Excelsior grading policy changes imminent

[barcotta]

There is still considerable confusion regarding this issue amongst the advisors at Excelsior, but I became concerned when I read the following post on "another" forum:

#19 07-19-2007, 02:17 AM
originalbigjim
Posts: 153

Thanks for setting the record straight Coach! I just called excelsior about the original issue, deleting credits to raise you GPA they said starting in august they will no longer do that, something about them becoming state funded. Anyways I guess I will have to sneak in there quick before they change things.

I called to get the skinny and found out that due to their Title IV approval (not "state funded" as noted above) they will no longer be transferring in any D's for any program. Starting when? No one is sure. The only thing we know now is that some new rules are likely to start soon--so if there are current or prospective Excelsior students out there, and cherry-picking grades or transferring in D's is important to you--keep your ears and eyes open. This post may be more appropriate as "off-topic" but since I only check that on rare occassion and this info may prove to be time-sensitive, I decided to post here. FYI everyone.

[Katterina]

Will students still be able to replace grades if they re-test/retake a course? I was thinking about replacing some of my freshman C's with CLEPs.

[barcotta]

I dunno--but it's probably safe to assume that if they had to make modifications to their grading policy to qualify for Title IV financial aid, they probably are not going to be MORE flexible then now--so if you want to get rid of some grades, you may want to do it soon.

[skyfall123]

How does the Excelsior system usually work? If I quickly enroll by Aug 1st. do the rules that are in force now apply, or do new rules that take place old ones?
Historically how have they dealt with this situation?

[barcotta]

Historically, the rules that apply when you enroll are the rules that stick as long as you remain enrolled. That's actually the best reason to enroll. It protects your plan. Otherwise, you can amass most, if not all, of your credits without enrolling and then just enroll to graduate. That way you don't have to worry about paying a second year of tuition.

You can quickly APPLY, but it takes at least a few weeks to get enrolled anyway--and it didn't sound like any of these changes would take place August 1 so if you applied now--you should have a decent chance of getting in before the next round of changes.

[AGS]

Will students still be able to replace grades if they re-test/retake a course? I was thinking about replacing some of my freshman C's with CLEPs.

I heard St Leo's accept bad grade transcripts from another student as transferrable credit .....

But you have to take courses in their programs to excel ....

[blueyzz28]

This is the email I received from Excelsior when I asked about this issue.

Dear Larry,

We do not have all the specific academic and administrative policies in place yet for processing Financial Aid. We will approximately begin processing Federal Aid for our students in January 2008. I am not sure what the exact date is yet, but we will no longer accept D grades. However, I believe if you retake an exam or course, we would put on the higher grade. I am sorry I do not have more specific information. We will begin training on the Financial Aid process at the end of the summer, and should know the specific policies at that point.

[Katterina]

Thanks, Blue!

[bceagles]

I hope this all leads to a name change aswell! I'd love to get a diploma from Albany State or Albany University/College as opposed to Excelsior.