Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 126
the Natural Sciences Department. A student may achieve less than a“ C” grade in only two major courses, including mathematics requirements, and their prerequisites, and they may repeat these courses only once. If a student, regardless of cumulative grade point average, achieves less than a“ C” grade on the third major course, or fails to bring all grades up to a“ C” with one repeat, the student may be dismissed from the program.
Attendance Policies( including Lab / Clinical Attendance Policies): Students are expected to adhere to the attendance policies outlined by course instructors in individual courses. Attendance is required in all laboratory courses.
Academic Progress,( Probation), and Program Dismissal: At the end of each academic semester, students’ progress toward the associate degree in natural science will be reviewed by a committee composed of the full-time faculty of the biology program. If progress is considered unsatisfactory, the committee will examine each student’ s transcript in detail. If the unsatisfactory final grade is a first-time occurrence, students will receive a notification letter from the program director. If the unsatisfactory grade is a second occurrence involving two different courses, students will receive a letter placing them on program probation, with a strong warning of the consequences of a third unsatisfactory grade. A third unsatisfactory grade or a second unsatisfactory grade in a repeated course is grounds for dismissal from the program.
Students may appeal the dismissal decision in writing, and the committee will consider all circumstances before deciding whether to uphold the dismissal decision or to allow the student to continue on program probation. Information provided by relevant faculty will be considered during the committee’ s deliberations on dismissal. Students facing dismissal from the Natural Science program for academic deficiencies may petition for a suspension from the program for one academic year, instead of permanent dismissal. This suspension is designed to encourage students to remediate any circumstances which contributed to their lack of progress. During this suspension, students may not enroll in any courses in the Natural Science program; however, they may enroll in general education courses. At the end of the suspension, students may resume studies in the Natural Science program; however, any future academic deficiency will result in immediate and permanent dismissal from the program.
Course Withdrawal Policies: Sometimes students need to withdraw from a course, rather than risk an unsatisfactory grade. Students should consult with their course instructor, academic advisor, the Financial Aid Office, and the Office of Residence Life( if appropriate) before making a final decision. All withdrawal requests must be submitted by the withdrawal deadline. If you stop attending class but do not officially withdraw from a course, you will receive an“ F” on your permanent transcript for the course.