Over the next few weeks, you'll receive your mid-term grades. These are different from your final grades as they provide you with either S — Satisfactory or U — Unsatisfactory. (Go to tinyurl.com/midtermsfan2012 for the official policy on mid-term grades. See section 3.7- Mid- Semester Report.)

How are the S or U grades determined?

Basically, your professor assesses how you are doing in the course — through tests, assignments, attendance levels, effort and participation — and then provides an indication of your success in completing the course.

- S means they assume if you continue to proceed as you have been, you have a good chance of succeeding in the course.

- U means you are receiving less than a C grade at the time the midsemester grade is assigned. Statements to assist you to improve this grade will also be provided. If your attendance or assessment grades to date are not strong, you'll usually receive a U grade.

Keep in mind that mid-term grades will not be permanently retained on your records and will not display on your transcript.

So what are you supposed to do with this information?

Step 1: Check your grades.
Step 2: Determine which courses you are doing well in and which ones need a little work.
Step 3: For the courses that need work, get help. Talk to your professor to see where you can improve.
Step 4: If you have multiple U's (two or three), expect a communication from your Student Success Advisor (SSA). Don't be afraid — they are great at identifying strategies for success in your courses.

Ultimately, we want to see you succeed. Taking the initiative to address challenges you're having now is much better than waiting until it's too late in the term. Midterm grades are often reflective of final grades, but with a little effort now, you can make a big difference at the end of the term.

Best of luck in your studies!