I'm failing my first class ever, and it's scary.. how could I go about asking about grade forgiveness? How does it even work?
I'm sorry you're going through this! Failure sucks and it's scary, but I am glad to hear you're in problem-solving mode.
What is grade forgiveness?
To be forgiven for a failing grade, you’ll need to take the class again, and you’ll need permission to take that class again.
If you pass that class the second time you take it, grade forgiveness means that your original failing grade won't count toward your GPA. Your new passing grade will count instead. Both attempts may still appear on your transcript, though, and you should look at your college's academic handbook for any other rules about how grades are forgiven.
Getting ahead of a bad grade
So, you've probably just finished midterms and maybe that gave you the clue you might fail. I'm guessing you are past the withdrawal period, but check your college's academic calendar first! (Withdrawal shows up as a W instead of an F on your transcript, and you should be able to retake. Talk to your advisor before you withdraw, and remember that technically withdrawing from a course changes the number of credit hours you're taking, which could potentially matter for you.)
Anyway, you have some time before the semester/quarter ends. Before you actually fail, go to your professor’s office hours to talk to them about what's going on and what you can do about it. Is there any way you can make up some points? How well do you have to do on assignments in the next six weeks in order to pass? (Is it mathematically possible for you to pass without making up points?) Is there anything you can do to perform better on your next assignments or exams? Or at least get some instruction you can take through the end of the course (and into a new semester if you have to take the class again)?
If you're struggling with your health (mental or physical) you can bring it up if you are comfortable doing so. You do not need to go into any details. Your professor may or may not be helpful, but you can't know until you try.
Also see this post on bouncing back from academic probation.
The forgiveness process
Make an appointment with your academic advisor ASAP. With them you want to talk about how you're doing in your classes, study habits, how a repeat class will fit into your schedule and degree plan, and the process of having your grade forgiven.
Whose permission do you need in order to retake the class?
Can you take it again right away? Can you do it over summer? What makes the most sense for you?
How do you get the grade forgiven? Do you need to fill out a form? When is that due?
What will your gpa look like in the meantime once you fail? Will there be any consequences for your gpa being lower? If you have merit scholarships, I would make sure your grade won't impact your financial aid.
To-do list:
Try to get ahead of your failing grade by talking to your professor and making the next 6 weeks count.
Look into your college's academic handbook for the rules on grade forgiveness so you know what questions to ask your advisor.
Talk to your academic advisor about the process of grade forgiveness and any adjustments you need to make to your plans.
Check on your financial aid to make sure you're meeting any academic requirements.
Address the reasons why you failed. Is it study skills? Readiness for this class? Health reasons? Reach out for help when you need it.
Forgive yourself before your college forgives you. Failure sucks, but it happens, and you will get through it!
