Some Loyola students whose grades fell after returning to post-Katrina New Orleans are getting a second chance under Loyola’s new repeat and delete policy.

The policy allows students to retake classes that they failed during the Spring I and II semesters. If the student passes the class this time around, the effects of the failing grade will be removed from the student’s transcripts, though the prior grade will still appear with the notation “Repeat – Excluded from GPA.” Students will be able to retake courses for the next four years.

The Administrative Council of Deans approved the policy soon after students returned from the Katrina semester; students were able to begin retaking classes in the Fall 2006 semester.

“The university recognized the fact that many students were under a great deal of stress returning to school and to New Orleans for the Spring 2006 semester,” said Kathy Gros, director of Student Records and Registration Services. “Some professors noted poor performance by some of their students that normally did very well.”

Those professors notified the Associate Deans Council of the situation. The council discussed the plan and then passed it to the Administrative Council of Deans which approved the plan for both undergraduate and graduate courses.

Jerry Dauterive, interim dean of the College of Business, was one of the deans who supported the policy.

“Given the hardships and stress endured by many students during the post-Katrina semesters, I felt that an exception to our normal policy regarding repeating courses was warranted,” Dauterive said.

Laurie Joyner, associate dean of the College of Humanities and Natural Sciences, believes that the policy is necessary to getting students back on track after the storm.

“I suppose one could argue that this is an unconventional move in that it deviates from university policy for the Spring I and II semesters only,” Joyner said. “Overall, I think such decisions are recommended based on consideration of what is in the best interest of students.”

Evan Stoudt, music industry studies sophomore, repeated a class for his major last semester that he had struggled with during Spring I.

“I think the policy is a good one,” Stoudt said. “I failed a class and retook it because it is required for my major, and now my GPA is higher than it would have been.”

Hunter MacDonald, mass communication junior, had a similar experience with a reporting class during Spring I.

“It was a rough time, and I missed a lot of class,” MacDonald said. “Whether or not it’s a good idea, I love it. I can correct my mistakes.”

Those involved in activating the policy hope that Repeat and Delete will help both the students and the university.

“Loyola benefits because with this policy we might be able to retain students who would otherwise be subject to academic exclusion,” Dauterive said. “The policy should provide those students with a greater incentive to return to Loyola and achieve success in their academic endeavors.”

Students who still want to take advantage of the Repeat and Delete option should act sooner rather than later, Joyner said, due to the fact that not all courses are available for every semester.

“If students have questions about this option they should speak to their academic advisors or academic counselors in their dean’s office,” Joyner said.

Maggie Calmes can be reached at [email protected].