2016-2017 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

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 ( cedarville. edu/vpa ) 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 Academic Information Registration for Courses