Frequently Asked Questions

When did the university begin using the new grading scheme?

The grade of C- was an available grade option for Undergraduate courses effective with courses taught in Fall, Module term M1 and AHEAD 1 2010 terms. Graduate courses did not have the C- as a grade option. The change in the Quality Points (Grade Point Value) will be used to calculate the GPA going forward for both undergraduate and graduate courses.

Will the C- grade or the quality points be assigned retroactively to terms prior to the effective date?

No, the C- will not be an accepted grade option for courses taught prior to the Fall, M1 or AHEAD 1 terms. Any grades and their respective grade points earned prior to these terms will not be affected by the grading changes.

What is the new grade point value assigned to each grade?

Grade Point Values for Fall, M1, AHEAD1 2010 and After
Letter Grade	A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	C-	D+	D	F	I, NG, W, P/NP
Grade Points	4.0	3.67	3.33	3.00	2.67	2.33	2.00	1.67	1.33	1.00	0.00	Not calculated

What grade point values were assigned to each grade prior to the change?

Grade Point Values Prior to Fall, M1, AHEAD1 2010
Letter Grade	A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	D+	D	F, WF	I, NG,W, P/NP,AU
Grade Points	4.0	3.75	3.50	3.00	2.75	2.50	2.00	1.50	1.00	0.00	Not calculated

Is there a grading scale equivalency for each letter grade?

Yes, the following numerical grade ranges are used to assign a final letter grade for Undergraduate classesonly.

Grade Range Equivalency Fall, M1, AHEAD1 2010 Terms and After
Letter Grade	A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	C-	D+	D	F
Grade Range	93-100	90-92	87-89	83-86	80-82	77-79	73-76	70-72	67-69	60-66	0-59

Why is the WF grade not part of the new grading scheme?

A new withdrawal policy is in effect beginning with the Fall, M1 and AHEAD 2010 terms. This policy creates a deadline for official withdrawals. After the deadline, the student will receive the earned letter grade. The policy is available in the 2010 catalog and on this website. The deadline for withdrawing is indicated on each academic calendar. See the academic calendar for your course.

How is the cumulative GPA calculated?

Using the conversion tables above, multiply the grade value times the number of credit hours for each course. Divide the total number of grade points by the total number of credit hours carried. Use the first table for courses prior to the change and the second table beginning with grades for the Fall, M1 and AHEAD 1 terms.

When do class syllabi need to reflect the new grading policies?

Class syllabi for Fall, M1, AHEAD1 2010 terms and beyond should reflect the new grade values.

Will grade point average (GPA) requirements for honors designations or academic standing (probation, dismissals, dean’s list, etc. change?

No. The current requirements as outlined in the catalog will remain the same. However, the new grade scheme will affect the overall GPA.

Will a C- grade be acceptable for EN 110, EN 111 (formerly CA 101) and major courses?

No, a grade of C or better is required for these courses.

How will the new grade point values impact the repeat course policy?

There will be no change in the repeat course policy. If a course is repeated the best grade (along with the grade point value) is calculated in the overall GPA. The F forgiveness policy also is unchanged. Please see this policy in the 2010 catalog.

Does this policy apply only to those students under the 2010 catalog?

The new policy applies to all students (undergraduate and graduate) regardless of the catalog year they are assigned.

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