Grades and Notations
Levels of performance are indicated by the following grades, which are used, except as noted, in computing the semester and cumulative grade-point average (GPA). Grades are recorded on each student's permanent record:
Grade | Meaning | Quality Points |
A | Excellent | 4.0 |
B | Good | 3.0 |
C | Marginal | 2.0 |
F | Failure | 0.0 |
I | Incomplete | Not Calculated |
W | Withdrawal | Not Calculated |
There are no "D" grades in doctoral or advanced graduate study.
Grade Point Average
The grade point average (GPA) is the average grade made by the student on all graduate coursework for which he or she has enrolled. It is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of semester hours attempted. Courses carrying "W" grades are not included. An "I" grade is not included until it is converted to a letter grade.
Incomplete Grades ("I")
A grade of Incomplete ("I") may be assigned when a student has made satisfactory progress in a course but is unable to complete required coursework due to documented extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control.
To receive an Incomplete, the student must :
- Demonstrate that satisfactory progress has been made in the course prior to the incomplete request
- Establish a written Incomplete Contract with the course instructor, approved by the Dean, outlining the specific missing elements and a timeline for their completion
The required work must be completed by the end of the following semester. If the work is not completed within this period, the grade of "I" will convert to a grade of "F," which is then subject to the provisions of the F Rule. See Course Grade Standards — The "F" Rule below.
Incomplete grades are not available for Applied Capstone Project courses. Students who do not complete a capstone course component within the enrolled term and are otherwise making satisfactory progress will receive a grade of SP (Satisfactory Progress) and must re-enroll in that course the following term. See Capstone Enrollment & Satisfactory Progress.
Capstone Progress Grading (EdD & DBA)
Capstone courses are evaluated using a three-status grading model that does not affect the student's cumulative GPA:
Grade | Meaning | Outcome |
SP | Satisfactory Progress | Student is making adequate progress but has not yet completed the component; student re-enrolls the following term. |
S | Satisfactory Completion | Student has successfully completed the capstone component/milestone and advances to the next phase. |
U | Unsatisfactory | Student has not made adequate progress; may result in academic probation or dismissal. |
Capstone Enrollment & Satisfactory Progress
Continuous Enrollment Requirement
Students who have begun the Applied Capstone Project sequence (EdD: EDU 887–889; DBA: DBA 887–889) must maintain continuous enrollment each fall, spring, and summer term until the capstone is successfully defended and all degree requirements are met. Failure to maintain continuous enrollment without an approved Leave of Absence (link to Leave of Absence) may result program dismissal.