2016-17 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

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NP Indicates that the student did not pass a course where the
credits do not count toward the graduation requirements.
Basic English and Intermediate Algebra are examples of such
courses.
NR Indicates that the faculty member did not submit the grade in
time for it to appear on the grade card.
P Indicates that the student performed satisfactory work (“C-”
average or better) in a course where the credits do not count
toward graduation, such as Basic English or Intermediate
Algebra.
W Indicates that the student withdrew from the course between
the second and ninth weeks of the semester.
WP Indicates that the student is passing when a course is
dropped during the 10th and 11th weeks of the semester.
WF Used during the 10th and 11th weeks of the semester if the
student is failing at the time of withdrawal.
Z Indicates that the student did not complete the course but did
not officially withdraw. A “Z” is treated in the same manner as
an “F” grade when figuring the GPA.
Credit/No Credit Program
The grade designation “credit/no credit” may be assigned
by faculty members in courses such as student teaching,
laboratories, independent studies, electives, and one-hour courses
in physical education and music. The opportunity to take elective
courses on a credit/no credit (CR/NC) basis offers students the
opportunity to develop background in new areas of study without
threatening cumulative GPAs.
The following guidelines govern involvement in the program:
1. A student of any classification may choose to earn credit/
no credit or a letter grade in one semester hour, non-major
physical education courses. This choice may be made at
the end of the semester.
2. To earn credit, a student must maintain an average of “C” or
better in the course.
3. A student must be at least a junior in classification (have
earned at least 61 semester hours) to take an elective
course on a credit/no credit basis. An elective is a course
that will not count toward the student’s general education,
major, minor, or cognate requirements.
4. A student may take just one elective course per term under
the credit/no credit designation.
5. The total number of courses (other than one-hour physical
education courses) that may be taken under the credit/no
credit designation is determined by the student’s cumulative
GPA:
2.0–2.49 one course
2.5–2.99 two courses
3.0–3.49 four courses
3.5 and above six courses
6. A student taking an elective course who wishes to change
from the credit/no credit designation to the regular grading
designation must do so before the end of the fourth week of
the semester.
7. A student who wishes to change an elective course to the
credit/no credit designation must do so before the end of
the first full calendar week of the semester.
Grade Points and Point Averages
Cedarville University uses the “four-point system” to determine
academic averages. Grade points are awarded as follows:
Grade Grade Points
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
F 0.0
The GPA is computed by dividing the total grade points earned
by the total hours attempted. Grades are issued at the end of each
semester. The student is responsible for discussing their academic
achievement with their instructor.
Grade Appeal Process
A student who believes that a grade received is incorrectly
recorded, inaccurate, unfairly awarded, or based on criteria
different than that applied to other students in the same class may
initiate a grade appeal. The process for grade appeals is available
on the website of the Vice President for Academics
using the “Policies” link from that page. Students may
also obtain the same information directly from the office of the Vice
President for Academics.
Petitions and Student Complaints
Student complaints about any aspect of an undergraduate
program or requests for exceptions to an academic regulation
should first be discussed with the appropriate office, faculty
member, dean or department chair. If those discussions fail to
resolve the complaint, a written request must be initiated by the
student and must be submitted to the Dean of Undergraduate
Studies.
Page 30 2016–17 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
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