What is my CUM, GPA, QPTs, QHRs and why should I care?

Your GPA is your Grade Point Average. It is calculated by dividing your QPTS (or Quality Points) by your QHR (or Quality Hours)  Quality Hours include "F"s but not "W"s. Quality Points derive from your grade multiplied by your credits. Say you made a "B," a 3.0, in a 4 credit class. Your Quality Points for that class would be 12. Your Quality Hours would be 4. Therefore, your GPA for that course would be a 3.0.

A "B-" is a 2.7. A "B+" is a 3.3, etc. Luckily, your transcript computes your Quality Points each semester, then divides that by your semester's Quality Hours to get your semester's G.P.A. Your CUM, or Cumulative GPA, simply is your GPA for your entire career at Ramapo.  Use the GPA Calculator to help you determine what grades you will need to achieve a particular academic goal.

Without getting into philosophical discussion about grading, you should care because you must have a 2.0 in your Major and a 2.0 CUM to graduate. See the Catalog or your audit under "Graduation Requirements." 

I am on "Warning." What does that mean?

It means your Cumulative GPA fell below a 2.0 last semester. You are not in good academic standing and cannot graduate unless you improve your performance. "Warning" is exactly that — a warning that you have begun to dig yourself a hole. The deeper you get, the harder it will be to climb out. That is why the College keeps track of people doing below the minimum to graduate. Changing your situation now to one where you can succeed will save you time, money, and frustration . Review the section on "Academic Standing" in the Catalog.

I am on Probation. What does that mean?

It means your Cumulative GPA has been below a 2.0 for two consecutive semesters, or that your Cumulative GPA fell below a 1.0 last semester.This is serious. If you do not demonstrate significant improvement, i.e. a 2.5 GPA the following semester, you will be considered for suspension. You need to see an advisor immediately to discuss your situation.

How do I do better?

College is typically much more work than high school. Be prepared to spend at least two hours on homework for every one hour of class time. This means that a typical schedule of 15 credits will require 30 hours outside of class for homework, totaling 45 hours a week needed for school!

Most students have to work. Make sure you do not sacrifice your grades for your job at IHOP, or you may get to keep that job for longer than you planned. We recommend working a maximum of 15 hours a week with a fulltime (16 credit) schedule. However, every student has a unique situation, and you can decide how to balance school and work. If you really need to work more than 20 hours a week, consider reducing your credit load.

Make sure you check with the Financial Aid Office in E 220 for information about government loans and/or grants. Borrowing money to help pay for your education definitely makes more sense than paying for a class you fail because of work. Be aware of your options.

Go to tutoring. Tutoring is not just for people who are in danger of failing. Tutoring can help you make an "A" instead of a "B." The Division of Basic Studies, located on the second floor of E building, offers tutoring for Math, English, ESL, and some business classes. They also provide help with writing assignments in any class.

Click here for Postcards from the Edge, advice from students who have been in academic difficulty and bounced back.

I need to write a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Academic Standards and Procedures (CASP). What should it say?

If you are writing this letter, you have had serious academic difficulty. Why? Did you have a documented illness? Were there circumstances beyond your control that forced you to neglect your studies? Can you document this? What will change the following semester? You must present a convincing, documentable argument that your academic difficulties are behind you. If your appeal is not granted, you probably will be suspended for one year. Contact the Chair of CASP for further information.

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