Grading Policy and Appeals
Letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) carry a quality point value and are used in the computation of semester and cumulative grade point averages. Letter grades and their corresponding quality point values are as follows:
| A |
= 4.0 |
|
B+ |
= 3.3 |
|
C+ |
= 2.3 |
|
D+ |
= 1.3 |
| A– |
= 3.7 |
|
B |
= 3.0 |
|
C |
= 2.0 |
|
D |
= 1.0 |
|
|
|
B– |
= 2.7 |
|
C– |
= 1.7 |
|
F |
= 0.0 |
Credits and Quality Points. A student’s cumulative grade point average is determined by dividing the number of quality points earned by the number of credit hours attempted in which quality points may be earned (graded total). Credits transferred from other institutions do not carry quality points and are therefore not computed in the grade point average. Credits taken through consortial agreements where a grade is transferred do carry quality points and are therefore included when calculating the grade point average.
Repeating Courses. A student may repeat any course in which a grade of D+, D, or F was received. With repeated courses, the second grade and credits count in the calculation of the student’s cumulative GPA, but the original grade and course will remain on the student’s transcript. All repeat courses must be taken at Messiah University, including approved off-campus programs or through consortial agreements, subject to the assessment of course equivalency.
Incomplete Grades
A grade of incomplete may be assigned if a student is unable to complete the course work for extraordinary reasons such as illness, emergency, or other reasonable cause; has completed at least two-thirds of the course; has a passing grade average; and a well-defined plan to complete the remaining course work.
Requests for an incomplete must be emailed to the course instructor before the last day of class. An incomplete grade must be resolved by the agreed upon date with the instructor but no later than four weeks from the last day of the particular course. The procedure to apply for an incomplete grade is as follows:
- The student presents a valid reason and requests his/her instructor to extend the time to complete the course. To be considered for an incomplete, the student must be passing the course and have completed at least two-thirds of the coursework. An incomplete should not be given merely because a student fails to complete all the course requirements on time. The instructor giving the incomplete will establish an appropriate completion date with the student. This date may extend to four weeks from the last day of the particular course. If the work is not completed by the designated date, the incomplete will be changed to an “F” and will be calculated as such in the student’s grade point average.
- When reporting final grades, the instructor will enter a grade of “I” in Self-Service. He/she will then be prompted to record an explanation for the incomplete grade. Self-Service automatically sends an e-mail message of confirmation to the instructor, the student and the Registrar’s office for review, as well as Student Financial Services and Financial Aid.
- When a student completes the course work, the instructor submits a grade change request to the registrar’s office via Self-Service.
- If a course is not completed within the extended timetable, the incomplete grade is converted to an F. Any exceptions to the timetable must be approved in advance with the instructor and the registrar’s office.
This policy keeps grade and student records up to date, provides for student emergencies, and establishes a reasonable deadline to help students avoid doing two semesters’ work at the same time. It also discourages procrastination