Academic Performance Grades

Grades are based on the faculty member’s academic judgment that the student has demonstrated a specified level of performance based on objective and subjective evaluations such as papers, presentations, assignments, examinations, projects, and discussions. Students are graded according to their individual performance in the course and not on a curve. Students are not compared with each other to determine a grade or performance ranking. Criteria for awarding grades for achievement may include, but are not limited to:

• Preparation of assignments, including accuracy, legibility and promptness;
• Contribution to faculty member-student discussions;
• Demonstrated understanding of concepts on exams, papers, assignments, etc.;
• Application of skills and principles to new and real-life situations;
• Organization, presentation and professionalism of written and oral reports; and
• Originality and reasoning ability demonstrated in working through assignments.

Grade points are assigned to each of the following grades as indicated and used to calculate a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) for each student:

• S (Satisfactory) denotes satisfactory progress in a dissertation course, practicum or internship. For the Comprehensive Examination course, an “S” can be awarded only if the examination is passed with all four questions receiving a score of 80% or higher. The “S” grade does not contribute to the calculation of GPA.
• U (Unsatisfactory) denotes unsatisfactory progress in a dissertation course, practicum or internship. For the Comprehensive Examination course, a “U” is awarded when the examination is not passed. The “U” grade does not contribute to the calculation of GPA.