Grading
Grades and Grade Points
The student receives one grade in each course taken. This grade combines the results of classwork, tests, and final examinations. Grades are indicated by letters, each of which is assigned a certain numerical value in honor points per hours of credit as shown in the following table:
|
Grading System |
|||||||
|
A Excellent |
4.0 |
|
B- |
2.7 |
|
D+ |
1.3 |
|
A- |
3.7 |
|
C+ |
2.3 |
|
D |
1.0 |
|
B+ |
3.3 |
|
C Fair |
2.0 |
|
D- |
0.7 |
|
B Good |
3.0 |
|
C- |
1.7 |
|
E Failure |
0.0 |
Final grades are mailed to students at the end of each semester.
Grade Point Average
The grade point average is used as a numerical summary of academic achievement. It is computed by multiplying the semester hours of credit for each course by the grade value to determine honor points, then dividing the sum of the honor points earned by the total number of credits. Example:
|
|
Hours of Credit |
Grade |
Honor Points |
|
History 121 |
3 |
C+ (2.3) |
6.9 |
|
English 121 |
3 |
B (3) |
9.0 |
|
Psychology 255 |
3 |
A- (3.7) |
11.1 |
|
Speech 121 |
3 |
E (0) |
0.0 |
|
Biology 121 |
4 |
C (2) |
8.0 |
|
|
16 |
|
35 |
|
Grade Point Average (GPA): 35/16 = 2.18 |
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Other Marks
Other marks used on student records include I (Incomplete), W (Withdrew), and S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory).
I - Incomplete
The grade of I (Incomplete) is given only when a student is unable to complete a segment of the course because of circumstances beyond his/her control. The I grade must be removed by completing the required work before the deadlines set by the instructor (but in no case later than the end of the next regular semester) or a grade of E (Failure) will be recorded. A grade of Incomplete may be given only when approved by the department head; this approval, in writing, must accompany the grade report.
W - Withdrew
The grade of W (Withdrew) is given in a course if a student processes a drop form for the course during the drop period, or if a student officially withdraws from college prior to the end of the semester no later than the last instructional day prior to final exams. See "Drop-Add Procedures" and "Withdrawal from College".
S/U - Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
The satisfactory-unsatisfactory option gives students an opportunity to enroll in enrichment courses without the grade being used in the computation of the grade point average. The student either receives an S (satisfactory work) or a U (unsatisfactory work). This option may not be elected for courses required for graduation.
Grading Criteria
It is the academic policy of Alpena Community College that each section of every ACC course must have a grading system that:
- Is understandable by students
All components of the grading system must be explained in detail in each course syllabus. The instructor must orally explain the grading system to each class section as part of the course introduction. The components and procedures used to determine a grade must be described clearly enough that students can understand the system. - Is relevant to the course
All components of the grading system must relate to the course objectives as stated in the department's course outline and the instructor's syllabus. - Uses a variety of evaluation methods
The grading system must employ more than one method of evaluating student performance. - Provides feedback to students
The grading system must provide opportunities throughout the course for students to monitor their progress. The instructor must return to students at least one graded assignment by mid-semester. - Treats students consistently and fairly
Students with identical results on each component of the grading system must receive the same course grade.