplete Grades: An incomplete (I) grade can affect your GPA temporarily. If the incomplete coursework is not finished by the deadline (the end of the subsequent semester), the "I" grade lapses to a final F grade, which will negatively impact your GPA.

Academic Standing and GPA Requirements

UWGB has specific GPA requirements for maintaining good academic standing:

Good Standing: A student is in good academic standing if the student’s cumulative resident grade point average is 2.00 or greater. Academic standing is reviewed at the end of each academic term. Every student is expected to maintain at least a 2.00 grade point average on all work carried in every term, including summer session.
Academic Probation: A student in good standing will be placed on academic probation if he/she earns a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.00 but greater than 1.00. A student will be allowed no more than two consecutive academic terms to remove him/herself from probation.
Strict Probation: If a student is on probation and earns a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.00 at the end of the probationary term, he/she will be placed on strict probation.
Academic Suspension: An academic suspension action is taken when a student’s achievement record indicates a need to interrupt enrolled status.

Financial Aid and GPA

Maintaining a satisfactory GPA is crucial for financial aid eligibility. The Financial Aid Office measures Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) after each term of attendance. The standards measured are as follows:

Cumulative GPA: Students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 1.00 at all times. Associate's degree students must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 by the end of their second term at UW-Green Bay. Bachelor's degree students must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 by the end of their third term at UW-Green Bay.
Cumulative Completion Rate: You must pass 67% of the overall credits attempted. Attempts are counted regardless of whether or not aid was received for that term and will include all credits, including test, transfer, etc.
UW-Green Bay Completion Rate: In addition to the completion rate (above), you must pass 50% of cumulative UW-Green Bay credits attempted. Attempts are counted regardless of whether or not aid was received for that term.
Cumulative Attempted Credit Maximum: Associate’s Degree: Requires 60 credits to earn the degree. For financial aid purposes, you can attempt a maximum of 90 credits (150% of the program requirements). Bachelor’s Degree: Requires 120 credits to earn the degree. For financial aid purposes, you can attempt a maximum of 180 credits (150% of the program requirements).

If you fail to meet these SAP requirements, you may lose your financial aid eligibility. However, you may appeal this decision by submitting an Appeal for Reinstatement of Aid form, along with clarification from your advisor outlining the overall requirements and remaining curriculum, as well as the anticipated graduation date.

Strategies for Improving Your GPA

If you are not satisfied with your GPA or are at risk of falling below the required GPA for good standing or financial aid, consider these strategies:

Focus on Academic Performance: Prioritize your studies and strive to earn the best possible grades in all your courses.
Seek Help When Needed: If you are struggling in a course, seek help from your professor, teaching assistants, or tutors. UWGB offers various academic support services to help students succeed.
Manage Your Time Effectively: Effective time management can help you stay on top of your coursework and avoid falling behind.
Repeat Courses (If Necessary): If you earned a low grade in a course, consider repeating it to improve your GPA. Keep in mind the regulations regarding repeated courses and financial aid eligibility.
Address Incomplete Grades: Make sure to complete any incomplete coursework before the deadline to avoid the "I" grade lapsing to an F.
Utilize Academic Forgiveness (If Eligible): Returning students who have not enrolled in any courses at UW-Green Bay for a minimum of three consecutive years prior to re-admission may be eligible to request academic forgiveness. If granted, all grades received from courses taken three or more years before readmission will be excluded when calculating the student’s cumulative grade point average on their academic transcript.

Grade Appeals

Any student who is dissatisfied and wishes to appeal a particular course grade, must first contact the instructor who issued the grade. If the student is still dissatisfied, he or she may appeal further to the department chair. The chairperson, in turn, consults with the course instructor.

Additional Academic Policies

Credit Load

Maximum Credit Load: A student in good standing may register for a maximum of 18 credits during any regular session of fall, spring or summer semester and may register for a maximum of six credits in the January semester, no exceptions. A student who wants to enroll in more than 18 credits in fall, spring or summer semester must obtain written approval in advance from their faculty or academic advisor, using the credit overload petition before the first day of classes.
Minimum Credit Load: A specific minimum number of credits (excluding audit credits) that a student must carry to be eligible for certain programs and benefits. A student may register for or reduce a program below 12 credits in a semester with the understanding that for certain purposes he or she will be considered a part-time student.

Enrollment Status

A degree-seeking student is enrolled in a program of study and plans to earn an Associate or Bachelor degree at the undergraduate level.
A special student is not seeking a degree, but taking courses.
Enrollment status is based on number of credits enrolled.

Course Add/Drop Policies

Enrolled students are able to add individual regular, 14 week semester-long courses during the first two weeks of the fall/spring semester with no academic grade assigned and no financial penalty. Week 3 to last day of classes: Students must submit a faculty-approved Late Add form. Students will be assessed a late add fee for each course. Students are not able to retroactively late add courses or once final examinations have begun in the semester.
Enrolled students are able to drop individual regular 14 week semester-long courses during the first two weeks of the fall/spring semester with no academic grade assigned or financial penalty. Week 3 to week 6: Students can drop classes on their own and a DR (drop grade) will appear on the transcript. Week 7 to the end of the term: Drops are not allowed. Students must submit a Late Drop Petition which must be approved by the Enrollment Review Committee. Petitions are only approved for extenuating circumstances with supporting documentation. If a late drop is granted, students remain responsible for the tuition and fees assessed for the course as they received instruction and held a seat in the course. A DR (drop grade) will appear on the transcript. From the start of week two up the half the course duration (50%), a student may drop the course, and a DR (drop grade) will appear on the transcript. Following one day after half the course duration, a student must submit a Late Drop Petition which must be approved by the Enrollment Review Committee. Petitions are only approved for extenuating circumstances with supporting documentation. If a late drop is granted, students remain responsible for the tuition and fees assessed for the course as they received instruction and held a seat in the course.
Financial adjustments for course drops vary based on the effect on course load and timing of the drop.

Attendance

A student is expected to attend all class sessions. Failure to attend class does not alter academic or financial obligations. If, for any reason, a student is unable to attend classes during the first week of the semester, he or she is responsible for notifying the instructor(s), in writing, of the reason for nonattendance and indicate intentions to complete the course. Failure to attend classes during the first week of the semester may result in an administrative drop by the instructor.

Religious Beliefs

In accordance with Board of Regents Policy (UWS 22.01), sincerely held religious beliefs shall be reasonably accommodated with respect to all examinations and other academic requirements.

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