Can a University Change a Student's Grade Point Average (GPA) on Request?

Many students wonder whether their university can or should change their GPA upon request. While it's important to note that universities have the ability to adjust a student's GPA under certain circumstances, it's rare for them to do so merely because a student wants a better academic record.

Can a University Change a GPA?

Technically, a university 'can' change a student's GPA if there is an error in the system or if a student completes courses later that are retroactively added to the GPA calculation. However, the more relevant question is whether a university ''will'' change a GPA on request. The answer is no — ethical and legitimate universities typically do not alter a student's GPA to meet their requests for higher grades.

Each professor decides the grade for their course based on the student's performance. Universities trust their instructors to uphold academic integrity and do not usually ask faculty to change grades. Professors, especially tenured ones, are less likely to change grades unless presented with a strong and valid reason, such as a calculation error.

The Role of Professors

Professors have the authority to change a grade if they initiated the review themselves or if there is a clear calculation error. Some professors are more flexible and may consider leniency if a student has improved since the initial grading period. However, these are exceptions rather than the norm.

Changing Your GPA Over Time

A student can improve their GPA by taking more courses and earning higher grades in future semesters. Once a GPA is calculated, it remains a reflection of the cumulative grades earned. For example, if a student graduates with a GPA of 3.0 after completing 120 credit hours, taking an additional 120 credit hours with all A's would raise the cumulative GPA to 3.5. This is perhaps the most practical way to improve a GPA over time, but it requires effort and dedication in subsequent academic endeavors.

Conclusion

While universities are capable of altering a GPA under specific conditions, they generally do not do so at the request of students. If a student feels that there is an error in their previously recorded grades, they should reach out to the relevant academic department and provide evidence of the error. In the vast majority of cases, the grades are a true reflection of the work the student has completed. If a student is committed to improving their GPA in the future, they should focus on excelling in their current and upcoming courses.