Grading

Grading System

Note: All grades are final except "PR," "I" and "X."

Grade Point Average (GPA)

A grade point average is the average number of grade points earned per semester hour attempted. GPA is calculated by determining the total number of grade points earned and dividing by the total number of semester hours attempted. In a cumulative GPA calculation, if a course is repeated, then (1) only the highest grade earned is included in the total grade points earned, and (2) the semester hours are counted only once in the total semester hours attempted.

Credit-by-exam (departmental and/or CLEP) and cooperative education credit are not calculated into the GPA. Transfer credit is not included in the GPA calculation, except for purposes of granting convocation and graduation honors. Courses in which a "PR," "I," and/or "X" are received are not considered in computing the GPA.

Grade Reports

Grades are reported twice each semester: after the first 8 weeks (mid-term) and at the end of a semester. Mid-term grades are not recorded on a student's permanent record. Though a deficiency grade of "D" may be reported at mid-term for academic enrichment courses, final grades for those courses are only "A," "B," "C," "PR" (ENG 90 only) and "F."

Final grades are reported at the end of each semester and are recorded on a student's permanent record.

Assignment of "I" and "X" Grades

A grade of "I" (Incomplete) may be assigned when, due to unusual circumstances, a student who has maintained an average of "D" or better is unable to complete a small but significant part of the coursework. In order to receive an "I," the student must contact the instructor prior to the end of the semester and request an "I," providing sound reason as to the necessity. At this time, a form is filled out indicating what the student must do to complete the course and how the completed work will be figured into the final grade. The form is signed by the student, instructor and department head and kept on file in the departmental office.

A grade of "X" may be assigned when, through unusual circumstances, a student must miss the final exam of a course. It is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor prior to the examination, provide sound reason for missing the final, and request the grade of "X." The instructor must fill out a form and attach the final exam to it. This is kept on file in the departmental office.

Incomplete Coursework

If a student receives a grade of "I" or "X," the course must be completed and the instructor must submit the final grade to the Office of the Registrar (1) within the first four weeks of the student's next fall or spring semester of enrollment, or (2) within one calendar year from the end of the semester or summer session in which the "I" or "X" was received if the student does not re-enroll. Once an "I" or "X" grade has been submitted, it cannot be changed until the following semester.

Failure to meet the four-week or one-year deadline will automatically cause the incomplete to change to an "F." Any extension of the time limit must be approved by the dean of the college in which the course was taken. An incomplete grade that has been converted to an "F" may be reconverted to an "I" only with the dean's approval.

The student is responsible for contacting his/her instructor regarding completion of coursework. Deadlines for submission of "I" and "X" grades are listed in the Academic Calendar.

Grade Re-Evaluation

A student who has reasons which can be substantiated to request a grade change must meet with the instructor (or the appropriate department head if the instructor is no longer on campus) and request a re-evaluation of his/her performance in the class. The instructor, upon receipt of the student's request, will review his/her records. If it is determined that a change of grade is justified, the instructor will fill out a grade change form and submit it to the department head for action. It is then forwarded to the dean. It must have dean's approval prior to being sent to the Office of Records.

If the instructor determines that a student's request for a grade change is not justified, the student may appeal. To do so, he/she must obtain a "Student Academic Complaint Policy and Procedure" form from the Office for Academic Affairs. The student must complete the form and deliver it to the instructor within 90 days following the posting of the grade. It is suggested that the form be delivered in person or by certified mail. The form specifies the action to be taken and the timeline for doing so. The form also lists the following caution: Students are urged to recognize that the filing of formal academic complaints is a serious undertaking and that the students themselves are subject to all legal codes pertaining to behavior which involves slander, libel or malicious intent.