University Grade Point Average (GPA)

The GPA appearing on the University transcript at the end of each semester of enrollment will be the official GPA for determining Graduate School academic standing. The GPA will be based upon all courses taken at the undergraduate and graduate level. Courses taken at the 500-level and above will be counted as graduate courses. The University transcript may only include up to a maximum of 6 credit hours in undergraduate course work. Any undergraduate courses beyond this 6 credit hour limit must be taken pass/fail. While possibly including undergraduate coursework, this transcript will determine the overall Graduate GPA. The post-admission advising office with the Graduate School will monitor this Graduate GPA.

Grading System

The Graduate School utilizes a plus/minus grading system. It is at the discretion of the instructor to determine the use of plus/minus grading.

The following is the grading scale:

C Grades

The student's academic department may approve six hours of coursework in which a grade of "C+, C, or C-" was received to count toward the completion of degree requirements. Approval of the Graduate Dean must be secured

in order to count additional hours with any grade of C in any course that is part of the degree program.

In no case may more than nine hours of "C" be used to fulfill graduate degree requirements. Some programs may not permit any courses in which a grade of C+, C, or C- has been earned to be used in fulfillment of degree requirements. Although grades below C- will be calculated in the graduate student's grade point average, courses in which these grades have been earned will not be counted towards the fulfillment of degree requirements.

Other Grades

"W" - means Withdrew and carries no quality points. No student may withdraw from any course after the published drop date. In exceptional cases, the dean may grant a student's request to withdraw from courses because of illness or conditions beyond the student's control. Poor performance is not a valid reason to grant an exception.

"I" - means Work in Course Incomplete. If the work is not completed by the end of the next term, regardless of whether the student is enrolled, the "I" automatically becomes an "F".

"X" - means course work has not been finished because of the nature of the research or study involved, e.g., thesis work. This grade is reserved for courses that by their nature extend beyond one semester. This grade may not be used for coursework that is confined to a semester but not completed by the student. During the time an "X" grade is carried on the transcript, continuous enrollment is not required.

Graduate students enroll in courses on a term basis. Graduate courses may not be extended beyond the enrollment term, except as noted for open-ended courses eligible for the "X" or deferred grade. An "I" grade does not extend the course, but rather extends the time a student has for completion of work assigned in the course. The "I" must be removed within one semester and the new grade assigned for the term in which the student was originally enrolled or the "I" is changed to an "F".

Pass/Fail Grading Option

Each department has the discretion of extending a Pass/Fail option to any or all of its graduate students and graduate courses.

Because the advisability of such an arrangement varies from department to department, each department, subject to approval of the Graduate Council, works out the arrangement that is most suitable. The student is referred to his/her departmental chair for details.

When using the Pass/Fail option for graduate students enrolled in graduate courses, A+ through C will be passing grades and C- through F will be failing grades.

Changes of Grades

No changes of grades can be made without a request and explanation on the part of the faculty member giving the grade and the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School.

Missing Grades

All missing grades will be changed to failing grades one year after the completion of the semester in which the course was taken.

Repetition of Courses

A student who has received the grade of "C" (in a course that is a degree requirement), "D" or "F" may repeat that course upon the approval of the graduate program advisor and the graduate dean. When a student repeats a course, the grade point average will be calculated on the basis of the last grade earned, although all previous grades will remain on the transcript.