FAQ

Why do I have the Prefix “GS” followed by my actual major (e.g., GSPT)?

Sometimes new students are not able to begin taking classes within their major right away. Reasons include the need for Educational Enrichment classes, or students enroll in the Spring and some programs do not offer major-specific classes in the Spring. Once EE courses are successfully completed or the student successfully matriculates into their Fall semester, the student will begin taking major-specific classes. Some programs like Nursing require entrance examinations to be accepted into the program. Such testing occurs after a certain number of classes are taken. Until a student is accepted into a program, they may be considered GS/ (Name of Program). Other reasons include that the student changed majors in the middle of the term, etc. If you have further questions, please contact the Registrar’s office.

I’m not doing well in a class. Should I withdraw from it?

It depends. If you’re thinking about dropping a class follow these steps:

1. You should figure out where you stand in the class by keeping track of all grades earned and refer to the syllabus for grade calculations.
2. Know that you must seek approval from your Advisor to drop any course at any time. You cannot drop a course without permission or after the 12th week of class (after the 5th week of a Summer class).
3. There is a timeline to consider as well. See below:
   • If you Drop during Week 1: Grade is Not Recorded
   • Week 2-12: (Non-punitive) W
   • Withdraw at any time without approval: (Punitive) E
4. If it is after the 12th week of class and you have an extenuating circumstance, such as prolonged illness, jury duty, family emergency, etc, you may petition your instructor for an Incomplete (I) Grade. If permission is granted, you will have 6 weeks from the time the grade is issued to complete missed work. Permission to take longer than 6 weeks requires approval from the Academic Dean.
5. Understand most classes need to be passed with a C or better but some programs require at least a B for certain classes. Speak with your advisor if you’re unsure what you need to get to pass. If you are Pre- or GS- and you do not pass all the pre-requisite classes to get into your program, you may be putting yourself in jeopardy of not getting into the program or getting into it later than expected, which could push back your graduation date.
6. You may only repeat a course a maximum of 3 times. For GPA calculation, the most recent grade is used. If you’re thinking of re-taking a class at a different college because you got a D, E, or F here at MAC, understand that the transferred grade will not increase your GPA. You must successfully complete the class here.
7. When you attempt to put a repeated class on your schedule, you may not be able to do it on myMAC. You may need to go to the Registrar’s Office.
8. You must also discuss changes in your schedule wit the Financial Aid Office to make sure that your financial aid package is not altered.

I’m on academic probation. What does that mean?

A Cumulative GPA below 2.0 constitutes a designation of academic probation. The purpose of academic probation is not to “be mean,” rather it is to alert a student that he or she is at risk of not succeeding academically. Once a student is identified as being on Academic Probation, he or she will receive advisement and referral as appropriate. Specific methods of remediation will be prescribed to meet the needs of the individual student.

I received an Academic Intervention Form (AIF) for one of my classes.

We want everyone to succeed academically here at Mount Aloysius College. A student will receive an AIF in the beginning part of the semester when the following student behaviors are observed:

1. High rate of absenteeism
2. Habitual tardiness
3. Failure to turn in assignments
4. Submission of poor quality assignments/papers/projects
5. Missed tests or quizzes
6. Low test/quiz performance
7. Class disruption or unprofessional clinical behavior

AIFs also go out at midterms for all students who have either have a D or F and then following midterms for a student who is below a C.

Who is my advisor and how do I contact him/her?

Everyone receives an advisor after their initial appointment with Academic Advising. We recommend meeting with your advisor within the first 2 weeks of class. Meeting with your academic advisor throughout your time at Mount Aloysius College will more likely ensure your academic success within your chosen program. Check your Advisors’ Office Hours. If you are unable to schedule during normal office hours, advisors may be available at other times. Please give ample notice for advising appointments, especially those outside of normal office hours.

Why do I have to take the placement exam?

Testing is required in order to assure students of proper course placement which will more likely result in academic success at Mount Aloysius College. Exceptions to this requirement are made for those students who apply to Mount Aloysius College and who possess either an Associate or Bachelor degree earned at a regionally-accredited institution. This program assesses skills in reading English, mathematics, and elementary algebra. Students who do not meet established criteria in these skill areas enroll in one or more of the educational enrichment courses designed to strengthen specific areas of skill competency. Students will earn institutional credits (not to be counted toward graduation requirements) from successfully completing educational enrichment courses, which are in integral part of the student's academic program.