Student Academic Success Center

Frequently Asked Questions 2

There are many questions students have about college.  Hopefully this list will provide the information you need. 

ACADEMIC QUESTIONS

  1. What is the difference between a Bachelor of Art and a Bachelor of Science?
  2. Where can I find a transfer class equivalency guide?
  3. How do I apply to take a class credit/no credit?
  4. How do I drop a class?
  5. Where can I get help for my learning disability?
  6. What happens when I repeat a class?
  7. What is a SWS class?
  8. How do I calculate my GPA?

ADVISING QUESTIONS

  1. Where can I get help planning my classes?
  2. How do I add or change my major?
  3. Where can I get tutoring help?
  1. What is the difference between a Bachelor of Art and a Bachelor of Science?    Back To Top

The Bachelor of Art (B.A.) requires a student to complete 3 semesters of the same foreign language.  For example, SPA 101, 102 AND 201.  The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) requires a student to complete 3 semesters of classes with a natural science or a social science emphasis.  Each department determines the classes that satisfy the B.S. component.

     2.     Where can I find a transfer class equivalency guide?  Back To Top

             For students transferring into Grand Valley, utilize the course equivalency guide   
             found on the Registrar's Office website here. 

     3.     How do I apply to take a class credit/no credit?  Back To Top

Submit the Credit/No Credit form to the Registrar's Office (150 Student Services 
Building) before 5 p.m. on the fifth day of classes in the semester you are taking the class.  Students must get approval from their academic advisor if the desired class to be taken credit/no credit is within their major or minor.  General education courses do not require additional approval.  Credit/No Credit forms can be found here.

    4.     How do I drop a class?  Back To Top

A class can be dropped online through My Banner or in person at the Student Transaction Centers.  Before dropping a class students should talk with an academic advisor and the financial aid office to determine the consequences of not completing the class.

    5.     Where can I get help for my learning disability?  Back To Top

The Disability Support Services (DSS) office is available to provide support services and accomodations that enhance the environment for persons.  The full list of services can be found on the DSS website.  www.gvsu.edu/dss

    6.     What happens when I repeat a class?  Back To Top

Students who repeat a course will have only the last grade counted towards their GPA, whether or not the last grade is higher. Students must submit a Repeat Grade Form to the Registrar's Office during the semester in which the course is being repeated.

     7.     What is a SWS class?  Back To Top

There are many requirements that a class has to meet in order to meet the SWS designation.  For the full list go here.

     8.     How do I calculate my GPA?  Back To Top

There are two available calculators students can use to calculate a semester, cumulative or repeat GPA.  Students can access calculators within MyPath (located within My Banner) or the GPA Calculator on the Financial Aid Website. 

     9.     Where can I get help planning my classes?  Back To Top

There are a number of academic advising centers on campus.  For a detailed list, click here.

     10.   How do I add or change my major?  Back To Top

Students can add or change their major (and minor) through My Banner.  Following this list of selections after logging in:  Student, Student Records, Change Major. 

     11.   Where can I get tutoring help?  Back To Top

Grand Valley provides a number of FREE tutoring opportunities for students.  The Tutoring Center, Math and Science (MS3), Math and Stats Center, and the Writing Center.