Quality Point Average Calculation
The Overall Cumulative Quality Point Average (QPA) is calculated using the total credits and quality points on the transcript for all courses taken at the University of Pittsburgh, except as described in the following paragraph. The overall cumulative QPA must be at least 2.00 to graduate.
Students are permitted to repeat any course resulting in a grade of C- (C minus) or lower. The grade earned by repeating the course will then replace the previous grade earned (in calculating the QPA), although the original grade will not be erased from the transcript. No sequence course may be repeated for credit after a higher-numbered sequence course has been passed with a C or higher. No course may be repeated more than twice. For the purposes of this rule, grades of W, N, or R do not count as repeats.
The Program Quality Point Average (EEQPA or CoEQPA) is calculated using only the highest grade received for every program required and elective course taken by the student. The program QPA must be at least 2.00 to graduate.
Cross Registration
The purpose of cross registration through the Pittsburgh Council of Higher Education (PCHE) is to provide opportunities for enriched educational programs by permitting undergraduate full-time students at any of the 10 participating colleges and universities to take courses at any other PCHE institution. The PCHE Institutions include Carlow University, Carnegie Mellon University, Chatham College, Community College of Allegheny County, Duquesne University, LaRoche College, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Point Park College, Robert Morris College, and the University of Pittsburgh. Although this is a University-wide program, School of Engineering policy does not permit engineering students to register for courses at any community college once they are students at Pitt.
A student may normally enroll in only one course off campus and in only one institution in a given term. Enrollment is, of course, constrained by the space and prerequisite limitations of the host institution. Students who cross register pay the University of Pittsburgh tuition for the given term. They are, however, responsible for paying any course or laboratory fee(s) to the host institution.
Students should refer to the University Time Schedule and discuss the issue with their academic advisor before cross registering. The University Time Schedule lists the guidelines for cross registration.
Students who wish to cross register at any institution other than those listed above should discuss this registration with their advisor. The transfer of such courses will follow the guidelines for transfer credits given elsewhere in this document.
Grade Options
S/N Option (School of Arts and Sciences)
School of Engineering students are not permitted to take School of Arts and Sciences courses under the satisfactory / audit (S/N) option.
H/S/U Grades
Engineering undergraduate courses, required or elective, may not be taken using the H/S/U Honors/ Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory Option. Any other course used to fulfill the requirements of the degree may be taken using the H/S/U grade option provided that such course is offered with this option.
Audit Option
Undergraduate engineering students may not audit any course that is to be used to fulfill requirements for the engineering degree.
Withdrawal
A student may withdraw from any course up to the last day for Monitored Withdrawal (a published date for each term). After that date, the student must receive the approval of the associate dean for academic affairs.
Academic Warning, Probation and Dismissal
Academic Warning
The record of each engineering student is reviewed at the end of each term. A student who has a term quality point average of less than 2.00 is notified that their progress for the term is not satisfactory. If the student's cumulative quality point average is above 2.00, the student will receive warning letter.
Probation
A student who has a cumulative quality point average of less than 2.00 is considered to be NOT in satisfactory standing and is placed on probation.
Suspension or Dismissal
Students are subject to suspension or dismissal if the cumulative quality point average is below 2.00 for two consecutive terms. Students who are suspended from the program may be allowed to return after a period of one year or more. Dismissed students will not be re-admitted.
Academic Integrity
It is expected that all students conduct their academic work with the high ethical standards of the engineering profession. To view the Swanson School of Engineering's Academic Integrity Guidelines: