Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Where can I get more information about Academic Regulations?
The College Catalog is the best place to learn more about Academic Regulations at Mesa College.
2. What is the grading system used at Mesa?
MESA uses the Unit of Credit: A unit of credit represents one hour of lecture or recitation and two hours of preparation per week, or three hours of laboratory per week for one semester.
The grade point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the total grade points earned by the total grade point units completed.
Learn more about the grading system at Mesa College through the College Catalog here.
3. What are Standards of Academic Progress (SAP)?
Students are in good academic standing when they have a 2.0 grade point average or higher and have completed at least 61% of the units they have attempted. There are two kinds of probation and disqualification, one based upon GPA (Academic Performance) and the other based upon the number of units completed (Progress Performance). Certain programs may have more stringent standards for academic progress. Consult the program director for more information.
Learn more about the Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) through the College Catalog here.
4. What is academic probation and disqualification?
A student whose cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.0. A student on academic probation will return to good standing once his/her cumulative grade point average reaches or exceeds 2.0.
A student on academic probation status will be disqualified when his/her semester GPA falls below 2.0 in a subsequent semester. An enrollment hold will be placed on the student’s record. Students who are disqualified after registering for the subsequent semester will be administratively dropped from all classes.
Learn more about academic probation and disqualification through the College Catalog here.
5. What is the Honest Academic Conduct policy?
Honesty and integrity are integral components of the academic process. Students are expected to be honest and ethical at all times in their pursuit of academic goals in accordance with Policy 5500, Student Rights, Responsibilities, Campus Safety and Administrative Due Process.
Learn more about the Honest Academic Conduct policy within the College Catalog here.
6. What is the Dean's List? What are the Honors Program requirements?
The A Dean’s Honor List is compiled after each spring term for the academic year (fall to spring). To be eligible for the Dean’s Honor List, a student must complete 12 units or more during the academic year and have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or better.
For more information on the Honors Program check our College Catalog here.
7. How are advanced placement (AP) course units transferred?
The College Catalog is the best place to learn more about the Academic Credit for Nontraditional Education.
More information about transfer credit from can be found from these links:
- Advanced Placement Tests (AP)
- International Baccalaureate (IB) credit
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DANTE/DSST)
- CTE (Career Technical Education) Transitions Program (formerly Tech Prep).
8. What are the course repetition policies?
No course in which a “C” or better grade has been earned may be repeated, unless students meet the following exception criteria:
- Legally Mandated Training Requirement
- Disabled Student as part of a DisabilityRelated Accommodation
- Extenuating Circumstances beyond the control of the student (documentation required)
- Significant Lapse of Time
Students will not be allowed more than four enrollments in similar active participatory courses in Exercise Science and Visual and Performing Arts, regardless of grade or symbol earned.
Learn more about the Course Repetition Policies through our College Catalog here.
9. What is the process to challenge student record data?
San Diego Community College District strictly adheres to the Family Education Rights and Privacy (FERPA). This procedure specifies limitations on Federal and State law, and ensures that appropriate record maintenance and destruction systems are in place.
If information in the file is inaccurate, misleading, or inappropriate, a student may request removal of the information or include a statement disputing the material that is challenged.
Learn more about Student Records, Release, Correction, and Challenge (AP 3001.1) through our College Catalog here.
10. What is the formal complaint process?
The College Catalog is the best place to learn more about the Complaint Process.
Students may file a complaint when they believe that a College faculty or staff member has violated the following Board Policies and Administrative Procedures:
- 1. Student Rights, Responsibilities, Campus Safety and Administrative Due Process:
Policy 3100
- 2. Student Grievance: Procedure 3100.1
- 3. Student Discipline: Procedure 3100.2
- 4. Honest Academic Conduct: Procedure 3100.3
- 5. Academic Accommodations and Disability Discrimination for Students with Disabilities:
Procedure 3105.1
- 6. Prohibition of Harassment: Policy 3430
- 7. Nondiscrimination: Policy 3410
- 8. Fraud/Whistle Blower: Policy 6125
- 9. Grade Challenge: Procedure 3001.2
Additional Board Policies and Administrative Procedures are available online on the District website.