Academic Policies
Grading System
Faculty members have the responsibility for evaluating a student’s performance and assigning a grade for the course. The grading values below reflect the Indiana University official grading system. Faculty have the discretion of using plus and minus grades. The registrar will use the following associated numerical equivalencies in computing a grade point average (GPA):
| Grade | Points | |
| A+ | = | 4.0 (highest passing grade) |
| A | = | 4.0 |
| A- | = | 3.7 |
| B+ | = | 3.3 |
| B | = | 3.0 |
| B- | = | 2.7 |
| C+ | = | 2.3 |
| C | = | 2.0 |
| C- | = | 1.7 |
| D+ | = | 1.3 |
| D | = | 1.0 |
| D- | = | 0.7 (Lowest passing grade) |
| F | = | 0.0 (Failing grade) |
| FN | = | Given to those students whose lack of attendance is the basis for a failing grade; last date of attendance will be required; will appear on the transcript as F. |
| FNN | = | Given to those students who never attended the class; will appear on transcript as F. |
| P | = | Pass |
| S | = | Satisfactory |
| I | = | Incomplete |
| R | = | Deferred Grade |
| NC | = | Course taken as Audit (No Credit) |
| NR | = | Grade not yet submitted by the instructor. |
| NY | = | Signifies enrollment in a special program for which credit earned will be recorded when completed. Typically used for courses taken under Study Abroad program |
| W | = | Withdrew after the first week of classes. Grade will appear on transcript |
Grades of I and IX (incompletes)
A grade of I (Incomplete) may be assigned by an instructor when exceptional circumstances, such as illness, prevent students from finishing all work required in a course within the term. The grade of I will be awarded only if the work is mostly complete, and of passing quality. The student has a year to complete all coursework and receive a grade before the I will be automatically changed to an F.
If students have to retake the course in order to remove the Incomplete, they should not re-enroll in the course. Instead, they should make arrangements with the original instructor and any new instructor to sit in on a portion of or the entire course as required by the instructor(s). In all cases, the original instructor is responsible for assigning the final grade. If he or she is unavailable or no longer with the university, the student should consult with the chair of the department in which the course is offered. If after receiving an Incomplete, students wish to withdraw from the course, they must follow the official IUFW procedures for withdrawal.
Students should understand that sitting in on a course or otherwise making up the Incomplete does not count as part of the full- or part-time course load for financial aid purposes or for loan deferments.
Grades of P/F (Pass/Fail) at the Undergraduate Level
During an undergraduate program, a student in good standing (not on probation) may enroll in up to a maximum of eight elective courses to be taken with a grade of P (pass) or F (fail). Each school's regulations vary on the Pass/Fail option. Most schools restrict students to two Pass/Fail courses during an academic year. In some schools, Pass/Fail courses cannot be used to satisfy general-education requirements or requirements in the major or minor. In rare cases, a student may be able to use the Pass/Fail option for part of the general-education requirement. Other programs may permit some limited use of the Pass/Fail option for departmental electives required for the major. The school recorders can explain the Pass/Fail procedure for each school/program.
Grades of S/F (Satisfactory/Fail)
Certain courses are taught on a S (Satisfactory) or F (Fail) basis. Everyone in the course receives either S or F grades, and individuals do not have the option of receiving A+ through D- grades.
A grade of S does not affect the GPA; a grade of F does. Most other universities do not accept S grades for credit should a student transfer.
Grades of R (Deferred)
The grade of R (Deferred Grade) will be applied when the student's work can only be evaluated after two or more semesters. The grade of R is appropriate in thesis and research courses in which the student's work is evaluated only when the thesis or research is done. It may also be used at the end of the first of a two-term course or a course that overlaps two terms if the course is approved as a Deferred Grade course.
Grade Appeal
Each degree-granting unit has policies and procedures for handling student appeals regarding academic decisions such as grades. If students believe they were given an incorrect grade, they are encouraged to complete the Change of Grade Petition available through Student Central. NOTE that grade change appeals for courses taken over 5 years ago will be denied unless there are extremely serious conditions that prevented the student from applying sooner.
Repeating Courses
If a student repeats a course, it will only be counted once toward graduation or electives in the major, though the grades will be calculated in the GPA. Exceptions are variable topics courses, internships, or some other courses that can be taken more than once for credit. Courses repeated under the grade replacement policy may be excluded from the GPA. See the individual school’s section of this bulletin to determine any restrictions on use of grade replacement.
