Degree Works and GPA

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Degree Requirements

The college catalog indicates that the following GPA requirements are used to determine eligibility for degree conferral.

  • Minimum of a 2.0 grade point average overall
  • Minimum of a 2.0 grade point average in the major
  • Minimum of a 2.0 grade point average in all minors 
  • Minimum of a 2.0 grade point average in all concentrations

Note: Some majors and programs may have higher minimum GPA requirements.

GPA Calculations in Degree Works

GPA Calculations Used to Determine Degree Conferral Eligibility

  • Overall (Official) GPA: The overall GPA is present for all students in the top summary area of Degree Works. This is the GPA that includes all courses taken at the College. The overall GPA is included on the academic transcript.

  • Major, Minor and Concentration Block GPA: The major, minor or concentration GPA is the GPA calculation that is obtained by completing all courses in the major, minor or concentration requirement block.  The major, minor or concentration requirement blocks are standard blocks used by all programs. All major, minor and concentration requirement blocks have a minimum of 2.0 as a GPA requirement. The GPA calculations in these blocks are used to calculate degree conferral eligibility. 

GPA Calculations Not Used to Determine Degree Conferral Eligibility

  • Legacy Major GPA Block (Former Practice): The legacy major GPA block is the older department-identified blocks that were in use prior to the 2020-2021 catalog year. This GPA is not used to determine degree conferral eligibility. The legacy major GPA block is a subset of courses used as a criterion for department evaluation of academic progress within the major or for department awards and scholarships only.  Effective in March 2022, all older "Major GPA" blocks will receive notes indicating it is a legacy major GPA. 

  • Program Standard GPA (Current Policy): The program standard GPA block calculates the GPA of a subset of courses used as a criterion for department evaluation of academic progress within the major (College Catalog).  An academic department lists the courses that comprise the program standard GPA in the major requirements area of the College Catalog. Catalog program standard GPA inclusion and adjustments must be  made using a level 1 curriculum change. This GPA is not used to determine degree conferral eligibility. Notes are placed on the program standard GPA that indicates how it may be used. 

Example of the Overall GPA

The overall GPA is the official GPA for a student that is reported on the academic transcript. This GPA can be found in the summary located at the top of a student's Degree Works audit.

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Example of the Major Block and Major GPA

The major GPA - consisting of all courses required in the major - is used to determine degree conferral eligibility. A minimum 2.0 is embedded in all major blocks, though some programs may have higher minimum GPA requirements. The GPA in the major block operates similarly in minor and concentration blocks.

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Example of the Legacy Major GPA in Degree Works

This is the former "Major GPA" which was replaced by the program standard GPA. Effective in April 2022, the "Legacy GPA" title will be added to all older GPA blocks for clarity. This is an optional block and GPA calculation and is not used in all programs.

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Example of the Program Standard GPA in Degree Works

This is the current "Program Standard GPA" used in all new catalog terms beginning with the 2020-2021 catalog. This is an optional block and GPA calculation and is not used in all programs.

Progstdgpa_2.png

Additional Changes

For clarity, the "Major GPA" title will be replaced with "Legacy Major GPA" and the listed item will have additional guidance in the degree summary block. All aspects of the degree audit appear in this block, including advisory items.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do all programs have a program standard GPA or legacy major GPA?

No. The program standard GPA and legacy major GPA is only used by departments when they have a specific internal need.  Most departments do not require additional GPA blocks. Internal needs may include calculating a GPA to determine student progress in the program, scholarships, internal honors eligibility, or for accreditation purposes.

Is the program standard GPA official?

The program standard GPA can be provided to scholarship groups and accrediting bodies as the internal program standard by the academic department or dean. The program standard GPA does not appear on a student academic transcript and is not considered the official GPA. This GPA is not provided by the Registrar on official documentation.

In addition to any legacy or program standard GPA items, will you have GPA checkboxes for the major, concentration and minors in the degree summary?

The major, minor and concentration GPAs are calculated in their respective blocks (see above). Because all of these elements of the degree have a minimum requirement of a 2.0 GPA, they cannot be fulfilled without meeting the minimum GPA requirement.  Completed major, concentration or minor block indicates the minimum GPA has been met.
Can a program change the range of courses used to calculate the legacy major GPA?

The legacy major GPA is part of older catalog terms, and cannot be adjusted going forward. Programs may adjust the program standard GPA using a level 1 curricular change however.

Can a program change the range of courses used to calculate program standard GPA?

Yes. The program standard GPA may be changed for the next catalog year using a level 1 curricular change.

Can a program request Degree Works exceptions to apply to the legacy major GPA or the program standard GPA?

As unofficial GPA calculations that cannot be used to determine conferral, these generally cannot be adjusted in Degree Works. However, if a program is using another subset GPA that is detailed in the College Catalog (e.g. professional course requirements, student teaching) those may be adjusted where it conforms to College policy. In addition, exceptions can be applied to the major block requirements in accord with policy.

Do the above clarifications apply to programs that have another distinct GPA requirement included in the catalog requirements?

No. Any approved GPA requirements that are distinct from the program standard GPA or legacy major GPA are handled in accordance with the approved program requirements in the catalog. If a program has a specific needed subset of courses that must be used as a requirement for conferral, a curricular change may be required.

If a program needs an additional GPA calculation to be present in a program requirement, how can that be accomplished?

In general, additional GPA requirements may be included when there is a demonstrated need and/or when the students is required to maintain a minimum GPA to comply with NYSED requirements (e.g. teacher certification programs). If a program requires an additional GPA calculation, a curricular change may be needed. Please contact your department chair or school dean for guidance. 

If a program has other questions about the GPAs used in Degree Works and degree conferral, who can we contact?

Do not hesitate to contact degree.works@cortland.edu for assistance with the management of the GPA within Degree Works.