It is common for students to repeat courses for a varying number of reasons. The current policy states that students may attempt a course three times, but that will be changing this summer.
Effective Summer 2020, students may only attempt a course two times
. More information about the policy can be found
here
and described in more detail below.
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The policy states that students may attempt a course twice. What does that mean? If a student completed the course and earned a final grade, that counts as one attempt. If a student late drops a course, that also counts as an attempt.
If a student withdraws from the entire semester, that does NOT count as an attempt. Courses that are removed from a student's schedule during add/drop week (the first week of the semester) do NOT count as attempts.
Examples:
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This student has attempted MKTG 301 twice. The LD is the first attempt, and the B is the second attempt. Because the student earned a B the second time, they will not retake the course.
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This student has only attempted ECON 102 once. The student earned a D in the first attempt but needed a C or better in the class for their major. They attempted the course again, but withdrew from that semester. The withdrawn course does not count as an attempt, so they can register for ECON 102 again.
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This student has attempted MATH 21 twice. The LD counts as the first attempt, and the F is the second attempt. If this student wants to re-take MATH 21 for a third time, they will have to submit a petition, which is detailed below.
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This student has attempted PHIL 119 twice; each LD counts as an attempt. They will need to submit a petition in order to register for the course a third time.
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What If a Third Attempt Is Needed?
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If a student attempts a course twice and has not successfully passed it, they may petition to take the course a third time. LionPATH will not allow a student to enroll in the course a third time on their own; they must complete the petition process to enroll. To petition for a third attempt:
- Students must consult with their academic adviser and discuss why they were not successful in the first two attempts.
- Students will fill out the Special Course Repeat Request form, which can be found here, at least 10 University business days prior to the first day of classes.
- The student's academic adviser will submit the form to Dr. Pam Silver, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, indicating whether or not there is academic support for the additional attempt.
- Dr. Silver will review the request and determine whether or not a third attempt will be granted. If approved, Dr. Silver will forward the request to the Registrar's Office who will enroll the student in the class. If there is not justification to warrant a third attempt, Dr. Silver will notify the student.
Additional attempts may be granted if "no other viable academic pathway exists" and if that course is the only obstacle preventing the student from completing their degree.
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This change is designed to promote academic intervention earlier in a student's career. With the old policy, students could struggle to pass a course for three semesters before being required to speak with their adviser about their performance; now, students must seek that help earlier. Advisers can provide earlier outreach and support, hopefully leading to increased performance in the class.
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Strategies for Supporting Student Success
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Poor performance in a class can be attributed to many factors. As an adviser, it is helpful to have a toolbox of possible referrals and success strategies to help students be successful in their second attempt at a course. Possible resources include:
- Student Success and Retention. Fatima Kelly serves as Behrend's Retention Coordinator. She is always willing to meet with students to discuss their barriers and develop study skills and time management skills that will lead them to success.
- Disability Services. Perhaps a student's struggle extends beyond the content of the course and their study methods. Students with disabilities and learning differences are able to utilize approved academic accommodations to enhance their learning. Students may have a previous diagnosis or may work with the Office of Disability Services to arrange for testing.
- Personal Counseling. A student's mental health can affect their academic performance. Behrend's Personal Counseling office offers many support services for students.
- Going to professors' office hours. Some students do not realize that they are able to go directly to a professor to ask for help. Encourage students to speak with their professor during office hours regarding their performance and to fill the gaps in what they aren't understanding in class.
- Utilizing the ACPC's Academic Help page. The ACPC has compiled resources that could help students address a variety of concerns. This website is designed to help students with a particular subject, adjust to college, determine their direction and goals, understand finances, increase motivation, deal with personal issues, learn new time management and study skills techniques, and utilize technology to enhance their academics.
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Faculty Adviser Professional Development Series
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This interactive panel and case study analysis will be focused on supporting students in academic recovery. If you have any advisees who are on Academic Warning or may just be struggling in general, attend this workshop to learn how best to support their success.
Join us this Wednesday and sign up
here
!
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If you have questions about this new policy or would like additional training on the topic, the DUS advisers are more than happy to help! Please reach out by calling 814-898-6164 or emailing askacpc@psu.edu.
Thank you,
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