Grading System
Instructors in graduate programs are required to use the following uniform criteria in assigning grades to students:
| Grade |
Meaning |
| A |
Excellent mastery of course content and excellent ability to apply course content concepts. The work displays initiative, independence and application. In some courses, originality may be required. |
| B |
Good mastery of course content and ability to apply course content concepts. Work shows good grasp of the significance, interrelatedness and uses of the material covered. |
| C |
Minimal understanding and knowledge of course concepts. |
| F |
Unsatisfactory understanding of basic facts and principles which constitute the course content. Work receives no academic credit. |
| S |
Satisfactory performance on thesis, field work or software engineering projects. |
| U |
Unsatisfactory performance on thesis or field work. Work receives no academic credit. |
| W |
Withdrawal. This grade is assigned to students who withdraw after the drop/add period and according to withdrawal policy. |
| INC |
Incomplete work |
| IP |
In Progress |
Plus and Minus Grades
Instructors may use plus (+) and minus (-) signs with grades to provide differentiation among students.
Grade Points and Grade Point Averages
Each grade has a grade point value. A grade point average of 3.0 is required for graduation and for status as a degree candidate. Only prerequisite and required courses count in the G.P.A. requirement for graduation. A student whose G.P.A. is below 3.0 is dismissed for academic reasons.
| Grade |
Point Value |
Grade |
Point Value |
| A |
4 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| A- |
3.67 |
C |
2 |
| B+ |
3.33 |
C- |
1.67 |
| B |
3 |
F |
0 |
| B- |
2.67 |
U |
0 |
Grades of W and INC carry no point value and are not considered when calculating the G.P.A.
Incompletes
An incomplete may not be granted unless a student has completed at least half of the work of the course with a passing grade or by permission of the program director. A grade of “INC” (incomplete) will be assigned when illness, emergency or unusual circumstances beyond the student’s control prevent the student from completing the assigned coursework and/or examination(s) by the end of the semester or session.
A student who wishes to apply for a grade of “INC” must secure and complete, with the instructor, the Application for Incomplete Grade form. This form is available from the Registrar's Office or online at www.hood.edu/gradforms. The course instructor will identify the deadline date for completion of the work, the conditions under which the grade of “INC” will be removed and the consequences for failure to meet those conditions. The instructor, the student, and the program director must sign and approve the Application for Incomplete Grade form and the provisions for completion. The completed Application for Incomplete Grade form must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than the date grades are due for that term.
All assignments for the course in question must be completed by March 15 for fall courses, October 15 for summer courses and August 15 for spring courses. Any subsequent request for a further extension of the incomplete grade must be submitted by the student and approved by the instructor, program director and Registrar. Upon completion of all related assignments, the grade of “I” will remain permanently on the candidate’s transcript with the final grade earned beside it.