Definition of Grades, Undergraduate | National University (2024)

Grades and Grading System

Students who have more than three absences, excused or unexcused, cannot be awarded a satisfactory grade.

Definition of Grades

A Outstanding Achievement
Significantly Exceeds Standards

B Commendable Achievement
Exceeds Standards

C Acceptable Achievement
Meets Standards

D Marginal Achievement
Below Standards

F Failing

I Incomplete
A grade of “I” may only be issued when a student has attended at least two-thirds of the course sessions and is unable to complete the requirements due to uncontrollable and unforeseen circ*mstances. Students must communicate these circ*mstances (preferably in writing) to the instructor prior to the final day of the course. If an instructor decides that an “Incomplete” is warranted, he/she issues a grade of “I” and notates the conditions for removal of the “Incomplete” in the student’s record. Students receive notification via e-mail about the assignment of an “Incomplete,” including the conditions for its removal. The information remains in place until the “Incomplete” is removed or the time limit for removal has passed.

An “Incomplete” is not issued when the only way the student could make up the work is to attend a major portion of the class the next time it is offered. Students must resolve “Incomplete” grades no later than six months after the official course end date. Students can be required to remove an “Incomplete” in a shorter period of time at the discretion of the instructor. The Office of the Registrar sends a courtesy e-mail reminder regarding the “Incomplete” on record when four months has elapsed since the course end date, provided the instructor has not specified a shorter end date.

An “I” that is not removed within the stipulated time becomes an “F” or a “U” based on the grading criteria of the course. No grade points are assigned. The “F” is calculated in the grade point average.

U Unsatisfactory
A permanent grade indicating that a credit attempt was not acceptable. An “Unsatisfactory” grade merits no grade points and is not computed in the grade point average.

W Withdrawal
Signifies that a student has withdrawn from a course after midnight of the ninth day of the class session. A “Withdrawal” is not allowed after the twenty-first (21st) day of the session. This is a permanent mark with no grade points assigned.

S Satisfactory
Credit is granted but no grade points are assigned.

IP In Progress
A designation representing a project course that allows up to six months or more for completion. No grade points are assigned for the “IP” grade.

The following grades are assigned for selected project/practicum courses identified in the course description section of this catalog:

H Honors
Signifies Outstanding Achievement. No grade points are assigned.

S Satisfactory
Signifies Acceptable Achievement. No grade points are assigned.

U Unsatisfactory
Signifies Unacceptable Achievement. No credit is granted and no grade points are assigned.

Plus/Minus Grading

National University uses a plus/minus grading system. The grade of A+ is not issued. In the plus/minus system, the grade points per credit used in the calculation of the grade point average are specified below. Instructors may elect not to use the plus/minus system provided that they clearly state this in the course outline.

Computing Grade Point Averages

To compute a student’s grade point average, the total number of credit units is divided into the total number of grade points. Course units count only once toward graduation requirements. “I,” “W,” “U,” “IP,” “H,” and “S” designations carry no grade points and are not considered when figuring the grade point average. When a course is repeated, the original grade remains part of the permanent record but is not calculated in the grade point average.

Grade Points Awarded