Grades and Grading Scale

The quality of a student’s academic achievement in each Berea College course is reported through final course grades in a grading scale adopted by the College Faculty, as follows:

In addition, the course grades of A, B, C, and D may be modified by a plus (+) or minus (-) suffix, indicating achievement which is respectively at the higher or lower segment of each of these grade ranges.

Achievement in courses at the College is recorded by grades of A+/A/A-/B+/B/B-/C+/C/C-*/D+/D/D-/F/U/S/SC/P/CP/I. Also see Dean’s List (to follow) and Graduating with Honors (earlier in this section).

* Please note that a C- does not count for sequenced courses requiring a C or higher in a previous course (e.g. FRN 102 requires a C or higher in FRN 101). A C- also falls below the standard of a C in order to be removed from Academic Probation.

Repeating a Course for a Higher Grade

A course in which a C-, D+, D, D- or F is earned may be repeated for a higher grade. The earlier grade will remain on the transcript, but only the higher of the two will be computed in the GPA. Earned credit will be given only once. Permission to repeat a course in which a grade of C or higher is earned may be given only by the Student Admissions and Academic Standing (SAAS) Committee. Courses may be repeated no more than two times without approval of the SAAS Committee. The highest grade will be computed in the GPA. Permission to take a course for the fourth time rarely will be given.

Grade Point Average

For purposes of computing the Grade Point Average (GPA), the following weights are used: A+ / A / CA=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; and F / CF=0.0. S, SC, I, and U grades are not used in calculating GPA.

Dean’s List

A student who achieves a regular term GPA of 3.2 or higher for a minimum of four full courses, or the equivalent, will be named to the Dean’s List.

Appeals of Grades

It is recognized that instructors must have the primary responsibility of assessing the quality of academic performance, advancement, and achievement of students in their classes. However, instructors are subject to human frailties; these frailties can cause errors in calculation or judgment that may affect assessment of a student’s performance. Because all instructors are required to reveal on the course syllabus the method in which the final grade will be determined, it is the responsibility of the student to review the course syllabus and become familiar with all components of the course grade. Further, it is the responsibility of the student to discuss any questions about grading practices during the course with the instructor. Except in the most unusual circumstances, grades will be changed only upon the recommendation of the faculty member involved, and then only with the consent of the SAAS Committee. The following procedures, designed to protect both the student and the faculty member, are to be followed such that the issue is resolved fairly and expeditiously:

1. Within 30 days of the start of the next regular term after assignment of the grade, the student must make a formal written appeal to the instructor involved explaining why he or she believes the grade should be changed. If the instructor finds an error has been made, he or she will request that the SAAS Committee approve a grade change and notify the student in writing of the request. If the instructor finds the grade to be correct, he or she will notify the student in writing of the decision not to change the grade, specifically addressing the student’s stated reason for the appeal. The instructor’s response must take place within 30 days of receipt of the appeal or—for reasons of travel, sabbatical, or other extenuating circumstances such as sick leave—within 30 days of the start of the next regular term when the faculty member returns.
2. If the student is not satisfied with the written response of the instructor, the student has the right to appeal in writing to the Department Chairperson or Interdisciplinary Program Director in which the course is taught within 30 days of the date of the instructor’s written response. The student’s written notice of appeal should be accompanied by all relevant materials; a copy of the original written appeal to the instructor and a copy of the instructor’s written response must be forwarded to the Department Chairperson or Program Director. Within 30 days of the date of the student’s written appeal to the department or program, the entire faculty of the department or program will hear the appeal. The student and faculty member may be present for the hearing. If the Chairperson/Director is the faculty member whose grade is being appealed, s/he will appoint another member of the department or program to chair the appeal hearing. For GST and GSTR courses, the Director of General Education serves as the chairperson and members of the Committee on General Education serve as the department. The decision of the department or program faculty shall be communicated in writing to the student, the faculty member, and the Director of Academic Services within 14 days of the date of the hearing. The letter should address the department or program’s reason for supporting or denying the student’s appeal. (Also see the “Summary of Grade Appeal Policy” chart on the next page for this information.)

If either the student or the faculty member does not agree with the decision of the department/program, either may appeal to the SAAS Committee in care of the Director of Academic Services. Within 30 days of the date of the department or program’s written decision on the appeal, the student/faculty member must submit a letter contesting the department or program’s decision to the Chairperson of the SAAS Committee in care of the Director of Academic Services. The SAAS Committee will base its decision on the following materials forwarded by the department/program:

• the original written appeal by the student to the instructor;
• the instructor’s written response;
• the student’s written appeal to the department/program and all supporting materials; and
• the department/program’s response to the student.
  Both the student and the faculty member may be present when the appeal is heard. The decision of the SAAS Committee will be final.

Both the student and the faculty member may be present when the appeal is heard. The decision of the SAAS Committee will be final.

Summary of Grade Appeal Policy