What Happens If I Fail a Course at Nexford?

Failing a course is discouraging, but it does not have to derail your progress. Here is what happens next and how to move forward.

Note: This article reflects the policies in the current catalog. If you are enrolled under a previous catalog version, the consequences of a failed course may differ. Please refer to your applicable catalog or contact your Success Advisor for clarification.

Step 1: Reach Out

Contact your Success Advisor as soon as possible. If you are still within the course period, they can connect you with support resources and help you assess your options before the course closes. Your course instructor is also available through Canvas to discuss your performance and provide feedback.

Step 2: Understand What Happens Next

What happens next depends on your attempt number and whether the course is required, an elective, or a standalone single course.

First failed attempt

You'll be enrolled in a retake. Both grades appear on your transcript, but only the higher grade counts toward your CGPA. All work submitted during the retake must be new and original unless your instructor approves otherwise.

Second failed attempt — required courses

Your third and final attempt proceeds under a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Plan, developed with your Success Advisor. This plan must be reviewed and signed before your retake begins.

Second failed attempt — electives

You have two options:

1. Retake the same elective under a SAP Plan, as your third and final attempt
2. Switch to a different elective and continue without a SAP Plan

Note: If you switch, grades from both the original and the new course count toward your CGPA, and if the original course was part of your specialization, you will no longer earn that specialization. Your Success Advisor will ask you to confirm your choice within 48 hours. If you don't respond in that window, a temporary replacement elective will be assigned so your enrollment isn't delayed. You can still confirm your preferred elective afterward.

Second failed attempt — single courses (non-degree-seeking learners)

The same three-attempt structure applies, but since you're enrolled in this course on its own rather than as part of a program, switching to a different course isn't available. Your third and final attempt proceeds under a SAP Plan.

Third failed attempt

Failing the same course three times results in dismissal from the program. Single-course learners are not eligible to retake the course again, and their enrollment ends.

• Learners dismissed after a third failure may, upon readmission and with prior approval:
  • Complete an equivalent course at an approved external institution and transfer the credit
  • Change to a different program, provided the failed course isn't required in the new program
  • Select an alternative elective, if applicable

Step 3: Know Your Academic Standing

A failed course affects your academic standing in two ways:

• It counts toward your attempted credits for SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) purposes, which impacts your course completion pace
• If your CGPA falls below the minimum threshold for your program, you will be placed on Academic Warning, followed by Academic Probation if the issue is not resolved

During Academic Probation, your Success Advisor will work closely with you to develop a plan to get your standing back on track.

Step 4: Build a Plan

Work with your Success Advisor to review your assignment feedback, identify what contributed to the outcome, and build an actionable plan for your next attempt. This may include adjusting your study approach, managing your course load, or accessing additional support resources.

Book an Advising Session
Email: success@nexford.edu