The End of the Academic Year: What You Need to Know About Grades and Academic Statuses

The end of the second semester is quickly approaching! With midterms and spring break now over, the weeks are winding down. That also means finals will be here before we know it and classes will soon be over. This is a critical time of year where students are buckling down to hit the books and completing various papers and projects. As parents, you might have questions regarding your students’ academic status and information. 

Midterm Grades 

At this point, all students have received a midterm grade in each of their classes. This grade does not count toward their cumulative GPA, but instead helps them understand their performance in each class through the halfway point of the semester. Although we can’t mail out a report card to you due to known as FERPA, we encourage you to take the opportunity to discuss these grades with your student and guide them toward academic support services at Marian if necessary. 

Dean’s List 
At the end of each semester, the Marian University publishes a Dean’s List to honor those with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or above for the semester. Being named to this list is an accomplishment to be proud of and is a great reason to celebrate with your student. 

Graduating with Honors 
Graduating with Honors is another amazing accomplishment for any Marian student. We know the different honors can be tricky to pronounce and easy to mix up, so here’s what each of them means; 

• Cum laude- Achieved when a student graduates with between a 3.50 and 3.69 GPA
• Magna cum laude- Achieved when a student graduates with between a 3.70 and 3.79 GPA
• Summa cum laude- Our highest honor, earned by graduating with a 3.80 cumulative GPA and above

Probation 
Academic probation is a system in place to help students who are struggling academically get back on track. If a student’s cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.00, they are no longer considered to be in good academic standing and will be placed on probation. 

Students on probation must meet with an academic success coach who will help them set academic goals, create an action plan for the semester, improve  their time management skills, discuss test taking strategies, and hold them accountable for improving their academic performance. Families are also encouraged to have conversations with their student about academic performance. 

I suggest checking in to make sure they are doing okay with their physical and mental health, asking how classes are going, and suggesting they seek out resources such as the Peer Tutoring Center, academic success coaching, or office hours