Grade Forgiveness and X Grades

Purpose: Students with extenuating circumstances have shared concerns that graduate schools and potential employers may view an XF grade less favorably than they would an X grade. To address these concerns regarding the use of an XF grade on the transcripts of students granted grade forgiveness for extenuating circumstances for missing the course withdrawal deadline, the Office of the Registrar proposes the following changes to our university grade policy.

Rather than seeking a change to an enrollment status that has been externally reported after an academic term has ended, students who miss the withdrawal deadline due to extenuating circumstances may submit a petition to the Committee on Academic and Professional Standards (CAPS) requesting grade forgiveness and include documentation of the extenuating circumstances. Upon committee approval, a final course grade of X will be recorded on the transcript for the relevant course or courses. The X grade indicates that the grade, quality points, and credit hours are not included in totals for earned credit, semester GPA, or cumulative GPA. This allows the student to continue their studies without negative impact on their GPA or academic standing after extenuating circumstances have occurred.

XF grades will continue to be used for students who seek grade forgiveness under other circumstances, such as during a change from one college to another. XF grades also indicate that the grade, quality points, and credit hours are not included in totals for earned credit, semester GPA, or cumulative GPA. This allows the student to continue their studies without negative impact on their GPA or academic standing after changing college.