Students can retake a class to attempt a better grade

Illustration by Alexandra Nelipa

Failed classes are not erased from the transcript.

By Nathalie Mora

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

Stressful and difficult periods in students’ lives can impact their courses and grades, but they can retake failed classes to obtain a better grade.

The higher grade earned from both attempts is the one calculated in the student’s grade-point average, said J. Martin Ortega, director of enrollment.

The failed course and grade will never come off the student’s academic record, even though it will not be calculated in the student’s GPA, Ortega said.

The student’s transcripts will show the grade earned and an “E” for exemption.

At the end of the semester, the Center for Student Information will look at students’ transcripts to make sure only the higher grade is calculated in the GPA, Ortega said.

If a student has attempted the same course three or more times, the three-peat rule will apply and the student will be charged out-of-state tuition.

Students can view their GPA by logging into ACES and checking their unofficial transcripts.

“If something is not correct on their transcript, the student should come by the admissions and records office and we will help fix any errors,” Ortega said.

This Alamo Colleges policy aims to help students graduate with their associate degrees. However, this may not be the policy at four-year institutions students plan to transfer to.

Ortega stresses students should contact that institution and ask what the policy is on repeating courses.

“Pick up the phone, call the institution and tell them your situation,” Ortega said.