Making the Grade

Student academic performance is generally based on at least two measurements in each course: for example, two examinations, or an examination and a project. The exception would be a Capstone course or a Practicum, which may be solely measured on the student’s overall performance as evaluated by the professor. Upon the student’s request, professors will explain grades but will not change grades unless it can be shown that the original grading was in error. The Dean’s Office must approve any grade changes. If a student believes that the grade was assigned incorrectly, he/she may appeal the grade according to the steps outlined in the Grade Appeal Process (See below).

A grade of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, or C signifies that the course was passed. Students may not retake the course for grade replacement. The passing grade remains on the student’s permanent record and will be used to compute the final GPA.

A grade of C-, D+, D, D-, F or FA signifies that the course was failed and that the student must retake the course and obtain a grade of C or higher. The failing grade remains on the student’s permanent record and is included on any transcript, but it is not used in computing the final GPA or credit hours toward graduation. A failing grade earned in a core course that has been discontinued may be repeated successfully by earning a grade of B- or higher in the current core course that is deemed equivalent. If a failing grade is earned in an elective course, the student may either retake the course, (in which case the failing grade will not be included in the GPA) or enroll in another course which will satisfy the elective requirement (in which case the failing grade will be included in the GPA). If a course has been failed more than once, only a single failing grade is excluded from the GPA. Failed courses may only be repeated once for grade replacement.