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Grading Policies

The "Grading Policies" page lists grades and their numerical values and equivalents, passing and failing grades and special grades. Also listed are the method for computing grade point averages (GPA's) as well as procedures for appealing grades and repeating courses.

Grading

In courses that carry college credit (with the exceptions indicated), the student is assigned a final grade (see Table 8), or R (unless the student has permission to take the course on a pass/fail basis).

This table indicates the index values and the suggested numerical values as a guide for instructors:

Grade Value Numerical Value

  • A+ =4.00; 97.0-100
  • A  =4.00; 93.0-96.9
  • A- =3.70;  90.0-92.9
  • B+=3.30;  87.0-89.9
  • B =3.00; 83.0-86.9
  • B-=2.70;  80.0-82.9
  • C+= 2.30; 77.0-79.9
  • C =2.00; 73.0-76.9
  • C-=1.70; 70.0-72.9
  • D+=1.30; 67.0-69.9
  • D= 1.00; 60.0-66.9
  • F, FAB, FIN, WF and WN =0.00; 0-59
  • WA, W , WU - -
  • NC - -
  • P - -
  • R - -

Passing Grades

Passing grades range from A+ to D*.  P is a passing grade but it does not affect the student's scholastic index.

* The C-, D+ and D grades are not considered passing grades in certain programs. Please consult individual Major Program descriptions for details.

Failing Grades

Failing grades are F, FIN, FAB, WF, and WN. These grades are computed in the student's scholastic index. Failing grades are not removed from the student's record due to a subsequent successful completion of the course. Effective Fall 2009, WN grades would no longer be used according to the University Board of Trustees.

Effective September 1, 1990, in accordance with the resolution passed by the Board of Trustees of The City University of New York, an undergraduate student who earns an academic or administrative failing grade that is computed in the cumulative Grade Point Average may retake the course and upon successful completion of the course with a grade of C or better have the failing grade no longer computed into the G.P.A. This resolution applies to grades of C or better received for courses retaken in the Fall 1990 semester and thereafter replacing the index value of failing grades earned in courses taken in the Fall 1984 and thereafter.

The maximum number of failing credits that can legally be excluded from the computation of a student's G.P.A. is limited to 16 for the duration of the student's undergraduate enrollment in CUNY.

If a student transfers from one unit of CUNY to another, the number of failing credits replaced in the previous college(s) will be subtracted from the 16 to determine how many failing credits may be replaced during the subsequent enrollment. In order for a grade of C or better to replace a failing grade in the calculations of the cumulative G.P.A., repetition of the course must take place at the same unit of CUNY where the failing grade was originally received.

If a student received two or more F's for the same course and subsequently earns a C or better, the initial F's will, subject to the 16-credit limit, not be included in the student's cumulative G.P.A., and the total number of credits of F not calculated in the G.P.A. will be charged against the 16-credit limit.

Failing grades may not be partially deleted from the G.P.A. So, for example, if a student has used 14 of the 16-credit limit, a grade of C or better only in a retaken 2 credit or two 1-credit courses may have the F grade deleted from the calculation of the G.P.A. A grade of C or better in a three or more credit course will not be eligible for this treatment.

If a student does NOT wish to have a failing grade deleted from the cumulative G.P.A., he or she must inform the Office of the Registrar in writing any time after the second enrollment in the course. The student must be in attendance at the college when the request is made. The G.P.A. calculated on the basis of this CUNY policy is to be used only for the purposes of retention at and eligibility for graduation from the College, including admission to and continuance in a major or concentration. All failing grades will be considered in the calculations for any honors.

ABS Grade

Effective Fall 2008 ABS and FAB grades have been removed from the grading glossary, except for the purpose of computing transcripts for students registered prior to Fall 2008.

INC Grade

A student who, because of extenuating circumstances, has not taken the final examination and/or completed the work for the course and has a passing average may be assigned an INC grade.

The student, in consultation with the instructor, has up to 10 weeks in the subsequent semester to complete the work and have the grade resolved even if not registered in the subsequent semester.

Grade changes resolving INC grades must be received by the Office of the Registrar by the last day of the 10th week of classes of the subsequent semester. (See Academic Calendar for exact due date) Grades received after the deadline will not be processed unless the student has obtained approval from the Committee on Academic Standards.

The grade of INC is not considered in computing the academic index. However, if a grade change is not received by the Office of the Registrar within the above-specified limits, the grade of INC is changed to FIN. This grade is considered an F grade when computing the academic index. When compiling the Dean's List INC grades are calculated as F.

PEN Grade

This is a temporary grade assigned to a student and used to facilitate the implementation of the procedures for imposition of sanctions related to academic integrity.

P/NC Grade

Two symbols, P for pass and NC for no credit, are used as grades for Student Development 101-105 courses,. These grades are not considered in computing the academic index.

In addition, for the first 28 credits attempted by matriculated students, a failing grade in a non-remedial or non-developmental 100 level course will be converted to an NC grade. A student may receive an NC grade no more than twice for any particular course. A third failure to pass the course will be recorded as an F grade.

The grade of NC is not removed from the student's record due to a subsequent successful completion of the course. Though the NC grade is not computed in the index for retention purposes, it is always computed as an F for graduation honors and Dean's List.

Students should be aware that other colleges, universities, agencies, and institutions may interpret the NC as a failure.

R  Grade

The R grade is used to record a failure in a remedial or developmental course. It carries no grade point value in computing the index for retention purposes.

The course must be repeated until the required level of proficiency is attained but a student may receive an R grade no more than twice for any particular course. A third failure to pass the course will be recorded as an F grade.

The R grade is always regarded as an F for graduation honors and Dean's List. The R grade is not removed from the student's record due to a subsequent successful completion of the course.

Students should be aware that other colleges, universities, agencies, and institutions may regard the R as a failure.

W/*WN/WU Grade

In the case of a withdrawal from a course, three symbols are used:

  • W, signifying withdrawal from a course without penalty, which is recorded  on the student's record after the end of the 3rd week of classes;
  • *WN signifying that a student never attended the course; and
  • WU signifying an unofficial withdrawal from a course (see Procedures for Change of Program and Withdrawal from a Course).

In computing the academic index, W and *WN are not counted.

Z Grade

The Z grade is an administrative grade, which cannot be assigned by an instructor. It is assigned when no grade has been submitted by the instructor.

It has no index value and, therefore, is not considered when computing the G.P.A.

WA Grade

The WA grade is a grade assigned by administrative action and cannot be assigned by an instructor. It is assigned when the student is administratively suspended from classes.

It has no index value and, therefore, is not considered when computing the G.P.A.

Procedure for Appeal of a Grade

If a student wishes to appeal a grade that has been received, the student is asked to initially consult the instructor.

Should the student desire to pursue this matter further, the student may see the chairperson of the department and finally the Committee on Academic Standards.

The Committee can consider instructors' adherence to their stated standards (Instructors should keep, in department offices, available copies of course syllabi, which should include the grading practice for each course.) and documented complaints of instructor-student relations, which will be kept confidential.

The Committee cannot evaluate the subject matter, evaluate the competence of the instructor or compel an instructor to change a grade. The decision of the Committee will be submitted in writing to both the student and the instructor as a recommendation. The instructor will notify the student if the grade is to be changed.

The student may appeal the denial of the petition to the Committee on Academic Standards.

Grades are based only on work, including the final examinations, done during the semester. Grade changes will not be considered for work submitted after the semester has ended, except in cases of assigned INC and ABS grades.

Necessary forms for appeals and denials of appeals can be found in the Academic Advisement Center.

There is a two-year limitation on appeals for retroactive change of transcript entry. Grades cannot be changed once a student has graduated.

Repeated Courses

Credit is not granted for repeated courses that have been passed.

However, grades in repeated courses are computed in the student's index.

It should be noted that a student may audit a course as described in the procedure for auditing of courses previously indicated.

Computation of Grade Point Average

As indicated in the following table, each grade has a numerical value, which is used in computing the Grade Point Average (GPA).

Grade=Numerical Index; Equivalent Test Score

  • A+= 4.00; 97.0-100
  • A- =4.00; 93.0-96.9
  • A- =3.70; 90.0-92.9
  • B+=3.30; 87.0-89.9
  • B =3.00; 83.0-86.9
  • B-=2.70; 80.0-82.9
  • C+=2.30; 77.0-79.9
  • C =2.00; 73.0-76.9
  • C-=1.70; 70.0-72.9
  • D+=1.30; 67.0-69.9
  • D =1.00; 60.0-66.9
  • F, FAB, FIN, WF and WN =0.00; 0-59

The scholastic index(GPA) is computed by multiplying the total number of credits earned by the numerical index values of the grades and dividing the sum by the total number of credits attempted, including courses failed.

For the purpose of computing academic index neither the credits nor the grades of W, WA, *WN, Z, P, R, and NC are counted, while FIN, WN are counted as failures.

To determine the cumulative point value or deviation value the grade C is used as the reference grade. An overall C (2.0) average is required for graduation, in addition to an overall C average in the major discipline for most majors. Please consult individual major program descriptions for details.

Example:

  • English 125 (4 credits) C+ :  4 X 2.3= 9.2
  • Math 111 (4 credits) C-: 4x 1.7= 6.8
  • Psychology 102  (3 credits) B: 3x 3.0=9.0
  • Biology 110  (3 credits) C: 3x2.0=6.0
  • Student Development 102 (1 credit) P=Not computed in GPA

Total Credits for GPA=14.  Total Quality Points=31

Divide 31 by 14, and this student's GPA is 2.21

Cumulative Point Value(CPV) and Academic Deficits

The Cumulative Point Value is computed similarly to the Grade Point Average, but using the values A+ = +2, A= +2. A- = +1.7 B+ = +1.3, B = +1, B- = +0.7, C+ = +0.3 C = 0, C- = -0.3, D+ = - 0.7, D = -1, and F, WN and FIN =-2.

The major difference in the computation, as compared to the GPA, is that all courses taken at all colleges are included, not only courses that transferred to York.

Each student must have a Cumulative Point Value of 0 or greater to graduate from York College.

A student with a negative Cumulative Point Value is said to have an Academic Deficit. If a student enters with an Academic Deficit, a notation to this effect appears on the student's transcript along with the grades from previous institutions that are used to compute the Cumulative Point Value.