21 Examinations-Grading
Assessment of student learning should occur every two to three weeks minimum and is to be entered into the Blackboard immediately for the students’ viewing. Online courses must use methods to verify student identity. It is recommended that at least two assessments be proctored during the semester. Online courses must make all exams available through remote proctoring.
Final examinations for all classes must be administered according to the final examination schedule for each semester. Other examinations should be given during the regular class meeting hours at the instructor’s determination. It is strongly recommended and is a good practice to provide students with a schedule of regular examinations or evaluation sessions and an explanation of the method of determining final grades.
The matter of determining grades is left to each individual instructor. Each instructor is expected to employ their best judgment and the fairest technique in assigning student grades that represent student achievement as accurately as possible based on definable criteria.
Methods of grading should not deviate from those identified in course syllabi. Final grades are reported for each student for every course undertaken under the following grading system:
A Excellent 4 grade points per credit hour
B Good 3 grade points per credit hour
C Average 2 grade points per credit hour
D Poor 1 grade point per credit hour
F Fail No grade points-no credit hours. (An “F” is calculated into the GPA)
P Passing Indicates hours of earned-no grade points. (A “P” does not contribute to the GPA)
I Incomplete No grade points-used at the instructor’s discretion with an I contract. (An “I” indicates the student is passing and has completed a substantial portion of the course work but has been unavoidably detained from completion of the course. The student has one year to complete requirements for course completion. Written arrangements via an Incomplete Grade form must be submitted to the registrar at the time the “I” is documented. After requirements are satisfied, the instructor submits a change of grade form to the Registrar. Any “I” grades that are not changed remain as a permanent “I” and will not contribute to GPA.)
S/U Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory: Reserved for courses that do not count towards graduation or retention GPAs.
AU Audit: Students enrolled to audit a course will receive the grade of “AU”. It does not contribute to the GPA.
W Withdrawal: No credits or grade points; indicates official withdrawal.[1]
AW Administrative Withdrawal: No credits or grade points-GPA neutral. Grades of “AW must be approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs to indicate that a student has been “involuntarily” withdrawn for disciplinary or financial reasons or inadequate attendance.[2]
[1] No record of a course is indicated on a transcript if the student withdraws during the add/drop period (first 10 days of a regular semester and a proportional time for shorter terms). Permission of the academic advisor is required for this withdrawal.
Students receive a grade of “W” when withdrawing after the 10th class day and until the end of the 11th week of a regular semester and a proportional time for shorter terms. Permission of the instructor and the academic advisor is required for this withdrawal.
Students withdrawing after the 11th week of a regular semester and a proportional time for shorter terms will receive a grade of “W” or “F,” depending on the student’s standing. Permission of the instructor, academic advisor, and Vice President of Academic Affairs is required for this withdrawal. A grade of “W” is GPA neutral; a grade of “F” is calculated into the GPA.
[2] Administrative withdrawals due to inadequate attendance may be assigned (with the appropriate approval) at any time the determination is made that a student cannot achieve a passing grade even if attendance is resumed. Students should note that any withdrawal can result in termination or repayment of financial aid received.