Grade Definitions and Values
The quality of a student’s work in a course is measured by an A through F, four point maximum, grading system. Plus (+) and minus (-) signs are used to indicate achievement above or below the grades listed in the following description. A+ and D- grades are not used
A plus (+) increases the grade value by 0.30 and a minus (-) decreases the value by 0.30. Grades are normally assigned according to the following criteria, however some programs with secondary admissions processes may have a separate grading policy or grading scale. These criteria will be listed in the program descriptions found in the Grays Harbor Catalog (Academic Catalog | Grays Harbor College )
A= 4 grade points per credit hour. The highest grade, “A,” is for students who have achieved mastery of course objectives.
A-= 3.70 grade points per credit hour.
B+= 3.30 grade points per credit hour.
B= 3 grade points per credit hour. The “B” grade is for students who have achieve mastery of some or most course objectives.
B-= 2.70 grade points per credit hour.
C+= 2.30 grade points per credit hour.
C= 2 grade points per credit hour. The “C” grade indicates that a student has made substantial progress toward meeting the objectives of the course and has fulfilled the requirements of the course.
C-= 1.70 grade points per credit hour.
D+= 1.30 grade points per credit hour.
D= 1 grade point per credit hour. The “D” grade is the minimal passing grade for those students who have made progress toward meeting the objectives of the course but who have fulfilled the requirements in a substandard manner.
F= no credit; 0 grade points (credits attempted are calculated in GPA). The “F” grade indicates that the student failed to meet or have accomplished so few of the requirements of the course that they are not entitled to credit.
W= no credit. A course withdrawal, made officially through the Office of Admissions and Records will be recorded with a “W” designation. A course withdrawal must be initiated by the student prior to approved date and time listed in the current quarter’s academic calendar by completing a Drop/Add form.
Y= In-Progress. Student is currently in progress toward the attainment of course objectives. Used only for continuous enrollment courses at Stafford Creek Corrections Education Centers. Students must re-register for the course to complete course objectives. Grade cannot be changed.
I = Incomplete Grades. Special circumstances may warrant the use of the temporary grade “I” to indicate that the student is doing passing work in the class but has been unable to complete an essential requirement of the course because of factors beyond their control. Issuing an Incomplete grade requires a contract between the instructor and student, which is completed by the instructor. An incomplete grade must be made up within the time period specified by the instructor, and should not exceed two quarters. otherwise, the “I” will be converted to an “F” unless a default grade has been established by the instructor in the Incomplete contract.
P= Passing. No grade points but does earn credit (indicates a student has demonstrated competency in all student learning outcomes). The “P” grade is given only in courses adopting the passing or unsatisfactory system.
S= Satisfactory. No grade points and does not earn credit (indicates student has made progress toward student learning outcomes but not all outcomes are met). The “S” grade is given only in Transition/ELA courses.
U= Unsatisfactory. No grade points and does not earn credit (indicates student made very limited or no progress toward student learning outcomes). The “U” grade may be given only in courses adopting the passing or unsatisfactory system.
N= Audit. No credit or grade points.
R= This designation is placed next to the grade earned in a course for which a student had previously received a grade. Replaces lower grade when a course has been previously taken The highest grade will be used to calculate grade point average.
The circumstances involved in determining whether the student receives a grade of “F,” or “W,” are explained in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the Academic Catalog.
Grading for Washington Online (WAOL) Classes
The grading policy of WAOL classes is the same as GHC with the exception of the use of a “D-“grade. GHC’s grading policy does not recognize a “D-“ grade. When a “D-“ grade is reported for a WAOL class, it will be converted to an “F”.
Computation of Grade-Point Average (GPA)
The grade point average is computed as illustrated in the following example:
Credit Letter
Courses Hours Grade Points
MATH121 5 A- (3.7 points per credit) 18.50
HIST101 5 B (3.0 points per credit) 15.00
ECE101 2 C+ (2.3 points per credit) 4.60
PSYC100 5 D (1.0 points per credit) 5.00
PE 170 1 F (0.0 points per credit) 0.00
18 43.10
In order to compute the grade-point average, the total number of grade-points earned is divided by the total number of credits attempted. The sum of the credits must include those courses in which an “F” grade is received. In this example, 43.10 divided by 18 results in a GPA of 2.39.
In computing the grade-point average when a course has been repeated, only the highest grade earned is used. The procedure for reporting student grades will be as follows:
- Faculty members will be provided grade sheets or may use Web grading available from the GHC web site.
- Instructors should record the appropriate grade on the grade sheet or select the appropriate grade in Web grading.
- It is appropriate to grant any grade listed on the sheet or listed on the Web except “W” or “N” grades. “W” and “N” grades are processed in a different way.
- The instructor should sign each grade sheet. If an instructor is using Web grading, the use of their employee ID# and assigned PIN will constitute a signature.
- Instructors should report grades to the associate dean for student services by the time set at the end of the quarter.
References: Academic Catalog | Grays Harbor College