Grades assigned are A through F, I (Incomplete), NC (No Credit), W (Withdrawn), WP (Withdrawn Passing), and WF (Withdrawn Failing). The University of Saint Mary uses a 4.00 grade point scale for each letter grade earned.
Meaning of Grades
| A |
= “Superior.” This grade signifies work of distinctly superior quality. Recitations, examinations, and written work indicate mastery of the course content, competent correlation of facts and principles, and ability to express one’s self clearly in writing. |
| B |
= “Very Good.” This grade is assigned for work of above average quality. Recitations and tests give evidence of mastery of course content and of the ability to express one’s self clearly. The student is interested, thorough in preparation and fulfillment of assignments, and observes directions regarding form, organization, and quality of content in written work. This grade should not be given when any of the essential work of the course is missing or done in a careless fashion. |
| C |
= “Satisfactory.” This grade indicates work of a satisfactory character. A grade of “C” should indicate that the student understands the basic elements of the course and is capable of continuing to the next advanced course in the field. The student is consistently attentive in class, assignments are prepared promptly, and written work is neat and expressed in correct English. |
| D |
= “Minimal.” The grade of “D” indicates that the student has deficiencies in showing mastery of the course content, but the overall quality is at least passing. No “D” grades are given for courses at the graduate level. |
| F |
= “Failure.” |
| I |
= "Incomplete." Grade is not calculated until replaced by a final letter grade as described in Incomplete Grades. |
| CR |
= "Credit." Used for transfer work and credit for prior learning. |
| NC |
= “No Credit.” No credit is given for the course. |
| P |
= "Pass." |
| W |
= “Withdrawn.” Student is withdrawn from the course without academic achievement. |
| WF |
= “Withdrawn Failure.” Student was failing the course prior to, or on the day of, being withdrawn or grade given for administrative withdrawal. |
| WP |
= “Withdrawn Passing.” Student was passing the course prior to, or on the day of, being withdrawn. |
| AU |
= "Audit" |
The grade of “W” does not affect the cumulative grade point average but will affect the ratio of attempted credit hours versus earned credit hours. The grade of “WP” is calculated in the same manner as the grade of “W.” The grade of “WF” is calculated in the same manner as the grade of “F” and will affect the cumulative grade point average and the ratio of attempted credit hours versus earned credit hours.
Grade Point Average
Transcript letter grades may be assigned with a + or -, but grade points will reflect only a letter grade in the computation of the GPA. A student’s cumulative GPA is computed by dividing the total grade points earned by the total credit hours attempted. Each credit hour is awarded a grade point value as indicated here:
- Each hour of A is awarded 4 grade points. For example, a 3 credit hour course with a grade of A is awarded 12 total grade points.
- Each hour of B is awarded 3 grade points.
- Each hour of C is awarded 2 grade points.
- Each hour of D is awarded 1 grade point.
- No grade points are awarded for grades of F or WF, but the credit hours are included in calculating the GPA.
- Grades of P, W, and WP are not computed in the GPA.
- Grades of I are not considered until the course is completed.
Incomplete Grades
A grade of “Incomplete” may be given if, for good reason, a portion of the class work has not been completed. The Request for Incomplete Grade form must be completed by the instructor, division chair, and student before sending to the Registrar’s Office. In any case, the Request for Incomplete Grade must be filed in the Registrar’s Office prior to final grades being posted. The duration of an Incomplete grade is 30 days from the end date of the academic term. A student with two or more “I” grades must obtain the written approval of the program director to continue enrolling in classes.
Failure to complete the coursework within 30 calendar days after the close of a semester will result in the student receiving the grade earned for the course as of the end of the Incomplete period. At the request of the instructor, and for serious reasons, the time may be extended. A Request for Extension of Incomplete Grade form must be completed and returned to the Registrar’s Office before the original deadline lapses. In no circumstances can an Incomplete grade total more than sixty (60) days from the original end date of the academic term.
Pass/Fail Grades
Internships, practicums, and workshops are graded Pass (P) or Fail (F) unless otherwise noted. A “P” is not included in the GPA calculation. An “F” is included in the GPA calculation.
Repeated Coursework
Students enrolled in an undergraduate program that wish to improve their GPA may repeat courses that are required for the degree program. The most recent grade earned in the course will be used to calculate the grade point average, but the previous grade will remain on the transcript.
Attempted and earned credit hours for all repeated coursework are counted within the Title IV Federal Student Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress calculations.
Auditing Courses
Students enrolling for Audit must do so during the registration period. Students pay full fees for auditing a course, and complete records and transcripts are maintained, although no credit hours are awarded. Approval for Audit and the extent of class participation should be determined with the instructor prior to enrollment.
Continuing Education Workshops
The University of Saint Mary Overland Park Campus offers a range of continuing education including for-credit teacher workshops. These workshops are designed to help teachers grow in their profession, fulfill a prerequisite requirement, meet licensure requirements, or learn for the sake of learning. In order to provide the best learning environment, workshop enrollment size is limited. The University of Saint Mary reserves the right to cancel workshops if there are not a sufficient number of participants enrolled for the workshop as of five business days prior to the start of the workshop. Registered participants for the course will be notified immediately by email and refunds will be made in full.
Final Examination Policy
All students participate in final examinations or projects given at the close of each semester. Changes of examination times, for good cause, must be approved by the faculty member conducting the final examination.
Grade Reports
Faculty members will record final grades for all courses and mid-semester grades for all 16-week courses by the date listed on the Academic Calendar. Final and mid-semester grades are accessible for all students through the student information portal (eSpire).
Change of Grade and Appeal Process
If an error in a student’s final course grade is discovered, an amended grade report is filed with the Registrar, with a copy provided to the academic division chair. Course grades are not changed based on additional work done after the end of the term unless in the case of a previously approved “Incomplete” grade. The final grade in a course is ordinarily based on the sole judgment of the instructor. In the event that a student disagrees with the final grade assigned in a course, the student must first discuss the grade with the instructor. If the student remains dissatisfied, then the student is required to submit a written statement with all supporting evidence attached and submit to the division chair to resolve the issue accordingly.
If the student remains dissatisfied or the issue cannot be resolved by the informal process above, see the Student Initiated Academic Grievance Procedure.