Frequently asked questions about grades
Plus/Minus grades
Q. Why did UNC decide to adopt the plus/minus grading scale?
A. To provide more grading flexibility and more accurately evaluate course
work.
Q.
How will the plus/minus grading scale affect my GPA?
A. Plus/minus grade points will be included in term and cumulative GPA calculations starting fall 2008. Grade Point Average could decrease or increase depending on the plus or minus grades earned.
Q. Do all faculty members have to use plus/minus grading?
A. No. Faculty can take advantage of the additional grades at their own discretion.
Q. Why is there no A+ grade?
A. A+ was not included in the "Expanded Grade" policy. The university's GPA is a 4.00 scale which automatically excludes A+. A new grade scale would need to be approved by all insitutional governing bodies to reflect appropriate A+ grade points.
Q. How will I know if my instructor is going to use plus/minus grading?
A. It will be listed in the course syllabus. All courses have a syllabus and are
required to include the evaluation method.
Q. Can I repeat a course using Grade Forgiveness if I get a C-?
A. Yes provided both student and course are eligible to utilize Grade
Forgiveness. Click here for more information about Grade Forgiveness.
Q. Can I appeal my grade?
A. Yes. See the “Academic Appeal Procedure” section of the student handbook at
http://www.unco.edu/dos/handbook/academic_expectations.html#acadappeals for procedure.
Q. Is plus/minus grading listed in the course description?
A. No. Only S/U (pass/fail) graded courses include grading method in the course description. Standard letter grading is the grading method for all other courses, and +/- grades are included in standard letter grading.
Q. Will grades earned prior to Fall 2008 be converted or changed to include plus or minus grades?
A. No. Plus/minus grading can be assigned only to coursework completed Fall 2008 or later.
Q. How will plus/minus grading affect my academic standing?
A. Academic standards will not change due to the addition of plus minus grading. Students who earn a GPA below 2.00 are still automatically placed on probation. Suspension decisions are based on standards available through the Academic Support and Advising Office. Contact the Academic Support and Advising http://www.unco.edu/asa/index.htm office for additional information about academic standing.
Incomplete Grade/UW Grade and Grade changes
Q. When should a grade of Incomplete (I) be assigned?
A. An “I” is assigned due to unanticipated circumstances the last week of the term that makes the student unable to complete course requirements within the allotted time (e.g. he/she missed the final examination due to sickness, an emergency in the family, etc.).
Q. When are grades of Incomplete (I) due?
A. Coursework or assignment(s) and the Special Grade Report (form used to change the grade) are due in the Registrar’s Office by the last day of the next term. Incomplete grades assigned spring term are due by the last day of summer term. Contact the Registrar’s Office for additional information or if extenuating circumstances prevent meeting the deadline.
Q. When is a grade of UW assigned?
Q. What is the deadline for changing a grade?
A. The Special Grade Report (request form) changing from one grade to another is due by the 10th day of the next term. Contact the Registrar's Office for additional information or if extenuating circumstances prevent meeting the deadline.
Grade Point Average
Q. How is the GPA calculated?
A. The University operates on a 4.00 grade point system. The "Standard Grading" http://www.unco.edu/regrec/Academic-Records/grades/index.html table contains the grade point value of individual grades.
To computer a grade point average, first remove all basic skills courses (courses numbered 001-099) and all courses that carry the grades: S, U, W, UW, NR, I, NC, and grades with a period or asterisk(s). Multiply the credit hours for each remaining course by the grade point value of the grade. Total the credit hours and grade points. Divide the grade points by the credit hours.
Grade point averages are calculated to three decimal points and displayed as two decimal points rounded on academic transcripts and degree evaluations. If a course is repeated, all grades earned are used in determining the GPA. If a course is listed as Grade Forgiveness, the grade will not be used in determining the GPA. Grades received at other institutions are not included in the UNC GPA.
Grade |
|||
13.34 |
|||
Q. How can an advisor or instructor view a student's midterm grades?
A. Under the Ursa Faculty Tab open the "Banner Self-Service" folder in the upper right hand corner. Next open the Faculty and Advisors folder and select "term select", choose the appropriate term then submit. From that menu select "Student Information Menu" and then select "Registration History". You will see all available midterm and final grades for that term.