GRADING AND CREDIT POLICIES |
GRADING
Traditional grades are given at the completion of each course. The instructor of each course is expected to develop appropriate standards for the course.
The following grades are used to report and record the level of student academic achievement:
Grade | Grade points per semester HOUR | ||
|---|---|---|---|
A | Clearly Superior Achievement | 4.0 | |
A- | 3.7 | ||
B+ | 3.3 | ||
B | Above Average Performance | 3.0 | |
B- | 2.7 | ||
C+ | 2.3 | ||
C | Average Performance | 2.0 | |
C- | 1.7 | ||
F | Failure to Achieve Minimum Competency; No Credit Given | 0.0 | |
I | Incomplete | * | |
S | Satisfactory (equivalent to "B" or better) | * | |
M | Marginal (equivalent to "D", used only on progress reports) | * | |
U | Unsatisfactory (equivalent to "F") | * | |
W | Withdrawn | * | |
*Not used in computation of GPA |
In this system, each semester hour passed has a grade point value equated to the letter grade. Thus, a student who earns an “A” in a three-semester hour course earns 12 grade points for that course whereas he or she would earn 11.1 grade points (3 semester hours x 3.7 grade points) for an “A-” in a three-semester hour course.
The cumulative grade point average (GPA) is obtained by dividing the total semester hours attempted into the total grade points earned. The grades of “I,” “S,” "M", “U,” and “W” are not used in this calculation. Semester and cumulative grade point averages are indicated on the transcript at the end of each semester.
When serious illness or other unforeseeable circumstances prevent a student from completing the work for a course, an instructor may allow additional time to finish assignments by awarding an “I” (Incomplete). An “I” is not to be awarded as a remedy for failure to attend classes or to complete assigned work on time. Under no circumstances will students receiving an “I” have the opportunity to complete work not assigned to the entire class. An “I” indicates that a small portion of assigned work is unavoidably unfinished at the end of the term. A faculty member intending to award an “I” must fill out and submit to the Registrar a form explaining the reasons for the grade. This form must be submitted no later than the time when the grades for the class in which the “I” is given are turned in to the Registrar. The form will also indicate whether the student’s progress in the course is satisfactory at the time the “I” is awarded and must indicate that the student has substantially completed the course work at the time the application is filed. If the student fails to complete the coursework by the date published in the Catawba College Academic Calendar for the removal of “I” grades, the “I” becomes an “F” and may be changed only by action of the Academic Policies and Standards Committee.
The grades of “S” and “U” are used as final grades in the Action Research courses, the Graduate Capstone, Internship, Practicum, and Independent Study.
Academic records may be withheld for failure to satisfy financial or other responsibilities on campus.
REPEATING OF COURSES
All courses attempted and grades earned at Catawba College appear on a student’s permanent record. Credit by examination may not be used for the purpose of repeating a course. The higher grade achieved for the same course is the only grade used for calculating the Grade Point Average (GPA). Courses in which a “C” or “F” was earned at Catawba College may not be repeated elsewhere for credit toward a graduate degree at Catawba College.
Master of Business Administration
Students who earn a final grade between C+ and C- in a course required for the degree may attempt to improve the grade by repeating the course one time, subject to approval and consultation of the graduate advisor. If a student earns a final grade of F in a course required for the degree, you cannot retake the course.
Master of Health Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Students who earn a final grade between C+ and C- in a course required for the degree may attempt to improve the grade by repeating the course one time. If a student earns a final grade of F in a course required for the degree, you cannot retake the course.
Master of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Science
Students who earn a final grade between C+ and C- in a course required for the degree may attempt to improve the grade by repeating the course one time.
Master of Sport Management
Students who earn a final grade between C+ and C- in a course required for the degree may attempt to improve the grade by repeating the course one time.
Master of Education in Mathematics or Science
A course for which unsatisfactory credit was received may be taken a second time at Catawba College.