View the 2010-2011 Catalog (4 MB) - Lake Tahoe Community College

POLICIES & PROCEDURESGRADING POLICY - ACADEMIC RECORDSYMBOLS AND GRADE POINT AVERAGEGrades from the following grading scale shall be averaged on the basis ofthe point equivalencies to determine a student’s grade point average. Thehighest grade shall receive four points, and the lowest grade shall receive0 points, using only the following evaluative symbols:SYMBOL DEFINITIONSGRADE POINTA Excellent 4B Good 3C Satisfactory 2D Passing, less than satisfactory 1F Failing 0P Pass (at least satisfactory - units awarded not counted inGPA)NP No Pass (less than satisfactory, or failing - units not countedin GPA)I Incomplete:The “I” symbol shall not be used in calculating units attempted norfor grade points.If a student has incomplete academic work because of unforeseeable,emergency and justifiable reasons at the end of the term, he/she mayconsult with the instructor and request the instructor issue an “I”(Incomplete) on the student’s record. The condition for removal ofthe “I” shall be stated by the instructor in a written record. (The formis available in the Admissions and Records Office). This record shallspecify the conditions for removal of the “I” and the grade assigned inlieu of its removal. This record must be signed by both the studentand instructor, with each keeping a copy. The original will be kept onfile with the Director of Admissions and Records until the “I” is madeup or the time limit has passed. A final grade shall be assigned whenthe work stipulated has been completed and evaluated, or when thetime limit for completing the work has passed.The “I” must be made up no later than one academic year followingthe end of the term in which it was assigned. A student may petitionthe appropriate Dean for a time extension due to circumstanceswhich are unusual or beyond the student’s control.IP In Progress:The “IP” shall not be used in calculating grade point average.The “IP” symbol shall be used to denote that the class extends beyondthe normal end of an academic term. It indicates that work is “inprogress,” but that assignment of a substantive grade must await itscompletion. The “IP” symbol shall remain on the student’spermanent record in order to satisfy enrollment documentation. Theappropriate evaluative grade and unit credit shall be assigned andappear on the student’s record for the term in which the course iscompleted.RD Report Delayed:The “RD” shall not be used in calculating grade point average.The “RD” symbol may be assigned by the Director of Admissionsand Records only. It is to be used when there is a delay in reportingthe grade of the student due to circumstances beyond the control ofa student. It is a temporary notation to be replaced by a permanentsymbol as soon as possible.34 LTCC CATALOG 2010-2011W Withdrawal:The grade of “W” is authorized for students who withdraw from aclass prior to the last day to withdraw. Withdrawal requests must besubmitted to the Admissions & Records office. Students may notwithdraw via WebReg. Students are limited to two withdrawals percourse. Under certain circumstances, a student may petition for oneadditional withdrawal. Please see a counselor for more information.• For quarter-length (12 week) courses, students may withdrawbetween the end of the fourth calendar week and the lastbusiness day of the seventh calendar week of classes.• For six-week session courses, students may withdraw betweenthe end of the second calendar week of classes and the firstbusiness day of the fourth calendar week of classes.• For all other courses, the last day to withdraw is generally priorto the 58% point of the course. Please contact Admissions &Records for the last day to withdraw from specific courses.No notation shall be made on the academic record of the student whowithdraws from a class or classes prior to the beginning of the period oftime for which a grade of “W” is authorized. The academic record of astudent who remains in a class or classes beyond the time authorized togive a grade of “W” must reflect a grade other than “W.”In extenuating circumstances clearly beyond the control of thestudent, such as verified accidents or extended illnesses, a student maypetition the Vice President, Academic Affairs and Student Services fora grade of “W” beyond the authorized time for such a grade.The “W” shall not be used in calculating grade point average, butexcessive “W’s” shall be used as factors in probation and dismissalprocedures. Withdrawals may be counted as a repeat for the course.Lake Tahoe Community College grade point average (GPA) iscomputed using only grade points and units for courses completedgraded “A-F.” The grade of “P” and the units earned in such a coursewill not be counted in calculating grade point average, but will countin determining probation status. An overall GPA of 2.0 is requiredfor graduation from Lake Tahoe Community College.MW Military Withdrawal:The grade of “MW” shall be authorized upon verification that astudent who is a member of an active or reserve United States militaryservice receives orders compelling a withdrawal from courses. Thisgrade may be issued at any time following the end of the drop withno record period.Military withdrawals shall not be counted in progress probation nordismissal calculations.GRADE CHANGESThe determination of the student’s grade by the instructor shall be finalin the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency (Title 5,§55025). A student who feels that an instructor has given an evaluativegrade based on one or more of these conditions, and has evidence tosubstantiate the claim, may pursue an appeal by following theprocedures delineated in Board Regulation 3.11 which is available inStudent Services, Admissions and Records, or the Instruction Office.Students requesting a change of grade on the basis of mistake, fraud,bad faith, or incompetency must begin the appeal process within oneyear from the end of the quarter in which the course was taken. Theprocess for grade changes resulting from student dishonesty or fraudare delineated in Board Regulation 3.11.