Student Handbook
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GRADES AND GRADE POINTS
There are three systems of grading at Skyline College:
1
. LETTER GRADES
Grades from a grading scale shall be averaged on the basis of the point equivalencies to determine a student's grade point average. The highest grade shall receive four points, and the lowest grade shall receive zero points, using only the following evaluative symbols:

SYMBOL

DEFINITION

GRADE POINT

A

Excellent

4

B

Good

3

C

Satisfactory

2

D

Passing, less than satisfactory

1

F

Failing

0

2. CREDIT/NO-CREDIT
Each division of the College may determine certain courses in which all students are evaluated on a "Credit/No Credit" basis only. These courses will be so identified in the College catalog and use the following evaluative symbols:

SYMBOL

DEFINITION

GRADE POINT

CR

Credit (at least satisfactory — C or Better)

0

NC

No-Credit (less than satisfactory) or failing)

0

3. CREDIT/NO-CREDIT OPTIONS
Each division of the College may designate courses in which a student may elect to receive a letter grade or be graded on a "Credit/No-Credit" basis.

Grade option courses allow students to explore various fields of study and broaden their knowledge, particularly outside their major field, without jeopardizing their grade point average. Courses in which such an option exists will be so designated by appropriate members of the division faculty with the approval of the Curriculum Committee.

Students electing a "Credit/No Credit" option must declare their intent on the appropriate form with the professor of the course within the first 30% of the period of instruction. Changes will not be permitted after this time.

The utilization of courses graded on a "Credit/No Credit" basis to satisfy major or certificate requirements must be approved by the Division Dean in consultation with the appropriate members of the division faculty. A maximum of 12 units toward an Associate degree or 6 units toward a certificate may be applied from courses in which the student has elected a "Credit/No Credit" option.

Four-year colleges and universities vary widely in the number of units of "Credit/ No-Credit" courses they accept. Students should consult the catalog of the college to which they may transfer for its regulations in this regard. Grades are also available on WebSMART.

NONEVALUATIVE SYMBOLS
I - Incomplete
- This symbol is to be used in case of incomplete academic work for unforeseeable, emergency, and justifiable reasons. Conditions for the removal of the "Incomplete" shall be set forth by the professor in a written record that also indicates the grade to be assigned in lieu of removal. The student will receive a copy of this record and a copy will be filed with the Dean of Admissions and Records. The professor will assign a final grade when the stipulated work has been completed and evaluated. In the event that the work is not completed within the prescribed time period, the grade previously determined by the professor will be entered in the permanent record by the Dean of Admissions and Records.

An "Incomplete" must be made up no later than one year following the end of the term in which it was assigned. Established college procedures may be utilized to request a time extension in cases involving unusual circumstances. Students who have received an "Incomplete" must not register in the same course during the time period in which the "Incomplete" is in effect. The "I" shall not be used in the computation of grade point average.

IP - In Progress - This symbol is to be used in the student's permanent record to confirm enrollment and to indicate that the class extends beyond the normal end of the term. It indicates that work is "in progress" and that the assignment of unit credit and grade will be given when the course is completed. The "IP" shall not be used in the computation of grade point average

RD - Report Delayed - This symbol is to be used only by the Dean of Admissions and Records for the purpose of indicating that there has been a delay in reporting the grade due to circumstances beyond the student's control. It is to be replaced by a permanent symbol as soon as possible. The "RD" shall not be used in the computation of grade point average.

W - Withdrawal - See "Withdrawal from class(es)"

 

GRADE POINT AVERAGE
Grade Point Average (GPA) is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of letter graded (GPA) units attempted (See Academic Standards Policy). Go to GPA calculator

 

SCHOLASTIC HONORS
A Dean's List of students who have achieved academic honors is published at the end of each semester. The list contains all the names of students who have completed 12 units or more of letter-graded course work during the semester at Cañada College, College of San Mateo and Skyline College with a 3.3 grade point average or above.

Students who have earned a GPA of 3.5 and have completed 12 units or more of degree applicable course work are eligible for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and the National Dean's List.

Recognition of a student’s academic excellence will be given at graduation on the basis of their grade point average according to the following scale

GRADE POINT AVERAGE

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

3.3

Honors

3.5

High Honors

4.0

Highest Honors

 

FINAL GRADE REPORTS
Each student is held responsible for his/her own academic progress. Dates of final grade availability for specific semesters are published in the current Schedule of Classes. Final grades are available on WebSMART.

 

CHANGE OF GRADES
An earned grade of A, B, C, D, F, W, CR, or NC may be changed by the professor within one year if an error has occurred. Grades cannot be changed on the basis of a student completing course work subsequent to the assignment of the final grade.

 

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