Grading System

The grades used in the assessment of the academic performance of students enrolled in courses offered by the University are listed.

Quality points earned for each course are determined by multiplying the number of quality points for each grade by the number of hours the course carries. A student’s grade point average is computed by adding the total quality points for all courses for which quality point values may be computed, then dividing by the number of GPA hours (divisor). The grade of “P” will be awarded for nontraditional credit and non-credit courses only. Courses so credited will not be used in computing the grade point average.

The grade of “I” (incomplete) means that some relatively small part of the session’s work remains undone because of illness or other unavoidable reason. This mark is given in exceptional cases where the student has been passing and gives evidence of ability to pass the course if granted an opportunity to complete an assignment, which was not completed prior to the end of the course. Prior to awarding a grade of “I,” the instructor must submit an Incomplete Assignment Form to the department head.

Undergraduate students must submit all assignments for incomplete work by mid-term of the following regular semester and the instructor must submit the Grade Change Form along with the appropriate copy of the Incomplete Assignment Form to the Registrar’s Office not later than two weeks after mid-term. Incomplete grades for graduate students must be changed within one calendar year. The department head, academic dean and vice president for academic affairs must approve the Grade Change Form.

The instructor must take the form to the Registrar’s Office for the change to be official. The grade of “I” is calculated as “F” in the grade point average. The grade of “I” becomes “F” on the academic transcript if it is not changed by the deadline. Students should not reenroll in a class in order to remove the “I” grade; re-enrolling in a class will not prevent an “I” from being calculated as “F.” The Repeat Policy will remove an “F” from the adjusted GPA (see Repeat Policy). If an instructor deems it necessary to extend an “I” grade, he must submit a letter of justification. The department head, dean and vice president for academic affairs must approve the letter.

The grade of “W” indicates withdrawal of the student from the course prior to a specified date following mid-term. This date will be published in the University calendar. After this date, a student may not withdraw or drop classes. In extraordinary cases a student may receive an administrative withdrawal from the University. A major medical emergency, an extended illness, or some event that incapacitates the student would justify seeking an administrative withdrawal (AW). A student who seeks an AW must present the request in writing with supporting documentation to the Director of Counseling. The Director of Counseling confirms that an AW is justified and sends a recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA). If the VPAA approves the AW, the registrar is instructed to withdraw the student from all courses and to assign the grade of W for all courses. The AW is not available for separate courses and can only be used to withdraw from school. An instructor cannot change a grade to “W.”

The grade of “AU” indicates that the course has been audited; however, no credit is allowed. When applicable, an “IP” (In Progress) is awarded to students enrolled in courses such as practicums, internships, and others in which course requirements are normally not completed within one term. The “IP” will remain until course requirements are complete by the entire class unless there are students who have been recommended for graduation. At that time a regular grade will be awarded. No credit will be given until the “IP” is converted to a regular grade.

The grade “Z” is for certain approved courses such as a 12-hour course for student teaching. When all work is completed, a Grade Change Form must be processed.