What should students consider "Grade Forgiveness" opportunities as?

Grade forgiveness opportunities are essentially designed to allow students to retake specific courses in which they may not have performed well previously, with the intent of replacing the previous grade with the new one for GPA calculations. This policy recognizes that students can learn from their mistakes and improve their understanding of the subject matter, thereby giving them a second chance to demonstrate their abilities.

Utilizing grade forgiveness does not inherently provide additional credit, nor does it automatically boost a student's GPA; rather, it replaces a lower grade with a higher one, which can improve the overall GPA if the retaken course earns a better grade. Additionally, it is not a financial aid option, as it pertains strictly to academic performance rather than funding support. By allowing students to retake courses, institutions acknowledge the challenges of higher education while providing a framework that supports academic improvement and personal growth.