Grading System

At the end of each quarter, the instructor reports a letter grade indicating the quality of a student's work. Points for each quarter hour of credit earned are assigned according to the following system:

Calculating the Grade Point Average

Academic standing is based on the Grade Point Average (GPA). Grade Point Average is calculated by multiplying credit hours for each course by points earned for each according to the chart on this page. (Credits x Points = Grade Points)

Then the total grade points are divided by the total credit hours attempted (total grade points ÷ total credit hours attempted = Grade Point Average).

For example:

     

Course	Cr. Hours	Points	Grade Points
Accounting I	4	x (A=4)	=16
Computer Fund.	3	x (B=3)	=9
College Comp. I	4	x (B=3)	=12
Management	4	x (B=3)	=8
Introd. Math I	4	x (A=4)	=16
Totals	19		61
(61 ÷ 19) = 3.21 GPA

Special Grades

Withdrawal. A "W" is given to a student who is satisfactorily meeting academic standards and who officially withdraws from a class, beginning with the first day of classes through the last day of the sixth (6th) week of the quarter. Students may withdraw from classes by completing a schedule change form and filing it in the Student Records Office. Withdrawal forms are obtained in the Student Records Office and the division offices of Building A and Building E.

When extenuating circumstances are present, a student may withdraw, beginning with the first day of the seventh week to seven calendar days prior to the end of the quarter, with a "W." An instructor's signature is required. Students who do not follow the withdrawal procedures will receive an "F" for the course(s) and will lose any possible tuition refund regardless of when they stopped attending the course.

Incomplete. An "I" (incomplete) is recorded when circumstances beyond the control of a student prevent the student from completing course requirements during a quarter. An "I" is assigned when the student has arranged, with the instructor, a specific plan for fulfilling the course requirements.

Incompletes are given based on the judgment of the instructor. Students have six weeks after the beginning of the next quarter to complete the coursework. Otherwise, a grade of "F" is recorded.

Exception: Incompletes received in the spring quarter may be resolved within six weeks after the beginning of the following fall quarter. Otherwise, a grade of "F" is recorded.

Audit. An "AU" is recorded on a student's permanent record when a student audits a class. When auditing a course, the student pays full tuition and attends for informational instruction only, understanding that no credit may be earned or claimed later. The student is not required to submit assignments or take examinations, although this participation will help the student gain knowledge of the subject.

The "AU" grade is not included in the cumulative grade point average and does not apply to graduation. Audit status forms are available in the Student Records Office. Students may change an audit status to credit status before the end of the second week of classes. Students wishing to change from credit status to audit status may do so before the end of the sixth week of classes.

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. A grade of "S" (satisfactory) or "U" (unsatisfactory) is given for select courses. (Grades of A, B, C, D or F cannot be substituted for S/U courses.) These grades are not computed in the grade point average.

Grade Reports

Grades are mailed to the student at the end of each quarter on a quarterly grade card. The grade card contains the current quarter grade totals and the cumulative totals to date. The grade report will have "Dean's List" or "Probation" printed on the report, as appropriate.

All financial obligations to the college (instructional fees, general fees, laboratory fees, library fines, etc.) must be paid and all college equipment returned before grades will be released.

Student's Right to Continue Under the Catalog in Effect when the Student First Registered for Classes

As time progresses, the content and structure of the college's degree programs and the curricula within those programs may change in response to evolving community needs, technological advancements, or significant developments in the field of study.

When the curriculum of a student's technology changes, a candidate for graduation who has been continuously enrolled since admission may elect to follow either of:

1) the requirements listed for the desired degree either in the catalog in effect the year he or she first registered for classes at Terra Community College (if within the last four academic years), or

2) the current catalog in effect at the time the student graduates.

A student who has had a lapse in enrollment of more than a year since admission may use the current catalog or the catalog in effect when they returned to college.

In the event that a course specified in an earlier college catalog is no longer offered by the college, another course may be substituted for the one specified by the earlier catalog but no longer offered. The choice(s) for the course substitution(s) will be determined by the appropriate division dean or his or her designate.