Q: What is the Refresh program?
A: Refresh is a free online program that gives first-year students the opportunity to boost their GPAs over winter break (Dec. 16, 2020 to Jan. 7, 2021).
Q: Who is eligible for this program?
A: It is available to any freshman who withdrew from or will receive a D or an F in one of six courses during the fall 2020 semester.
Q: Which courses are being offered?
A: The following courses will be available to eligible students:
- ENG 101 (3 credits) Composition I
- INT 105 (3 credits) Mission Core
- MGT 210 (3 credits) Management Principles
- MTH 115 (3 credits) Introduction to Statistics
- GOV 101 (1 credit) U.S. and Missouri Constitutions
- LIB 199 (1 credit) Information Literacy in Higher Education
Q: How much does this program cost?
A: Students may enroll in one of six courses at no cost if they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
Q: How will this program improve my GPA?
A: The grade you earn in Refresh will replace the grade you received during the fall 2020 semester. If your new grade is higher, it will immediately raise your GPA, decreasing your risk of being placed on probation, getting suspended or becoming ineligible to participate in athletic competitions.
Q: How can I enroll?
A: If you qualify for the program and took one of the courses offered, contact Lee DeLaet, Fontbonne’s director of academic advising, at LDeLaet@Fontbonne.edu or 314-889-4539 no later than December 15, 2020. You will then receive a syllabus and additional information from your course’s instructor.
Q: When does the program start and end?
A: The program begins Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, and continues via remote instruction through Jan. 7, 2021.
Q: When will I know my final grades for the fall semester?
A: You were given an indication of your grades at mid-semester, and final grades for the fall semester will be posted no later than Monday, December 14 in the GriffinNet student portal.
Q: Can I take more than one Refresh course?
A: Eligible students may only take one Refresh course.
Q: What happens if I get a lower grade in Refresh?
A: Your highest grade will be used to calculate your cumulative GPA and will also apply to your degree audit; however, both grades will appear on your transcript. The lower grade will indicate the course was repeated.
Q: What are the benefits of retaking a course over winter break?
A: Refresh allows you to build upon any knowledge and skills you learned during the fall 2020 semester. You will be in a small class with faculty who will provide additional assistance as you retake the course. The grade you earn in Refresh will also replace the grade you obtained during the fall 2020 semester, immediately improving your academic standing.
Q: Has this program been offered in the past?
A: No. We recognize the transition from high school to college is difficult, even in the best of times, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made this year especially challenging. To ensure first-year students have a successful start to their college careers, Fontbonne decided to implement the Refresh program.