Official University Policy Manual

File code: PRO.GRDCLATT.POL
Approval Date: 12/09/05
Approved By: Faculty Senate

Policy on Grades and Class Attendance

Evaluation of a student's achievement is the responsibility of the instructor. It is assumed that during the progress of the course every instructor will have applied adequate, valid measures which will result in an objective, reasonably reliable grade assignment and that these measures will have been made known to the student at the beginning of the term.

Reasonable measures should be taken by the instructor, within the framework of the class structure, to evaluate the students and to make the results available to the students upon inquiry. Instructors should attempt to consult with students who are doing unsatisfactory work.

An Incomplete for a course may be given only when the student, due to circumstances beyond his/her control, has been unable to complete the course requirements within the official limits of the term. The mere failure to complete an assignment or to take the final examination, unless illness or other emergency is the cause, does not justify the recording of the Incomplete. The circumstances involved must be documented to the instructor's satisfaction.

If an instructor neglects to record a grade for a student, an Incomplete will be recorded. It will be the responsibility of the instructor to initiate a change of grade. If an instructor does not submit a final gradesheet by the Registrar's deadline, an Incomplete will be recorded. It becomes the instructor's responsibility to submit:

  1. The original gradesheets; and
  2. Change of grade forms to the Registrar's Office.

Students are expected to attend all classes in which they are enrolled. Instructors should exercise good judgment in considering excuses for absences, but it is the student's responsibility to confer with the instructor and to agree to any reasonable arrangements to compensate for his/her non-attendance.

When a student does not appear in class for several sessions, the instructor may contact the Office of Student Development and Orientation so that attempts may be made to locate the student.

Change of Grade Request:

If the instructor makes an error in determining the student's final grade, the reported grade may be changed. The request for change should be reported by the instructor to the Registrar's Office within three weeks after the next term begins. The form for submitting the change of grade may be obtained from the department chairperson or the Registrar's Office and must be completed in triplicate, stating clearly and fully the basis for the requested change of grade. The dean and department chairperson will countersign the form for informational purposes and will forward the form to the Registrar's Office. If approved by the Council on Admissions, Graduation and Academic Standards or by their designated representative(s), the Registrar's Office will change the permanent record and will forward one copy of the change of grade report to the student's academic advisor and one copy to the student.