Grades and Course Credits
University Policy
The University uses a system of letter grades and grade honor point equivalents for evaluating coursework, as shown in the chart below. Individual schools and colleges, however, may place restrictions on the use of certain grades, such as Pass/Fail. Grades cannot be changed after a student has been made an official graduate.
| Grade | Honor Points | Explanation |
| A | 4 | Excellent |
| A– | 3.7 | |
| B+ | 3.3 | |
| B | 3 | Good |
| B– | 2.7 | |
| C+ | 2.3 | |
| C | 2 | Satisfactory |
| C– | 1.7 | |
| D | 1 | Low pass |
| F | 0 | Fail, no credit |
| P | Not applicable | Pass with credit |
| I | Not applicable | Incomplete; additional work required |
| J | Not applicable | Registration in same or continuing course necessary to complete requirements |
| AU | Not applicable | Audit; no credit |
| W | Not applicable | Withdrew |
| MG | Not applicable | Missing grade; grade not assigned |
Grade point averages are computed by dividing the number of grade honor points earned by the number of credits attempted. The following grade symbols are not given grade honor points, and work recorded with any of these symbols is not used in calculating grade point averages: J, P, W, AU, and MG. I grades are not computed until additional required work is fulfilled and an appropriate letter grade assigned. The grades and credits of all repeated courses are calculated in the GPA. J grades are not computed until the continuing course is completed; at that time, the grade and honor points will apply to both the J-graded and continuing courses.
College of Fine Arts Policy for Undergraduates
Only one-tenth of the credits applied toward the undergraduate degree in the College of Fine Arts may be D grades. Grades of F do not count toward any degree. In the School of Music, in order for a student to pass a level of applied music study, a grade of C– or higher must be earned.
A student ceases to be in good academic standing if his or her scholastic record at the end of a semester shows one or more of the following:
- A semester’s grade point index (GPI) of 1.7 or below automatically places an undergraduate student on academic probation. A semester’s grade point index below 2.0 but above 1.7 may lead to placement on academic probation following faculty review.
- A cumulative grade point average below 2.0 will place a student on academic probation.
- D grades in more than 20 percent of any semester’s credits will place a student on academic probation.
- F and I grades (combined) in more than 20 percent of any semester’s credits will place a student on academic probation.
A student on academic probation is ineligible for participation in student organizations and intercollegiate athletics until good standing is reestablished.
A student given the privilege of continuing work on a probationary basis is expected to improve his or her scholastic record so that all conditions of probation are removed by the end of the succeeding semester. Failure to accomplish this may be cause for dismissal. No student who has been on probation for two consecutive semesters may register without approval of the director of his or her school.
Normally a student must be on probation for two semesters before they are dismissed. In cases of exceptionally poor performance, this practice may be waived at the recommendation of the relevant faculty and director.
All actions concerning academic standing, probation, and dismissal may be appealed to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts.
