Academic Standards

The Academic Standards Policy of Skyline College and the San Mateo County Community College District is based on a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C), the minimum standard required for graduation or transfer. A grade point average of less than 2.0 is considered deficient.

Grade point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of letter graded (GPA) units.

Academic standing, including determination of probation or dismissal status, is based upon all coursework completed at Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College.

Special program academic eligibility requirements for financial aid, athletics and Veteran’s Educational Benefits may differ. Students should consult with the specific office for applicable program eligibility requirements.

Unit Deficiency due to Quarter to Semester unit conversion

Students who transfer in coursework that involves quarter units should carefully review their transfer credit evaluation to see how their quarter units are being converted to semester units and whether any deficiencies exist. Unit deficiencies may be addressed in multiple ways in order to ensure requirements are met.

Course Substitutions

Course substitutions are used to meet missing requirements in a degree or certificate, including for individual courses and unit deficiencies. Through this process each course is evaluated for course equivalency toward requirements of certificate programs, associate degrees, and Cal-GETC.

Academic Adjustments For Students With Disabilities

Federal and state legislation requires that community colleges establish programmatic as well as physical access to their academic offerings. Students with verified disabilities have the right to receive reasonable academic adjustments in order to create an educational environment where they have equal access to instruction.  The San Mateo County Community College District is responsible to  make modifications  to  academic  requirements and practices as necessary – without any fundamental alteration of academic standards, courses, educational programs or degrees – to ensure that it does not discriminate against qualified students with disabilities. Skyline College has developed a procedure for responding, in a timely manner, to accommodation requests involving academic adjustments. This procedure shall provide for an individualized review of each request. The procedure shall also permit the Section 504 Coordinator, or other designated District official with knowledge of accommodation requirements, to make an interim decision pending a final resolution. Further information about this policy may be obtained from the Educational Access Center Office, Building 5, Room 5-131A.