Grading System

Effective the 1961 Fall Semester, the University adopted a 4.00 quality point scale, changing from the 3.00 scale. Effective the 1994 Fall Semester, "W+" grades were discontinued. Students receive a "W" grade for courses dropped/withdrawn. Grades are assigned as follows:

Quality points earned for each course are determined by multiplying the number of quality points for each grade by the number of quality 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. The grade of "P" will be awarded for non-traditional 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. 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 Grade Change Form must be approved by the department head, academic dean and vice president for academic affairs. 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; reenrolling 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 letter must be approved by the department head, dean and vice president for academic affairs.

The grade of “W” indicates withdrawal of the student from the University up 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, the registrar may authorize resignation from the institution or the dropping of a course with the grade of “W” after the deadline (see Course Withdrawal and Drop Policy). The instructor cannot change a grade to “W”.

The grade of “AU” indicates that the course has been audited; however, no credit hours are 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 with 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.