Academic Policies

The purpose of the "Academic Fresh Start" policy is to provide a student who performed poorly upon his or her initial enrollment at University of Cincinnati the opportunity for a fresh UC cumulative grade point average. Read more about Academic Fresh Start.

Information about FERPA and Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (34 C.F.R. Part 99 - commonly known as FERPA), is the federal law that governs the release of and access to student education records. FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. Student can learn how to set up delegated access on the One Stop Student Services website.

The UC grade replacement policy allows a student to repeat University of Cincinnati coursework, with the final grade awarded for the most recent class enrollment calculated into the cumulative grade point average rather than the final grade awarded for the original class enrollment. 

Note: grade replacement for repeated courses is not available for graduate courses

The following rules apply to the Grade replacement process:

1. The total number of replaced University of Cincinnati credit hours may not exceed twelve (12) undergraduate semester hours.  Students may repeat up to a maximum of four (4) undergraduate semester courses. If you have questions regarding whether you are taking the appropriate course please consult with an academic adviser.
2. The number of credit hours replaced is based upon the sum of the credit hours associated with the original class.  Both the original and the repeated class are designated on the student's transcript as "Approved Grade Replacement."  Only the final grade awarded to the most recent class, however, is calculated into the cumulative grade point average.  If the final grade received for the repeat class is a lesser grade than the final grade awarded for the original class, that lesser grade will replace the original grade in the grade point average calculation.  In instances where quarter credit hours are replaced by semester credit hours, excess hours previously earned will be reported as "progress" hours and will be included as "N" hours.
3. University of Cincinnati requires students to register and pay tuition whenever repeating a class.  Instructors may not alter a previously-assigned "I" grade, or any other letter grade previously reported, by allowing students to repeat classes without registering and paying tuition for those classes.
4. The student must complete a "Grade Replacement Application" form and submit that form to the College office offering the current class.  The College will review the grade replacement request and forward approved grade replacements to the Registrar's Office for processing.  This approval process ensures that the requested replacement class is academically appropriate to serve as a replacement for the original class, even if this replacement class is offered by a different UC college or within different term calendars.  The grade replacement application is available from the College offices.
5. Once the student has submitted the form, thereby identifying the intent to use the current or most recent class for grade replacement, that decision is irrevocable.  In the case of a current clas, if the student withdraws from the class after petitioning for a grade replacement, that class does count towards the maximum number of classes that the student may repeat— but the "W" grade resulting from the withdrawal does not replace the final grade awarded for the original class.

If the student does not submit the required grade replacement application for the specific class(es) desired, both the original class final grade and the repeated class final grade will be calculated into the student's cumulative grade point average.  

Grade Replacement Forms can be picked up in your Student Service Center or at the One Stop Center.

Full information on Grade Replacements can be found on the Office of the Registrar's website.

In order to graduate from the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, a student must:

• Complete all required course work and program requirements.
• Obtain the required GPA for the respective program.
  
• Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Meet the University's residency requirement.
• File formal application for the degree by the posted semester of graduation deadline.

Graduation and commencement details can be found on the graduation website.

The University of Cincinnati is a public comprehensive system of learning and research that serves a diverse student body with a broad range of interests and goals.

The faculty of the university produces world-renowned scholarship and nurtures innovation in and out of the classroom. As well, the faculty, staff and administration support an educational setting of excellence, opportunity and service.

In embracing our roles within this learning community, we subscribe to the defining purposes, traditions and diversity of the University of Cincinnati. Through our actions, we will strive to make the University of Cincinnati a more caring and just community.

As members of this community, we will:

• Accept Responsibility by striving to build a learning community committed to these common values and principles.
• Celebrate the Uniqueness of Each Individual by respecting individual differences and promoting common interests.
• Embrace Freedom and Openness by working to create an environment that is safe and affirming, one that nurtures independent thinking and the free and open expression of ideas.
• Practice Civility by extending to those we meet the same respect, cooperation and caring that we expect from others.
• Promote Justice by working to build a learning environment that offers everyone an equal opportunity to grow, flourish and contribute.
• Pursue Learning and Scholarship by building on successes, learning from mistakes and pursuing quality in teaching, research and creative endeavors.
• Seek Integrity by aspiring to the highest moral and ethical standards.
• Strive for Excellence by aspiring to achieve our fullest potential in our educational and personal pursuits.

Please ask your advisor for a copy of the Undergraduate Academic Standing Policy, which provides information regarding Probation, Suspension, and Dismissal.

Students may withdraw from classes through web registration if the instructor permits web withdrawals (refer to the instructor’s class syllabus). Students and instructors both will receive e-mail notification of the withdrawal. Students are assigned a “W” grade at the time of the withdrawal, but instructors reserve the right to change the “W” to an “F” through the final grading process.

Full withdrawal procedures can be found on the Office of the Registrar's website.