Midterm Support
What are midterm grades?
Each semester has a midterm period, and grades are required to be posted for all lower-level courses (100 and 200-level), as well as ENGH 302, by the end of this period.
Any midterm grade below a C-, including a grade of NA (never attended course) or SA (stopped attending course), is considered "unsatisfactory."
Where can midterm grades be found?
Midterm grades can be found in Patriot Web, in your Student Self-Service card. Click Open Student Dashboard, then View Grades on the left menu. TBD - next steps. Remember, only grades for lower-level courses and ENGH 302 are required to be posted.
Why are midterm grades helpful?
Midterm grades can confirm that things are going well half-way through the semester or be the push needed to seek help when struggling.
Multiple factors, academic and non-academic, can impact success in a semester. There are also multiple ways to refocus and improve academic performance, starting with the following:
The instructor should be the first point of contact and can be the best resource for learning how to improve a grade. Set up a time to meet, using the office hours posted on the syllabus or on Canvas, and then:
- Reflect on course performance to-date, including assignments completed, class participation, and grades received.
- Prepare specific questions about things that may not be clear about course material or assignments. Focus on what is needed to get back on track.
- Attend the meeting with the instructor open to suggestions and ready to collaborate on a plan for the remaining weeks of the semester.
Academic advisors will listen to concerns, strategize ways to improve, and discuss options. Advisors can also make referrals to other support resources on campus.
When talking about midterm grades with an advisor, students should be aware of the Selective Withdrawal policy and process, as well as the deadline - which is typically close to the end of the midterm period.
When considering selective withdrawal, it is important to factor in financial aid implications, which a financial aid counselor is available to discuss.
- Learning Services helps students develop more effective time management strategies, study skills, motivation and test taking strategies, and more.
- The Writing Center provides free writing support and individual tutoring, either face-to-face or online.
- The Communication Center is available for coaching on class-related, professional, and personal communication skills.
- The Math Tutoring Center provides general help for freshman and sophomore math classes.
Mason’s Counseling and Psychological Services office provides professional counseling services to students dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, and more. CAPS’ programs are designed to help students navigate challenges impacting their personal and academic lives. TimelyCare is also available, as a free virtual mental health resource for Mason students.
The well-being and resilience resources through the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being offer the opportunity to discover and develop your own resilience and stress management strategies.