Grading System
The grade-point average is computed by totaling the grade points of all courses taken at Walla Walla University and dividing by the total quarter hours for which grades are received. Only the best grade of a repeated course will be calculated in the grade-point average. Default grades of Incompletes are included in the grade point calculation. The AU, IP, NC, S, W and X are disregarded in computing the grade-point average. A report of grades is available on the WWU website for students at the end of each quarter. Classes taken for 0 credit may only be graded S/NC.
The following system of grades and grade-point values per quarter hours is used for evaluating graduate credit:
| A |
4.0 |
B |
3.0 |
C |
2.0 |
D |
1.0 |
| A- |
3.7 |
B- |
2.7 |
C- |
1.7 |
D- |
0.7 |
| B+ |
3.3 |
C+ |
2.3 |
D+ |
1.3 |
F |
0 |
In place of grades, the following symbols are used:
I - Incomplete. In the case of incomplete work due to justifiable cause, the instructor may assign a grade of incomplete (I), allowing the student until three weeks before the close of the following quarter to complete the course requirements. Along with the incomplete (I) grade, the instructor also submits a default grade for the class based on what the student has accomplished as compared with the overall class requirements. The student will be assigned the default grade if the incomplete work is not completed in the allotted time. Default grades for courses with incomplete (I) grade(s) will be calculated into the cumulative GPA for the purpose of determining probationary status.
If, due to justifiably extenuating circumstances, students are unable to complete the class requirements within this time period, they may request an extension from the Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies beyond the above mentioned next-quarter deadline. If students do not complete the class requirements during this further extended time period, they are assigned either the default grade or another grade submitted by the instructor.
I* - Standing Incomplete. Final grade for coursework not completed within appropriate timeframe.
IP - In Progress. An IP can be given by the instructor for independent work such as field work or practicum, research, and thesis which extend past the regular end of term. The IP designation is changed by the instructor to a letter grade upon completion of all course requirements.
IP* - Standing In Progress. Final grade for coursework not completed within appropriate timeframe.
S/NC - Satisfactory/No Credit. Indicates that credit earned was satisfactory (C or better) or that the credit was not earned because performance did not meet the minimum standards for a satisfactory grade. A grade of S will not be acceptable for graduate credit except for courses that require S/NC grading. Some professional schools calculate the NC mark as an F grade when computing the grade-point average.
W - Official Withdrawal. Courses dropped during the first two weeks of the term will not appear on the student’s record. Courses dropped thereafter will appear on the permanent record with a W.
X - Unofficial Withdrawal. Indicates that the student discontinued class attendance prior to the fifth week, mid-term, but failed to withdraw officially.
Z - Administrative Withdrawal.
AU - Audit. An AU is assigned for class attendance and participation generally excluding tests and outside-of-class assignments. Arrangements to audit a class are made with the Office of Graduate Studies. The cost for audited credit is one-half the regular tuition rate.
GRADE ERRORS AND CORRECTIONS. Grades will be processed and posted online for viewing at the close of each quarter. Upon viewing grades via the secured website, the student should carefully check the accuracy of the courses recorded, quarter hours, and grades. Grades may be changed only if an error has been made in calculating or recording the grade. Students will have until the last day to drop classes during the next regular quarter to report any discrepancies to the Academic Records Office.