An FX grade is a failing grade assigned to students who never attend class or stop attending during the term without officially withdrawing from the course.
This means that if a student simply disappears from class without going through the proper procedures to drop the course, they will receive an FX grade on their transcript. The FX grade is factored into the student's GPA, similar to a failing grade (F). It signifies not only a lack of academic achievement but also a failure to formally withdraw from the course.
Here's a breakdown:
- Reason for the Grade: Assigned when a student ceases attending classes without formally withdrawing.
- Impact on GPA: The FX grade is calculated into the student's GPA, negatively affecting their overall academic standing. It is treated as a failing grade.
- Official Withdrawal vs. Abandonment: Distinguishes between students who formally drop the course (receiving a "W" for withdrawn) and those who simply abandon the course.
- Attendance is Key: The primary determinant is a lack of attendance. If a student attends regularly and fails assignments, the grade would typically be a standard failing grade (F), rather than an FX.
In essence, an FX grade serves as a warning and a deterrent, encouraging students to formally withdraw from courses they are unable to complete rather than simply abandoning them. This helps the university track student enrollment and academic progress more accurately.
