Grading Policies
The highest grade awarded is an A. The grade of “I” for “Incomplete” is a temporary grade and must be approved by the Dean. All such authorized grades of incomplete must be changed to traditional letter grades within three weeks of the beginning of the subsequent semester. An automatic “F" is transcribed if the work is not completed within the time frame.
The grade of “IP” for “In Progress” is given to students involved in practica and/or internships whose approved field experiences remain active after the grading period. The faculty moderator must submit the final grade (P-Pass or F-Failure) for the experience when all requirements have been met.
The grade of "W" is assigned to students who withdraw from a course after the add/drop period. The course will be included on the student's transcript with this grade.
Access to semester grades is available through SSIU; grades will not be given over the phone. At the end of each semester, the university makes every effort to expedite grade processing.
Grades
The following chart sets forth the grading system for graduate courses at Immaculata University.
| Grade | Rating | Definition | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Outstanding | Performance of highest achievement, evidence of consistent ability | 4.00 |
| A- | Superior | Performance of highest achievement | 3.67 |
| B+ | Above average | Mastery of subject matter | 3.33 |
| B | Average/satisfactory | Standard performance | 3.00 |
| B- C+ C |
Less than satisfactory | Below standard performance | 2.67 2.33 2.00 |
| C- D+ D |
Below acceptable standards | Performance does not meet minimal standards | 1.67 1.33 1.00 |
| F | Failure | No credit | 0.00 |
| I | Incomplete | For a grave reason, all course work has not been completed within the timeframe of the semester | 0.00 |
| P | Pass | Equivalent of at least B for course taken as pass-fail option; completion of course requirements | 0.00 |
| W | Withdrawal | Not include in Grade Point Average toward earned credits | 0.00 |
Grade Appeals Procedure
Faculty members are responsible for outlining grading policies in writing to students at the beginning of each course. If a student wishes to question a grade, the initial step is to discuss the grade directly with the faculty member teaching the course within three weeks after posting the grade.
If the step does not result in a satisfactory explanation or resolution of the perceived problem, the student may bring the matter to the attention of the respective department/division chair or to the appropriate program director within one week after receiving the decision from the faculty member. Documentation supporting the student’s appeal must be provided.
Should the student continue to contest the grade and wish to pursue an appeal, additional documentation supporting the student’s claim should be brought to the appropriate dean within one week after receiving the decision from the department/division chair of program director. The dean’s decision is final.
Incomplete Courses
An incomplete (“I”) grade is a temporary designation granted to a student who, due to documented illness or other serious emergency beyond the student’s control, is unable to complete final course requirements but has completed approximately 80–90% of the coursework and is reasonably expected to pass the course. An incomplete grade shall not be granted when a substantial portion of coursework remains unfinished or for reasons of poor academic performance.
An incomplete grade must be requested by the instructor using the Incomplete Grade Request form and approved by the appropriate Dean. Faculty may not assign an incomplete grade without the required approvals and documentation.
All remaining coursework must be completed within four (4) calendar weeks from the last day of the academic term or session in which the incomplete grade was awarded. This deadline applies to all undergraduate and graduate courses, regardless of delivery format. If the required work is not completed by the stated deadline, the incomplete grade will automatically convert to a grade of F.
Extensions may be granted only in documented extenuating circumstances and must be approved in writing by the instructor and the appropriate Dean prior to the expiration of the original deadline. Approved extensions must specify a revised completion date.
Upon completion of the required coursework, the instructor must submit the final grade through the Change of Term Grade form within seven (7) calendar days.
Students are responsible for understanding that an incomplete grade may impact academic standing, financial aid eligibility, athletic eligibility, and progression in programs with sequential or prerequisite requirements.
Probation
Students may be placed on academic probation if they fail to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (Master’s) or 3.3 (Doctoral). Students who receive two grades in the category of “below standard performance” will be placed on academic probation. Any grade at the “D” level will result in academic probation.
When placed on academic probation, students will be informed in writing by the dean of the college or their designee. Students must contact the department/division immediately for academic advisement. The student will be issued a remediation plan that must be taken or completed within a specified timeframe. These remediations could include, but are not limited to: repeating the course, meeting a certain GPA within a specified timeline, or other guidelines as determined by the department/division. Students on academic probation may not sit for the comprehensive examination, apply to internship/practica, or graduate. Students failing to fulfill recommendations will be dismissed from the University. Psy.D. students are referred to the Psy.D. handbook for elaboration of probation policy as it pertains specifically to Psy.D. students.