Grading

Student achievement is evaluated in relation to the attainment of specific course objectives. Achievement means successfully reaching an established level of performance. Levels of performance are indicated by alphabetical letters. These letter grades are recorded on the student’s permanent transcript.

Explanation of Grading Structure

NGPA - Not Counted in GPA

I-Incomplete-The "Incomplete" grade is a temporary grade and is designed for students who, because of documented illness or circumstances beyond their control, are unable to complete their course work within the semester, but have completed a majority of the course work (defined as at least 75% of all course assignments and tests) in a satisfactory manner (grade C or better).

If circumstances beyond the student’s control prevent the student from completing a test or assignments at the end of the term, then it is the student’s responsibility to initiate the request for an "Incomplete" grade from the instructor. The instructor will determine whether the student has a reasonable chance of satisfactorily completing the remaining course activities in a timely manner.

In requesting an "Incomplete" grade, the student must present to the instructor the documentation of circumstances justifying the "Incomplete" grade. The instructor will submit an Incomplete Grade Contract, which must be approved by the division dean of academic affairs, and will be processed by the Registration and Records office.  Once an Incomplete Grade Contract is fulfilled by the student, the Instructor must submit a Grade Change to update the student’s grade in a timely fashion.

Students are encouraged to let instructors know, as soon as possible, if they are having difficulties with any part of the course. If the student and instructor cannot reach a resolution concerning an Incomplete grade, then the student should contact the instructional department chair or dean of academic affairs.

Incomplete grades which are not converted to a letter grade by the instructor after one subsequent semester (not including summer semester) will revert to a "default" grade assigned by the instructor. The default grade is the grade earned if no work on the Incomplete Grade Contract is submitted.

AU-Audited courses are not eligible for the COF stipend and this grade is not certifiable to the Veterans Administration.

Military personnel and emergency management officials who are required to go Temporary Duty (TDY) in the middle of a term should contact their instructor for special consideration. Documentation of official TDY assignment is required and special arrangements must be approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculation

Grade points indicate the achievement of the student for the number of credits completed. To calculate a grade point average, multiply the credits by the points for the grade earned, total the credits and points, and then divide the grade points by the credits.

Sample

Grades awarded for developmental courses will not be included in a student’s grade point average (GPA). Grading for developmental courses will utilize the developmental grade mode (S/A, S/B, S/C, F/D, F/F). The credits will count toward earned and attempted credits. GPAs for term recognition such as President’s List, Vice President’s List, and Dean’s List will not include developmental courses in the calculation.

Courses transferred to CCA from other colleges appear on the official transcript and fulfill course requirements when they align with a degree or certificate program, but do not impact the grade point average at CCA.  Your grade point average at CCA is based only on the courses taken at CCA.

Total grade points divided by total credits equals the cumulative grade point average. Therefore, the grade point average for the above example would be 40 divided by 16, or 2.50.

A = 4 grade points • B = 3 grade points • C = 2 grade points • D = 1 grade point: • F = 0 grade points

Grade Appeals

The student must initiate appeals regarding final grades within 60 calendar days after the end of the semester in which the grade was awarded. Before making an appeal, the student should first discuss the grade with the instructor, then, if necessary, with the department chair. If there is no resolution, the student can appeal the grade by submitting a written statement to the division dean of academic success explaining the problem. The dean will investigate and respond in writing within 15 business days.