Freshman Forgiveness Policy

  1. Student Support
  2. Freshman Forgiveness Policy
Student Writing

A Second Chance at Success

At Mercy, we're dedicated to your academic success. Our Freshman Forgiveness Policy (FFP) is designed to help you overcome challenges in your first year by providing an opportunity to reset your academic path. This policy ensures you can move forward with confidence and stay on track to achieve your goals.

Graduation Ceremony

How FFP Works

The FFP allows eligible first-year students to request forgiveness for grades of “D,” “F,” or “FW” received during their freshman year. Approved grades are replaced with a “ZC” (zero credit) designation on your transcript, which does not affect your GPA. You can request forgiveness for one or more grades, up to a maximum of 15 credits. If approved, you can retake the course or courses to improve your grade the second time.

Application Deadline: Monday, June 23, 2025

Student working with PACT counselor

Key Details

  • Forgiven grades will be replaced with a “ZC” on your transcript, improving your GPA and academic standing.
  • Can be used for up to 15 credits earned in a student’s first year. Forgiven courses will count as attempts per the University’s Repeating Courses policy.
  • Students approved for forgiveness are ineligible for the Dean’s List for that term.
  • Grades of “ZC” will count as an attempted credits and can impact your financial aid eligibility.
  • The FFP may not be used to override the University’s Repeating Course policy, located in the undergraduate academic catalog.

How to Apply

To qualify for forgiveness under the FFP, there are steps you need to take, including meeting with your PACT mentor or HEOP counselor and submitting your application.

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Meet with your PACT mentor or HEOP counselor: 
    Schedule a one-on-one session to discuss your eligibility and complete the application process. If you’re receiving financial aid, you should also meet with Student Financial Services. We also highly recommend that you meet with your academic program director to understand how forgiveness may impact your major. All meetings must be completed by Monday, July 7, 2025.


    Schedule Your Appointment

  2. Submit your application:
    Submit your completed FFP application by Monday, June 23, 2025.
    Submit Your Application

FAQs

The policy allows forgiveness for grades of “D,” “F,” or “FW” received during your freshman year, which includes one fall, spring, and summer term. Grades higher than “D” and grades of “W” are not eligible.

Grades approved for forgiveness will be replaced with a “ZC” (zero credit) designation on your transcript, which does not affect your GPA, giving you the opportunity to improve your academic standing by retaking the course.

While grades replaced with “ZC” do not count toward your GPA, they are still considered attempts under the University’s Repeating Courses policy and for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid purposes. Be sure to discuss potential implications with your PACT mentor or HEOP counselor.

You can request forgiveness for up to 15 credits received during your freshman year. This includes courses taken during the fall, spring, and summer term.

Schedule a meeting with your PACT mentor or HEOP counselor to discuss your eligibility and complete the application.

You must submit your completed FFP application by February 14, 2025, for the current term. Additionally, all required meetings with mentors or counselors must be completed by February 28, 2025. In general, applications must be submitted within 30 days after term grades are made available.