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Section IV

Grades and Grading

Grade Point Average (GPA)

1. The grade point average is computed by dividing the number of quality points earned by the number of semester credits attempted for which grades of A, B, C, D, or E were given. Quality points for each course are calculated by multiplying the number of semester credits by the points awarded for the grade achieved in that course. For points for grades, see "Grade Types" below. For example, a student who received an A, two B's, and one C, each grade from a three semester credit course, would have the following GPA:

A x 3 semester credits = 4 x 3 =	12 quality points
B x 3 semester credits = 3 x 3 =	9 quality points
B x 3 semester credits = 3 x 3 =	9 quality points
C x 3 semester credits = 2 x 3 =	6 quality points
12 semester credits	36 quality points
36 quality points divided by 12 semester credits = 3.00 GPA

 

2. Only the last grade of the repeated course will be used in computing the GPA. The first grade will be removed from the computation of the GPA once a Repeat Form is submitted to the Records Office. (See "Repeating of Courses".)

3. Only semester credits taken at Bemidji State University or on the Common Market Program will be used in the computation of the GPA. (For the Common Market Program, see Index.)

4. All courses taken in the major and minor areas count in the computation of those GPA's and, therefore, must be taken for a letter grade.

Grade Types

The work of a student is recorded as follows:

A - excellent (4 quality points)

B - very good (3 quality points)

C - average (2 quality points)

D - passing (1 quality point)

E - failure (0 quality points)

I - incomplete*

IP - in-progress*

N - no grade reported by the instructor

NP - no pass*

P - pass*

S - satisfactory*

U - unsatisfactory*

V - audit (visitor)*

W - withdraw (drop)*

*Additional information in "Grade Explanations," below.

The records of all completed courses are microfilmed and stored in the microfilm file of the Minnesota Historical Society, Historical Building, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Grade Explanations

Updated:

I - Incomplete: To be given by prior arrangement between the student and the instructor or in the case of a verifiable emergency situation. An incomplete must be removed by the student within twenty (20) class days of the next semester of attendance, or within one (1) year, if the student does not return to the University; otherwise, the grade is a failure and is so recorded. Any exception must be petitioned and approved by the Student Program and Admission Committee (petition forms in the Records Office). After one (1) year these grades may be discounted from the grade-point average only when the courses are repeated.

IP - In-progress: Used for courses that extend beyond one semester.

S or U - Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory: Some courses, such as student teaching, internships, some workshops, etc., are only offered with the "S or U" grade designation. Letter grades are not available for these courses.

P, NP or A - Pass, No Pass or A Option: A student may enroll in certain courses on a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) basis. No letter grade is assigned unless a grade of "A" is achieved and then that grade is so recorded. Semester credits earned on a Pass/No Pass basis are not included in the computation of the student's grade point average (GPA), but the pass semester credits count toward graduation. If an "A" grade is achieved, it is included in the GPA computation. Pass/No Pass grades become a part of the student's permanent record. The option to register on a Pass/No Pass basis may be exercised until the end of the tenth class day of a semester (fourth class day of a summer session). The Pass/No Pass registrant is obligated to complete all course requirements and to take all examinations. The following restrictions apply to Pass/No Pass registration:

1. Pass/No Pass courses may not be used as a part of a major or minor.
2. Professional Education courses and courses required for teacher licensure may not be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
3. Area I, Oral and Written Communication, Liberal Education requirements, cannot be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
4. Courses offered on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis may not be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
5. No more than one class per semester (regardless of semester credit) may be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
6. No more than thirteen (13) semester credits may be accrued for graduation using the Pass/No Pass grading option.
7. A student who is on academic probation may not register for any course on a Pass/No Pass basis, unless it is in excess of the twelve (12) semester credits of letter grade (A, B, C, D, or E) course work required.
8. No class taken initially for a letter grade may be repeated on a Pass/No Pass basis.

   The Pass/No Pass option is activated by using the appropriate procedure on the Touchtone Registration System (TRS). Students should be aware of the possibility that Pass/No Pass grades may not be accepted by graduate and professional schools.

V-Audit Option: Students who desire to take a course without credit and without regard for the usual prerequisites may enroll as "audit" and notify the instructor that they are auditing. Auditing students must pay the regular fees required of other students, but they are not permitted to take examinations. Audited courses can neither be counted toward graduation requirements nor counted as part of the student load. Grades are recorded only as "V" - audit (visitor).

W-Withdraw: Given to a student who withdraws from a class past the twentieth class day and prior to the twenty-fifth class day preceding final examinations. No one may withdraw from class beyond that time.