Grade System
Final semester grades are determined by instructors based on the grades students earn in all aspects of the course, including participation in class discussions, tests, daily assignments, laboratory work, reports, term papers, and semester examinations.
Final semester grades are posted three (3) days after the end of each semester, and students can view them through the Self-Service portal. Individual instructors may also choose to post mid-semester grades.
Students have the option to file a notice and repeat any course they did not successfully complete. In such cases, the higher grade earned will be used to calculate the cumulative grade point average.
The letter system of grading is employed as follows:
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Grade
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Grade Description
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Assigned Grade Points
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A
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Excellent
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4 grade points per credit hour
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B
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Above Average
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3 grade points per credit hour
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C
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Average
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2 grade points per credit hour
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D
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Below Average
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1 grade points per credit hour
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F
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Failed
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0 grade points per credit hour
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The following grades do not affect grade point average:
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Grade
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Grade Description
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How the Grade is Used
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W
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Withdrawal
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Official withdrawal of a student within the Withdrawal Policy guidelines.
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I
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Incomplete
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An “I” grade is a temporary. All incomplete work should be performed within 30 calendar days after the end of the term so that they grade may be recorded. A student’s financial aid status may be affected while the grade is an "I".
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P
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Passed
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This grade is used for successfully completed labs and orientations.
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AU
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Audit
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Students auditing a course will receive an “AU” grade.
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S
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Satisfactory
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The Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grades are used by some non-degree courses (ex: Developmental Education, Corporate & Community Education).
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U
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Unsatisfactory
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Minimum Satisfactory Grade Level
A student is considered to be in Good Academic Standing if they maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.000. If a student’s cumulative GPA drops below 2.000, they will be placed on Academic Probation.
Academic Probation
A student placed on Academic Probation is required to complete a Probation Agreement. This agreement outlines specific measures to help improve the student’s GPA, which may include options such as changing their program, working with a tutor, or reducing the number of hours worked. During the next term, the student will be limited to a maximum of twelve (12) credit hours.
Additionally, the following two criteria apply for this term:
- The student will remain on probation until they achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or higher.
- The student must earn a GPA of 2.000 or higher for the term.
If the student fails to meet both of these criteria, they will be placed on Academic Suspension for one term. Please refer to sections Academic Suspension and Readmission for more information about suspension.
If the student achieves a GPA of 2.000 or higher for the term but the cumulative GPA is still below 2.000, they will be placed on Continued Probation.
Continued Probation
A student placed on Continued Probation may be advised to reduce the number of credits they are enrolled in and must continue to adhere to their Probation Agreement. Additionally, the following criteria must be met for the term:
- The student must earn a GPA of 2.000 or higher for the term.
- The student will remain on Continued Probation until they achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or higher.
If the student fails to meet both of these criteria, they will be placed on Academic Suspension for one term. Please refer to sections Academic Suspension and Readmission for more information about suspension.
Academic Suspension
If a student does not meet the academic standards required during the probation period, they will be placed on Academic Suspension. Once placed on Academic Suspension, students have two options: 1) they can appeal the suspension (see How to Appeal Academic Suspension), or 2) they must complete a mandatory “stop out” term in the following Fall or Spring term.
Readmission (After suspension or with a Probation Status from the Past)
Before a suspended student can be readmitted, they must complete a Probation Agreement. This agreement outlines the steps necessary to improve the student’s GPA, which may include changing programs, enrolling in developmental or preparatory classes, visiting a tutoring center, or utilizing other academic support services.
For the next semester, the student’s enrollment will be limited to a maximum of twelve (12) credit hours. The student must achieve a GPA of 2.000 or higher for that term. Additionally, support services such as Career Services, the TRIO Student Success Center, Personal Counseling, and Tutoring Centers are often required or recommended.
The student will remain on probation until they achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or higher, which is necessary for good standing. If the student fails to meet either of these criteria, they are placed on academic suspension for one term.
How to Appeal Academic Suspension
Students may appeal an academic suspension by completing a Request to Appeal Academic Suspension form, which is sent to each student when they are informed of their suspension status. The appeal will be reviewed by the Provost/Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs, considering the student’s past and current academic standing as well as their demonstrated ability to achieve academic success.
If the appeal is approved, additional support services may be required or recommended to help the student succeed. These support services can include Career Services, the TRIO Student Success Center, Personal Counseling, and Tutoring Centers. It’s important to note that submitting an appeal does not guarantee reinstatement.
Students will receive notification of the appeal outcome via the contact information provided on the appeal form. The Provost’s office is located on the second floor of Vermilion Hall.