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Hardin-Simmons University 2018-2019
Grades and Quality of Work
A college grade indicates the level of knowledge,
understanding, and competence attained by a student relative
to the objectives and subject matter of a course as determined
by the professor’s evaluation of the student’s performance
during the semester. A grade is assigned for each course in
which a student is enrolled, and that grade is entered on the
student’s permanent record.
The following grades are assigned as appropriate:
A Superior
B Good
(Above average)
C Average
D Poor
(Below average, passing)
S Satisfactory
, given only in a few courses such as
practicums, internships, or other special courses offered on a
pass-fail basis. (Does not affect the student’s GPA.)
U Unsatisfactory
Given only in a few courses such as
practicums, internships, or other special courses offered on a
pass-fail basis. (No credit points; has the effect of an ‘F’ on
the student’s GPA.)
I Incomplete
Given to a student who has substantially
completed the course but whom, at the end of the semester
and due to circumstances beyond his/her control, lacks
certain essentials of performance. A grade of ‘I’ is not counted
as an attempt in calculating the student’s grade point average.
However, if the course is not completed by the deadline
specified by the professor giving the ‘I’ the grade will be
changed to an ‘F’ which becomes the permanent grade. The
deadline specified by the professor can be no later than the
last day of the following long semester after the semester in
which the ‘I’ was awarded.
IP In Progress
Available only when, by design,
course
work extends beyond the semester or term in which the
course is scheduled.
This grade implies satisfactory
progress and is used primarily in internship, travel, individual
research, and thesis courses. A grade of ‘IP’ is not counted as
an attempt in calculating the student’s grade point average.
The student is given a full year from the end of the term in
which the grade of IP was assigned to complete the course or
the grade will be changed to an ‘F’. In addition, no student
may graduate with a grade of ‘IP’ still active.
F Failure
No credit given.
W Withdrawn
*See note.
W Withdrawn Passing
*See note.
WF Withdrawn Failing
*See note.
CR Credit
(Does not affect the student’s GPA.)
NC No Credit
(Does not affect the student’s GPA.)
AU Audit
Indicates a course for which the student enrolled
but did not seek credit.
P/F Pass/Fail
*NOTE:
A student who officially withdraws from a course will
receive a grade of W if the withdrawal occurs early in the
semester, prior to the date specified in the calendar. A student
who withdraws after the last date for a W will receive a grade
of WP if judged by the professor to be passing or a WF if
judged by the professor to be failing. No student may withdraw
after the last date for withdrawal indicated in the academic
calendar.
It is the responsibility of a candidate for graduation to see
that all incomplete courses have been completed. Grades
must be reported to the Registrar’s Office two weeks prior
to the end of the semester of graduation.
Grade reports are posted on HSU Central at the close of each
semester and at the end of each summer term.
Statute of Limitations on Changes in an Academic
Record
The statute of limitations for any change in an academic
record is one year from the date of the closing of the semester
in question. Included are such items as grade changes and
incompletes.
Calculation of Grade Point Average
Grade points are earned in courses in which grades of A, B,
C, or D are awarded. To determine the grade point average,
total all of the grade points from all courses in which any of
the following grades are given and divide the total by the
number of semester credits represented by those courses.
Grade
Grade points per semester hour
A
4.0
B
3.0
C
2.0
D
1.0
WF
0.
F
0.
U
0.
Repeat Courses
When courses are repeated, only the most recent grade will
be used to calculate grade points and semester credits. HSU
does not accept courses repeated at other institutions if the
course was taken originally at HSU and a grade is recorded.
Mid-term Grade Policy
Mid-term grades will be reported following the eighth and
eleventh weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters. Progress
will be reported with letter grades to show the status of the
student at that time. Mid-term grades reports are available in
HSU Central.
Academic Grievance Policy
The following measures should be taken with respect to an
academic grievance pertaining to a course offered by the
University. A student may seek remediation for the following:
Grade Appeal: A student who feels that the grading policy for
a class is unfair or has been unfairly administered and that the
result is a course grade lower than deserved has the right to
contest the professor’s decision. This process is only for
appealing the final course average; consequently, grades on
individual projects may not be challenged.
Course-Related Concern: Any complaint, beyond the
parameters of a grade appeal, that involves an experience
occurring within the context of an academic course offered by
the University also comes under the purview of the Academic
Grievance Policy.
Arbitration for either (a) Grade Appeal or (b) a Course-Related
Concern follows the same procedure, with exceptions noted
below.
Informal Measures
The University encourages matters to be resolved informally
and judiciously whenever possible. If such an agreement is
unable to be reached, then a student may file a formal
complaint. Each step must be taken in order. Failure
to follow
the procedure may obviate the appeal.
Step 1. The student discusses the matter with the professor.
If possible, the matter is reconciled at this point.
Step 2. If dissatisfied with this discussion, the student voices
the concern to the department head in a conference
scheduled by the student. (If no department head exists, or if
the department head is a disputant, then the student consults
with the dean of the college or school in which the course
under consideration is offered.) The department head (or, if
applicable, the dean) discusses the matter with the professor.
Step 1 and Step 2 attempt to find an amicable resolution to
the academic grievance informally—be it either (a) Grade
Appeal or (b) a Course-Related Concern—without a formal,
written complaint. If no resolution occurs in the first two steps,
then formal measures may be taken beginning with Step 3.