Undergraduate Grading Policy
Undergraduate students are evaluated throughout the two years in the program on their knowledge of theoretical concepts and principles; ability to synthesize, critically analyze, communicate, and apply knowledge; and competency in all Undergraduate Program learning goals. Student evaluation is based on direct observation of performance. In course work, the recommended method of evaluation is by examination or papers, although projects and presentations are also frequent. In senior year some classes may include an experiential component, with a portion of the course grade based on class attendance, participation, and so forth. Faculty members are encouraged to provide feedback to students early in the term.
Qualitative and quantitative evaluations are used to evaluate student work, which provides students with regular and detailed feedback. Each instructor evaluation is based on the following criteria (click on Undergraduate Grading Policy bar to expand table and click on it again to collapse table):
| Grade |
Percentage |
Descriptor |
Quality Points |
| A |
92-100% |
Extraordinary excellence |
4.0 quality points for each hour of credit. |
| A- |
90-91% |
Excellent performance |
3.7 quality points for each hour of credit. |
| B+ |
88-89% |
Very good performance |
3.3 quality points for each hour of credit. |
| B |
82-87% |
Good performance |
3.0 quality points for each hour of credit. |
| B- |
80-81% |
Satisfactory performance |
2.67 quality points for each hour of credit. |
| C+ |
78-79% |
Slightly below satisfactory performance |
2.3 quality points for each hour of credit. |
| C |
72-77% |
Acceptable performance. At standard expectations for passing in core courses |
2.0 quality points for each hour of credit. |
| C- |
70-71% |
Somewhat acceptable, but below standards for passing in core courses |
1.7 quality points for each hour of credit. |
| D+ |
68-69% |
Marginal performance that is passing for electives, but below standards for passing in core courses |
1.3 quality points for each hour of credit. |
| D |
62-67% |
Slightly below marginal performance that is passing for elective courses, but below standards for passing in core courses |
1.0 quality points for each hour of credit. |
| D- |
60-61% |
Barely passing for elective courses, and below standards for passing in core courses |
0.7 quality points for each hour of credit. |
| F |
59% and Below |
Failing |
0 quality points and no credit. |
| Incomplete (I) |
N/A |
given in extenuating circumstances only |
0 quality points and no credit until resolved. |
| Withdraw (W) |
N/A |
Withdraws from class after add/drop period |
0 quality points and no credit. |
These grades become official transcript notations at the end of each quarter. A “C” grade or better is required to pass core courses. A “D-” grade or better is required to pass non-core courses.