Why Honor Points Matter

Students are placed on academic probation if either the term grade point average or the cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0. If your cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0, you have an honor point deficit.

Calculating Honor Points

Every grade has a value:

Michigan Honor Points (MHP) are calculated by multiplying the number of Michigan Semester Hours (MSH) for the class by the value of the grade. Michigan Semester Hours are the credits earned in graded classes. Classes that are elected pass/fail, credit/no-credits, or satisfactory/non-satisfactory only earn Credits Toward Program (CTP) and are not part of the grade point average.

Term and Cumulative Grade Point Averages

The term grade point average is determined by dividing the total number of Michigan Semester Hours (MSH) elected during a term into the total number of Michigan Honor Points (MHP) earned during the same term.

MHP/MSH=GPA or 22.3/15=1.486

The cumulative grade point average is determined by dividing the total number of MSH into the total number of MHP earned.

Note: Notations of Y, I, NR, NG, and ## are not initially calculated into the term or cumulative grade point averages. Notations of I, NR, NG, and ##, if unresolved by the end of the fourth week of the next fall or winter term in residence or by an approved extension deadline, lapse to E or ED and are then computed into both the term and cumulative grade point averages, if the course was a graded election. Only honor points earned in courses elected at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Dearborn, or Flint campuses) may affect the grade point average.

Calculating the Honor Point Deficit

The term honor point deficit can be determined by multiplying the total MSH by 2.0 and subtracting the number of MHP earned.

(MSH x 2)-MHP= HPD or (15x2)-22.3=7.7

The cumulative honor point deficit can be determined by multiplying the total MSH elected by 2.0 and subtracting the total number of MHP earned.

The cumulative honor point deficit will determine how badly your grade point average has been affected. It will also tell you how many credits of "B” grades you will have to earn (with no other grades falling below a “C”) in order to raise your cumulative grade point average to the 2.0 minimum needed to be in good standing and to graduate. You also need at least a 2.0 in your major grade point average to graduate.

Cumulative honor point deficits can lead to suspension or dismissal from the College. Cumulative honor point deficits may also present challenges to completing major requirements.

Things to Consider

In preparation of your required meeting with an Academic Standards Board member, take a look at your academic report on Wolverine Access and answer the following questions. Be prepared to discuss your answers during your appointment.

1. What is your term honor point deficit?
2. If your cumulative grade point average is below 2.0, what is your cumulative honor point deficit?
3. What is your major grade point average?
4. Do you have a deficit?
   1. If yes, what is the size of the deficit?
   2. If you have either a cumulative or major honor point deficit, can you see any patterns of classes or life events that have contributed to the deficit?