The Catholic University of America

Academic Graduate
Grades and Grade Reports

Approved by:	Provost
History:	Issued	-- August 2006
	Revised	--
	Additional History
Related Policies:
Additional References:
Responsible Official:	Dean of Graduate Studies (202) 319-5247

I. Introduction
Reports of grades assigned are made available on the Web by the registrar at the end of each term.

II. Definitions

III. Grading System
Graduate students are graded under the following system:

Grading System

Grade

Meaning

Equivalent

A

Excellent

4.00

A-

3.70

B+

3.30

B

Satisfactory

3.00

B-

2.70

C

Passing but Marginal

2.00

F

Failure

0.00

P

Pass

I

Incomplete

W

Withdrawal

F*

Administrative Failure

By resolution of the Academic Senate, grade point averages are calculated for all graduate students having entered the university in the 1996 fall semester or after. Only grades earned in courses at and above the 500 level will be calculated.

For satisfactory progress toward a graduate degree, each student should consult school or department regulations which may specify a maximum number of C grades, depending on the nature of the courses, permitted in a degree program.

At the end of each semester, the chair of each department may submit to the dean a report stating the names of students who, in the judgment of the department, should not continue studies for advanced degrees. Such students are so notified by the dean and advised or directed to discontinue graduate work. The admission to graduate studies or to candidacy for the doctorate may be withdrawn by the dean.

IV. Incomplete Grades
A provisional grade of I (incomplete) may be given only to a student who has not completed the requirements of a course for legitimate reasons, provided that work thus far completed in the course is of passing quality. The grade of I may not be given to a student who has simply failed to meet the academic requirements of the course on time. An instructor must have the permission of the dean to give a grade of I.

Incomplete grades must be removed by the midsemester of the succeeding term as specified in the Academic Calendar, whether or not the student is registered. If the incomplete grade is not removed by the midsemester, the incomplete will be recorded as a grade of F (failure). Under extraordinary circumstances, but before the date of the midsemester following the reported incomplete grade, a student may petition the instructor of the course and the dean of the school in which the student is enrolled for an extension of the period normally allowed for removal of the incomplete grade.

V. Unethical Practices
A student who is involved in unethical practices in connection with any work required for a course may receive a grade of F (failure) for the course. The same rule is applicable to comprehensive examinations. Further penalties may be imposed in accordance with specific circumstances.

It is strictly prohibited, as an unethical practice, to submit as one’s own work term papers, research or professional papers or dissertations in which material provided by a professional research agency or by other persons is utilized. A graduate student who receives such assistance or engages in other unethical practices in the research or writing of a thesis or dissertation shall be liable to expulsion from the university upon proper hearing by the department or school and dean.

        Note: The operative words in the preceding regulation are “as one’s own work.” Whether the
                 material comes from a professional research agency or a ghost writer or simply is
                 plagiarized, its submission as one’s own work is unethical. On the other hand, if due
                 acknowledgment is given, for example, to statistical or printed sources, the practice is
                 ethical. It then will be for the faculty to judge, by contemporary standards, whether there
                 is sufficient original work to justify accepting the paper or dissertation.

VI. Change of Grade
A grade assigned for work in a course is not subject to change except (a) in the case of a specific error, which may be corrected upon the request of the teacher of the course, in writing, to the dean not later than one month after the beginning of the succeeding semester, or (b) in the case of a successful challenge to a failing grade of F after action in accordance with established procedures outlined in the university policy entitled Appeal of Failing Grades. A successfully challenged grade of F is changed to pass (P), and credit is given for the work in question; no other grade may be assigned. All changes in transcript information must be requested and approved by the end of the semester following registration and grading of a particular course.

VII. Good Standing
A student is considered to be in good standing (a) who has not become subject to dismissal for academic reasons, (b) whose record of conduct is satisfactory, and (c) who has met all financial obligations to the university or made satisfactory arrangements for their discharge with the Office of Student Accounts.

VIII. Dismissal
A graduate student who incurs two or more failing grades in formal course work after being admitted to graduate study is subject to academic dismissal, as are graduate students who fail to meet additional or more rigorous academic standards imposed by individual departments or schools. Graduate students are directed to consult their school or department for such standards.

The university reserves the right to have appropriate academic officials review records at any time for the purpose of determining whether a student meets the standards necessary for graduation. If, in the opinion of the university, this review reveals serious shortcomings, the student may be dismissed.

Academic dismissal is made by the dean of a school upon recommendation of the faculty or department.

Last Revised 08-Sep-08 11:42 AM.

Academic GraduateGrades and Grade Reports

Academic Graduate
Grades and Grade Reports