Grades and Course Credits

University Policy

College of General Studies

“W” Withdrawals

Withdrawals from courses effected after the first 10-week period of the semester will appear on the student’s record as a “W.”

“I” Incomplete Coursework

The “I” (Incomplete) grade shall be given by a faculty member only when the student consults with the professor and it is the professor’s clear professional judgment that a paper, final examination, or other significant portion of the course can be completed with some chance that the student may receive credit for the course. An Incomplete is not automatically given merely because a student missed an examination or failed to complete an assignment.

Unless the make-up work is successfully completed by the mid-point of the next semester, the student shall receive an “F” (failing grade) for the missing work. Students are so advised. The “F” shall be included in the computation of the final grade. This policy shall be understood as a means of encouraging students to complete coursework.

“F” Failure of Coursework

An “F” shall be given when—due to continuously poor performance in the course, minimal contribution and effort, excessive absences, or other criteria—there is no possibility that a student will receive credit for having successfully completed the course. Furthermore, an “F” may be assigned even if the student may technically qualify for written make-up work or a make-up examination when, in the judgment of the faculty member, the student has little or no chance of receiving credit for the course even once the make-up work or examination is completed.

Making Up F Grades

Students are allowed to make up “F” grades in courses approved by the appropriate divisional chairman. All “F” grades are included in the computation of a student’s grade point index, even though appropriate make-up courses at Boston University are completed. The make-up courses average into the GPA—they do not substitute for or remove any failed courses.

In order for students to make up credits at a college outside the University, they must secure from the College advanced approval for the course in question. Students should make up four-credit Boston University courses with courses that are granted four credits by the other institution; three-credit courses may be accepted for completion of the CGS four-credit course requirement, but the student will owe one academic credit toward graduation from the University. To do so, the student must complete a transfer course approval form, available in Room 211, and submit it to the appropriate divisional chair.

The College will accept credit hours for approved courses completed with at least a “C” outside the University. However, grades earned outside of Boston University will not be computed in a student’s Boston University grade point average.

Mid-Semester Warnings

Warning letters are sent at mid-semester by the faculty team to students whose achievement is less than satisfactory. The College faculty places responsibility upon the students for communicating periodically with their parents on the nature of their academic status. Warnings do not affect a student’s eligibility to participate in College or University affairs. Second-semester sophomores do not receive warning letters.

Reporting of Semester Grades

Semester grades are not to be released to students by professors. Students may learn their grades through the Student Link. Semester grades will be mailed to parents.