Questions and Answers
If you have a question not on this list please email your question to the Registrar's Office.
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information available on the ONU web.
The 'University Catalog' contains the official wording of university policies and procedures and should be consulted after reading information on the ONU web.
What does a HOLD on my record mean? What is a GPA? How is a GPA calculated?
What is Academic Standing? What is Satisfactory Academic Progress? How does repeating a course effect my CUMGPA?
How is class determined? What determines Athletic Eligibility? What is an Incomplete and does it hurt my GPA?
I want to take a course at a college near home in the summer. What do I need to do? There are two classes I want to take and they have a time conflict. What can I do? What is the "Dean's List"?
What are the different types of addresses? Where are grades sent? I won't be home over break, can I get my grades sent to another address?
My parents have moved, how do I change my Permanent Address? Will missing classes hurt my final grade? What does a "W" on my transcript mean?
I am enrolled in a course for which I don't have the prerequisites, what do I do? I need my 'Major GPA'. How can I find that information? I didn't get a grade I believe I deserved. What can I do?
I need a transcript each quarter for my scholarship? What do I need to do? I need a signature and can't find my advisor. What can I do? When will I be able to get my grades?
Can I be exempted from an English Writing course? I have forgotten/lost my Luminis Password. How can I get a new Luminis Password? I took a college course while in High School. Can I get college credit at ONU for the course?
I am repeating a course now. Do I need to fill out a "Repeat Form"? If I repeat an ONU course at another college will it change my GPA? How does AP credit show on my record?
What courses can I take by 'Special Exam'? How long to I have to "Drop" a class before a "W" appears on my record? What is the 'Overload Charge' ?
I have four (4) finals on one day, what can I do to get a change made ? What are the different Graduation Honors and the GPA related to each honor? Where can I get information about my 'rank in class'?
What do I need to do to change my major (minor, concentration, option)? What is full time status? Does work done on an ONU Study Abroad program impact my GPA?

What is a GPA?

There are two (2) GPAs.

(See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


How is a GPA calculated?

Only grades of "A"(4 points), "B"(3 points), "C"(2 points), "D" (1 point), and "F"(0 points) are used in calculating GPA. A GPA is calculated by dividing the points earned(#), total or in the quarter, by the number of GPA hours(@), total or in the quarter, and truncating the answer after the second decimal place.

(See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")

Example: GPA Calculator Spreadsheet

SubjCrsSecT i t l eGradeCredit HrsEarned HrsGPA HrsGrade PointsGPA
AASG10005Freshman SeminarS1.001.000.000.00
AHPE06002ArcheryW0.000.000.000.00
AMUS08001ChorusB1.001.001.003.00
ENGL11001Writing 1A4.004.004.00 16.00
HIST11004Western Civ 1B4.004.004.0012.00
MATH16303Calculus 1 C5.005.005.00 10.00
Total15.0014.00@ 41.00#2.92

41.00# / 14.00@ = 2.928571


What is Academic Standing?

The following are the Academic Standings used at ONU.

  • Good Standing - CUMGPA of 2.00 or better.
  • Probation - previously on Good Standing and CUMGPA less than 2.00
  • Continued Probation - previously on Probation and CUMGPA less than 2.00
  • Suspension - previously on Continued Probation and CUMGPA less than 2.00. Usually cannot enroll in the university for three (3) regular quarters. All such cases are reviewed on an individual basis by a college committee. Must apply for the suspension to be lifted and readmission.
  • Dismissal - usually after a suspension has been lifted and a CUMGPA of 2.00 has not been earned in the specified time period. Considered permanent in nature and not lifted for readmission.
  • NOTE: In the College of Pharmacy or College of Business Administration a Quarter GPA (QGPA) of less than 1.00 will result in a LT (Letter to Follow) standing and can then result in Probation or Suspension.

In addition there are two (2) temporary standings

  • Deferred- An "Incomplete"/"I" or a "No Report"/"NR" prevents determining the proper status until removed.
  • Letter To Follow - the student is eligible for Suspension or Dismissal depending upon review by a college committee.

(See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?


    A full-time student is making satisfactory progress in a degree program when the student
  1. maintains an accumulative total of credit hours completed in credit-assigned courses at the university equivalent to the completion of an average of at least 12 credit hours during each of the previous academic terms for which the student has been enrolled and
  2. has been enrolled in at least two of the three terms immediately preceding the term of proposed participation.
    Requirement (2) shall be waived when a student is completing either
  1. a cooperative education assignment or
  2. an international study abroad program.

What is full time status?

  • Full-time is 12 or more hours attempted in a given quarter.
  • Part-Time is 1 to 11 hours attempted in a given quarter.

Hours in excess of 19 require your dean's approval and can incur >overload charges of 75% of the part- time hourly tuition charge for each credit hour above 19 hours.

Changing from full-time to part-time can effect your financial aid. Check with the Financial Aid Office.


How is my class (e.g. FR, SO, JR, SR, P1, P2, ...) calculated?

FRSOJRSR
Arts & Science0-44 Hrs45-89 Hrs90-134 Hrs 135+ Hrs
Business0-44 Hrs45-89 Hrs90-134 Hrs135+ Hrs
Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical,Computer Engineering)0-46 Hrs47-94 Hrs 95-142 Hrs143+ Hrs
Engineering - Computer Science0-44 Hrs45-89 Hrs90-134 Hrs 135+ Hrs
Pharmacy (classes are P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) are based on hours earned and course completion. See the Catalog for details.
LawL1 (0-28 Hrs) L2 (29-57 Hrs) L3 (58+ Hrs)

(See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


What determines Athletic Eligibility?

ONU Faculty Handbook 3.25 Student Eligibility - Intercollegiate Varsity Sports, Extracurricular and Cocurricular Activities (9/92)

  • Ohio Northern University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (N.C.A.A.) and the Ohio Athletic Conference (O.A.C.) and follows the constitutions and by-laws of those organizations in determining eligibility for intercollegiate athletics.
  • Students are in good academic standing for eligibility to participate in extracurricular and cocurricular activities of the University unless restricted from doing so by action of the Dean of the student's college of registration for academic reasons or by the Dean of Students or the Director of Athletics for disciplinary reasons.
  • Good academic standing for eligibility denotes that a student meets the minimum standard accumulative grade point average necessary to be eligible to participate in intercollegiate varsity sports, extracurricular and cocurricular activities where the student represents the University in competitive events.
      For students enrolled prior to the Fall of the 2008-09 Academic Year the University standard is:
    • Freshman year 1.60
    • Sophomore year 1.80
    • Junior year or higher 2.00
    Individual colleges may establish higher standards. The colleges of business administration, engineering, pharmacy and law, by action of their respective faculty, have adopted higher standards. Students in these colleges must meet the 2.00 standard to be considered "in good academic standing".
      Students entering or readmitted to Ohio Northern University in the Fall of 2008 or later the University standard is:
    • Students who have earned fewer than 37 credit hours 1.80
    • Students who have earned 37 or more credit hours 2.00
    Individual colleges may establish higher standards. The colleges of business administration, engineering, pharmacy and law, by action of their respective faculty, have adopted higher standards. Students in these colleges must meet the 2.00 standard to be considered "in good academic standing".
  • unless restricted by the student's college dean, and/or
  • unless restricted by the Dean of Students.

    What is an Incomplete and does it hurt my GPA?

    An Incomplete "I" is given by the faculty member, in consultation with her/his dean, when the student, for reasons beyond her/his control (illness, death in family, ...), is not able to complete the work required for a course by the end of finals.

    The "I" is not used in GPA calculations. The students's Academic Status is "Deferred" until the work is completed, eight (8) weeks in the next term of enrollment.

    If not completed the grade defaults to an "F" or "U", as appropriate. After one (1) year the work cannot be made up and the 'I" remains on the record.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


    I want to take a course at a college near home in the summer. What do I need to do?

    Contact your dean and have a "Transient Student" form approved.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


    There are two classes I want and they have a time conflict, what can I do?

    Contact your dean for written approval. The dean's approval must be noted on your "Course Request" or "Add/Drop Form".


    What is the "Dean's List"?

    Students earn the "Deans List' when they have in one quarter completed a minimum of 12 quarter hours of graded credit (A, B, C, D, F), no Incompletes, with a QGPA of 3.50 or better.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")



    What are the types of addresses?

    • Permanent - where most mailings will always reach you. Usually where you lived while in high school.
    • Local - living off campus in Ada.
    • University - living "on campus" in residence Hall or Fraternity/Sorority or other university housing.
    • Billing - Your bill sent to this address, normally the Local or University address is used for Winter and Spring bills.
    • Parenta - The address of where you live with one of your parents.
    • Parentb - If parents do not live together, where the other parent lives.

    Where are grades sent?

    Grades are available on the web through the ONU portal via the student's Luminis account. If a student wants a paper document containing the term grades the student should request a transcript on the web and indicate 'HOLD FOR GRADES'.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


    I won't be home over break, can I get my grades sent to another address?

    If a student wants a paper document containing the term grades the student should submit request a transcript on the web and indicate 'HOLD FOR GRADES'.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


    My parents have moved, how do I change my Permanent Address?

    Come to the Registrar's Office and complete a "Change of Address and Personal Information" form.


    Will missing classes hurt my final grade?

    Students are expected to attend ALL classes.

    It is the student's responsibility to contact the faculty member relative to any class work missed for whatever reason.

    Faculty members determine the impact of absences upon the final course grade.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


    What does a "W" on my transcript mean?

    A mark of "W" on a transcript has no impact upon any GPA calculation or academic standing. A "W" only means that a student processed a "Withdrawal" from the course between the first (1st) day of the third (3rd) week and the last day of the seventh (7th) week of the quarter.

    Summer session withdraw dates are different from the regular quarters.

    See the calendar for specific dates each term.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


    I am enrolled in a course for which I don't have the prerequisites, what do I do?

    It is YOUR responsibility to drop the course. Begin the process with your advisor.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


    I need my "Major GPA". Where can I find the information?

    Your advisor or dean can access the following information on BANNER:

    • subject GPA - your GPA for all courses you have taken in a subject. This is often very close to your 'Major GPA".
    • college GPA - this is your GPA for all courses taken in your college.


    I didn't get a grade I believe I deserved. What can I do?

    1. Talk to the professor.
    2. If you still believe the grade was not deserved, contact the department chairman or dean.

    See the catalog or student handbook for more information about the details and proper procedure to be followed in a grade appeals procedure.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


    I need a transcript each quarter for my scholarship? What do I need to do?

      Log onto the Luminis, the ONU Portal,
    1. Use 'Quick Clicks' abd 'For Students'
    2. click 'Official Transcript Request'
      in 'Issue to:' enter the scholarship company/organization,
    3. click on the 'Continue' button and enter the remainder of the address on the next web page,
    4. click on the 'Continue' button and for 'Print Transcript' select the option you need ('As Soon As Possible' or 'Hold For grades'),
    5. click on the 'Continue' button, review the information for accuracy, then lastly click on the 'Submit Request' button.


    I need a signature and can't find my advisor. What can I do?

    See the department chairman or your dean.


    When will I be able to get my grades?

      You can access your grades at any time through the ONU Web Portal, Luminis, by
    1. going to www.onu.edu,
    2. then Luminis,
    3. then Self Service,
    4. then Student Services & Financial Aid,
    5. then Student Records
    6. then Final Grades .

    NOTE: The GPA seen on the web WILL NOT be accurate until the Registrar's Office has run several processes, usually late on Monday after Finals week.

    For students who have submitted a transcript request on the web marked 'HOLD FOR GRADES' these will be mailed on Tuesday after Finals Week.
    Please DO NOT call the Registrar's Office for your grades as federal laws prohibit the release of that information over the telephone.


    Can I be exempted from an English Writing course?

    A score of 25 or better on BOTH the ACT English and ACT Reading exams will exempt you from taking ENGL 110 Writing 1. No credit is earned and you will still need the same number of total hours to graduate from your respective college. This exemption will allow you 4 more elective hours or can provide more opportunities to complete additional majors or minors.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")

    I have forgotten/lost my Luminis Password. How can I get a new Luminis Password?

    You must contact Mr Robert Beer or Mr Chad Bryan in Biggs 114/117. and present your ONU ID card. Your Luminis Password will be 'set', and given to you. It is your responsibility to change it to something you can remember.


    I took a college course while in High School. Can I get college credit at ONU for the course?

    College level course work done while in high school is evaluated for transfer credit on the same basis as any work taken at a college. The work must be sent to ONU by the college/university on an official transcript, through the U.S. Mail, to be considered for evaluation. The institution must be regionally accredited, the work must be 'C' or better, and be appropriate to an ONU program.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


    I am repeating a course now. Do I need to fill out a "Repeat Form"?

    Only if the SUBJ or CRSE has been changed since the last time you took the course.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


    If I repeat an ONU course at another college will it change my GPA?

    NO. Only graded work, (A, B, C, D, F) completed at ONU is used in calculating your GPA.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


    How does AP credit show on my record?

    AP credit is recorded as transfer credit.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


    What courses can I take by "Special Exam"?

    The first step is to get your advisor's approval and then the approval of the department chairman in which the course is offered for approval.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


    How long to I have to "Drop" a class before a "W" appears on my record?

    At the beginning of the third (3rd) week of a quarter, fourth week of Law semester, any class "Dropped" will show as a "W" on your transcript. A "W" is not count in GPA calculation.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


    What is the 'Overload Charge' ?

    When you are enrolled for more than 19 credit hours in a quarter you are charged an 'Overload Fee'. This fee is 75% of the part- time hourly tuition charge for each credit hour above 19 hours. If you are taking an activity course [AMUS (079 to 099) Performance groups or AHPE (001 to 019) Varsity Sports] as an ELECTIVE then that credit hour does not count as an overload.


    I have four final exams on one day, what can I do to get a change?

    Any student with four (4) final exams scheduled on one day should contact the Registrar's Office for rescheduling one of the exams.


    What are the different Graduation Honors and the GPA related to each honor?

    A minimum of 45 graded hours must be earned at ONU to receive Graduation Honors. 'Distinction' requires a mimimum CUMGPA of 3.30 and 'High Distinction' requires a mimimum CUMGPA of 3.60.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")


    What do I need to do to change my major (minor, concentration,option)?

    Have a 'Declaration of Major' form completed and signed by the department chair of the department where your NEW major (minor, concentration,option) is housed, then bring the completed form to the Registrar's Office for processing.


    How does repeating a course effect my CUMGPA?

    All courses can be taken only once for credit to count in CUMGPA and hours toward graduation unless the course catalog description specifically indicates otherwise.

    In the college of Law for non-repeatable LAW courses ALL grades are used in computing the CUMGPA, but credit earned only once.

    In the college of Pharmacy for non-repeatable Pharmacy, i.e. BSPC, PHBS, and PHPR, courses ALL grades are used in computing the CUMGPA, but credit earned only once.

    For non-repeatable courses in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business Administration or College of Engineering only the most recent grade, and appropriate credit hours are used in computing your CUMGPA and count towards graduation.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")

    Example: GPA Calculator Spreadsheet

    41.00# / 14.00@ = 2.928571


    Where can I get information about my 'rank in class'?

    At the end of each term for students NOT in defered academic status (having an I or NR in any class) the student rank by college, by class, and by CUMGPA is prepared. This information can be obtained from the student's College Deans's Office.


    What does a HOLD on my record mean?

    A hold can be placed on a students record by any one of several university offices, Admissions, Financial Aid, Controller's, College Dean, in order to remedy a situation involving a student. Holds can prevent registration or issuing of an enrollment verification form,or issuing of a transcript, or issuing of a diploma. until the 'situation' is resolved with the appropriate office and the hold is released. Holds can be reviewed on the web under 'Student Records' and View Holds.


    Does work done on an ONU Study Abroad program impact my GPA?

    Credit earned in an approved ONU Study Abroad Program is NOT used in computing the student’s CUMGPA. All credit earned will be recorded as S or U, based upon the assessment/evaluation submitted to ONU. Credit will be recorded under the name of the ‘Study Abroad’ institution, with the ONU course equivalent or the title of the course as given at the ‘Study Abroad’ institution, as appropriate. The university requires that the last 45 hours be completed at Ohio Northern University.

    (See ONU Catalog "The Educational Program of the University")