Academic Standing
The University has academic classifications based on grade point average (GPA) to help staff, faculty, and students determine academic progress. Academic Advisors use this standing when helping you make decisions about enrollment and progress towards your degree. Students may be in Good, Caution, Warning, or Pause Standing. For details on each of these terms as well as instructions on returning to NAU through Reinstatement after an Academic Pause review the Academic Standing Policy. You can also view our Frequently Asked Questions about Academic Standing.
GPA Calculator
Use the GPA calculator to predict your GPA or set academic goals
Dropping a Class with a ‘W”
What a “W” means: If you decide to drop a class after the deadline to drop without a “W”, you will see that class on your transcript with a “W” instead of a letter grade. This simply means that you withdrew after the deadline. While “W”s do not impact your GPA, be sure to read about other potential complications below! You can find the deadline to drop classes on the Registrar’s website by looking at the Class Session Calendar found here.
Potential Considerations:
If you drop this course, how many units will you be taking this term? Accordion Closed
If you are still enrolled in 12 or more units after you drop the class, you are still full-time.
If you are enrolled in less than 12 units, this could have implications for financial aid and residential life.
- If you’re going to drop below 12 units, be sure to consider the following:
- Email Campus.Living@nau.edu to let them know that you’re dropping below full-time, so they can make note in your housing record.
- Has your financial aid already disbursed? If not, you will need to make sure you are a full time student to receive aid.
How could this impact my scholarships or financial aid? Accordion Closed
Calculating your SAP: All students for whom a financial aid record exists are evaluated for Satisfactory Academic Process (SAP).
- Please review details on the Financial Aid website about SAP requirements
- If you are not going to meet the SAP requirements, review the SAP appeal process
Scholarship eligibility
- Some scholarships have specific requirements you need to meet in order to continue to receive your scholarship funds. Review this page about scholarship renewal criteria
- Just because you have a scholarship doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot withdraw from a course! Talk to Financial Aid and make sure you understand what you need in order to continue to receive your scholarship, and when you need to meet those benchmarks! Then talk to your Academic Advisor about how to be strategic with your enrollment.
What about applying to graduate schools? Accordion Closed
Graduate schools will look over your application and transcripts for any red flags. A “W” every semester could definitely raise cause for alarm. Just one during your first of college wouldn’t raise too much cause for alarm.
Other questions to ponder:
- Is this class required for your major? If so, would it be beneficial to complete the class, learn the material as much as you can. Then if you earn a D or F, grade replace it during the next term.
- If you’re required to take the course, could you take it over the summer at a community college? Will delaying this class prolong your graduation track?
- Will staying in this class negatively take away your attention/focus in other classes?
How to drop a class with a “W”
If you’re ready, you can drop the course with a “W” by following the steps outlined in this video.