How does an 'INC' grade affect my GWA at Saint Louis University?

Initially, an 'INC' (Incomplete) grade does not directly affect your GWA as it carries no grade point equivalent. However, it is a temporary mark. If you fail to complete the course requirements within the university's stipulated deadline (often one academic year from the end of the semester the INC was incurred), the 'INC' will automatically convert to an 'F' (Failure). An 'F' grade carries 0.00 grade points and will significantly lower your cumulative GWA.

What is the minimum GWA required to remain in good academic standing at SLU?

While specific departmental or program requirements may vary, the general minimum cumulative GWA to remain in good academic standing at Saint Louis University is typically 2.00, which is equivalent to a 'C' average. Students whose GWA falls below this threshold may be placed on academic probation. Repeated instances or a significantly low GWA can lead to academic suspension or dismissal from the university.

Can I retake a course at SLU to improve my GWA, and how does it work?

Yes, SLU generally allows students to retake courses to improve their grades. When a course is retaken, the new grade typically replaces the old one in the GWA calculation, though both grades might appear on your academic transcript. However, specific rules apply, such as limitations on how many times a course can be retaken, whether the original failing grade will still be displayed, and the process for official grade replacement. Always consult your academic advisor and the university's official policies before retaking a course to ensure you understand the full impact on your GWA and academic record.

Saint Louis University (SLU) Grading System & GWA Computation Guide 2024-2025

Navigating Academic Success: Your Comprehensive Guide to SLU's Grading System and GWA

For every student at Saint Louis University (SLU), understanding the institution's grading system and how your General Weighted Average (GWA) is computed is paramount. Your grades reflect your academic performance, influence your eligibility for scholarships, academic standing, and ultimately, graduation honors. This authoritative guide from gwacalc.online provides a detailed breakdown of SLU's grading policies, GWA computation methods, and crucial academic regulations to help you excel.

Understanding the Saint Louis University Grading System

SLU employs a standard letter grading system, each with a corresponding percentage equivalent and grade point value. Familiarizing yourself with these equivalents is the first step towards effectively tracking your academic progress.

The Standard Numeric and Letter Grade Equivalents

The following table outlines the typical grading scale used across most programs at Saint Louis University. Always refer to your specific course syllabus for any department-specific variations.

Grade	Percentage Equivalent	Grade Point Equivalent	Description
A	92-100	4.00	Excellent
B+	88-91	3.50	Very Good
B	84-87	3.00	Good
C+	80-83	2.50	Above Average
C	76-79	2.00	Average
D+	73-75	1.50	Below Average
D	70-72	1.00	Poor (Passing)
F	Below 70	0.00	Failure

Understanding Non-Numeric Grades and Their Impact

Beyond the standard letter grades, SLU also utilizes non-numeric symbols that appear on your academic record. These often have specific conditions and implications for your GWA and academic standing.

INC (Incomplete): A temporary grade given when a student has not completed all course requirements by the end of the semester due to valid reasons (e.g., illness, emergency).
W (Withdrawn): Indicates a student officially dropped a course after the add/drop period but before the withdrawal deadline. It does not affect GWA.
P (Pass): Used for certain courses (e.g., practicum, thesis, some electives) under a Pass/Fail system. Does not affect GWA.
DRP (Dropped): Indicates a course was officially dropped within the allowed period without penalty.

Crucial Rule: Incomplete (INC) Grade Resolution

An 'INC' grade must be resolved by completing the remaining requirements within a specified period (typically one academic year or shorter, as set by the department/college). If not completed on time, an 'INC' automatically converts to an 'F' (Failure), which will significantly impact your GWA.

Calculating Your General Weighted Average (GWA) at SLU

Your GWA is a cumulative measure of your academic performance. It is a weighted average of all your grades, taking into account the unit equivalencies of each course.

The GWA Formula Explained

The General Weighted Average (GWA) at SLU is calculated using the following formula:

GWA = (∑ (Grade Point Equivalent × Number of Units)) / ∑ (Total Number of Units)

Here's what each component means:

Grade Point Equivalent: The numeric value assigned to your letter grade (e.g., A=4.0, B=3.0, F=0.0).
Number of Units: The credit units associated with each course. This weights the impact of the course on your GWA. Higher unit courses have a greater influence.
∑ (Summation): This symbol means you sum up all the products (Grade Point × Units) for all your courses, and then sum up all the units for all your courses.

Understanding Course Units and Their Weight

Each course at SLU is assigned a specific number of academic units, typically ranging from 1 to 5. These units represent the approximate amount of time and effort expected for the course. For GWA calculation, a 3-unit course will have three times the impact of a 1-unit course if both courses yield the same grade.

Calculate Your SLU GWA with Our Interactive Tool

To help you easily track your academic progress, use our custom GWA estimator. Input your grades and corresponding units, and let the tool do the heavy lifting for you!

SLU Honors Grade Estimator

Input your completed units and current GWA to see the average grade you need in your remaining units to hit your target honor range.

Target Honor Average Limit

Your Current Cumulative GWA/GPA

Completed Credit Units

Remaining Credit Units

Required Remaining Average GWA

—

Please enter valid numeric values.

Key Academic Policies Affecting Your GWA and Standing

Beyond individual course grades, SLU has specific academic policies that directly impact your overall GWA and your status as a student. Being aware of these is essential for maintaining good academic standing.

Academic Probation and Dismissal

Students are typically placed on academic probation if their GWA falls below a certain threshold (e.g., 2.00 or 'C' average). Persistent failure to meet minimum GWA requirements can lead to academic dismissal from the university.

Crucial Rule: Minimum GWA for Good Standing

Students must maintain a cumulative GWA of at least 2.00 (or 'C' average) to remain in good academic standing. Falling below this may result in academic probation, and repeated probation can lead to suspension or dismissal from the university.

Dropping and Adding Courses

SLU provides specific periods for adding and dropping courses. Understanding these deadlines is crucial to avoid unwanted grades or financial penalties.

Crucial Rule: Course Withdrawal Deadlines

Students must adhere to official add/drop and withdrawal deadlines. Withdrawing from a course after the designated period may result in a 'W' (Withdrawn) on your transcript, which does not affect your GWA but can impact course sequencing. Late withdrawals might result in a 'Failure' grade if university policy is not followed.

Underloading and Overloading

The typical full-time load for SLU students is usually 15-18 units per semester. Students may sometimes need to take fewer (underload) or more (overload) units.

Crucial Rule: Underloading Impact

Underloading (taking fewer than the minimum full-time units) can affect scholarship eligibility, visa status for international students, and the time it takes to complete your degree. Always consult with your academic advisor before significantly altering your course load.

Residency Requirements for Graduation

To earn a degree from SLU, students must complete a certain portion of their academic work directly at the university. This is known as the residency requirement.

Crucial Rule: Residency Limits for Honors

Typically, a significant number of units (often the last 60 for undergraduate degrees) must be earned at SLU to be eligible for graduation honors. Transferred credits may count towards your degree but often do not factor into your SLU GWA for honors eligibility purposes.

Achieving Academic Recognition: Latin Honors at SLU

Saint Louis University recognizes outstanding academic achievement through its Latin Honors system at graduation. These distinctions are awarded based on a student's cumulative GWA, among other criteria.

GWA Thresholds for Latin Honors

The following table provides the general GWA thresholds for various Latin Honors at SLU. Please note that specific colleges or departments might have additional requirements (e.g., no failing grades, minimum residency units, good moral character).

Latin Honor	Cumulative GWA Threshold
Summa Cum Laude	3.85 - 4.00
Magna Cum Laude	3.70 - 3.84
Cum Laude	3.50 - 3.69

Essential Tips for Academic Success at SLU

Regularly Monitor Your Grades: Don't wait until the end of the semester to know where you stand.
Understand Your Syllabus: Each syllabus is a contract outlining grading criteria, deadlines, and instructor policies.
Utilize Academic Support Services: SLU offers tutoring, writing centers, and advising services to help you succeed.
Communicate with Professors: If you're struggling, reach out early.
Plan Your Course Load: Balance challenging courses with lighter ones to maintain a manageable workload.
Know Your Student Handbook: Familiarize yourself with all university policies.