Grades and Grade Points
Courses within the SMCCD are graded by means of the grading system established by the California Education Code (Title V). Skyline College utilizes two types of grading methods or grade modes: Letter Grade and Pass/No Pass.
Letter Grade
Grades are averaged on the basis of the point equivalencies to determine a students grade point average. The highest grade shall receive 4 points and the lowest grades shall receive 0 points using the following evaluative symbols:
| Symbol | Definition | Grade Point |
|---|---|---|
| A | Excellent | 4.0 points |
| A- | Excellent | 3.7 points |
| B+ | Good | 3.3 points |
| B | Good | 3.0 points |
| B- | Good | 2.7 points |
| C+ | Satisfactory | 2.3 points |
| C | Satisfactory | 2.0 points |
| D+ | Passing, less than satisfactory | 1.3 points |
| D | Passing, less than satisfactory | 1.0 points |
| D- | Passing, less than satisfactory | 0.7 points |
| F | Failing | 0 points |
Pass/No Pass
Each division of the College may designate course(s) in which a student is evaluated on a Pass/No Pass basis only. There are no grade points assigned to this grade mode, as units are not calculated towards GPA. Evaluative symbols are as follows:
| Symbol | Definition | Grade Point |
|---|---|---|
| P | Pass (satisfactory: C or better) | 0 points |
| NP | No Pass (less than satisfactory or failing) | 0 points |
Grade Mode Option
Some courses offer both Letter Grade and Pass/ No Pass grade mode options. Grade mode options allow students to explore various fields of study and expand their knowledge, particularly outside their major field, without jeopardizing their grade point average. Courses in which such an option exists will be designated by the Division Dean in consultation with appropriate members of the division faculty.
Students selecting a Pass/No Pass option must select this grade mode at the time of registration or one day prior to Census, through their WebSMART account.
The use of courses graded on a Pass/No Pass basis to satisfy major or certificate requirements must be approved by the Division Dean in consultation with appropriate members of the division faculty. A maximum of 12 units toward an Associate Degree, or 6 units toward a Certificate, may be applied from courses in which the student has elected a Pass/No Pass option.
Important: Four year colleges and universities vary widely in the number of units of Pass/No Pass courses they will accept. Students should consult with their Academic Counselor and refer the catalog of the college to which they plan to transfer for its regulations before selecting this option.
Non-evaluative Symbols
I - Incomplete
Appears in the grade column, along with a default grade, and indicates incomplete academic work for unforeseeable, emergency, and justifiable reasons. Conditions for the removal of the “Incomplete” shall be set forth by the faculty member in a written record which also indicates the default grade (grade assigned in lieu of removal). A final grade will be assigned by the faculty member when the stipulated work has been completed and evaluated. In the event that the work is not completed within the prescribed time period, the default grade previously determined by the faculty member will be entered in the permanent record. The Incomplete must be made up no later than one year following the end of the term in which it was assigned. Established College procedures may be utilized to request a time extension in cases involving unusual circumstances. The I symbol is not used in calculating units attempted nor for grade points.
IP - In Progress
The IP symbol indicates courses which extend beyond the normal end of an academic term. It indicates that work is In Progress, but that assignment of the evaluative symbol (grade) must wait its completion. The IP symbol shall remain on the student’s permanent record in order to satisfy enrollment documentation. The appropriate evaluative symbol (grade) and unit credit shall be assigned and appear on the students permanent record for the term in which the course is completed.
RD - Report Delayed
The RD symbol indicates that there has been a delay in reporting the grade due to circumstances beyond the student s control. It is to be replaced by a permanent symbol as soon as possible. The RD shall not be used in the calculation of grade point average.
W - Withdrawal
The W symbol indicates withdrawal from a course beyond the last day to drop without a notation appearing on the student record.
MW - Military Withdrawal
The MW symbol indicates military withdrawal.
# - Non-degree Applicable
Appears with a grade and indicates a non-degree applicable course.
EW - Excused Withdrawal
An “Excused Withdrawal” will be authorized when a student withdraws from a course(s) for reasons beyond their control. A student may request to use an “EW” for only one course or all courses in a term depending on the reason for the request. In accordance to Title 5, section 55024 (e), an EW symbol may be requested by the student any time during the semester and no later than one year following the end of the term in which the EW symbol is requested in accordance with the District grade change policy. Upon verification of the extenuating circumstance, a notation of “EW” will be placed on the student record. Excused Withdrawals are not counted in the probation or dismissal calculations. In addition, the “Excused Withdrawal” should not be counted towards the permitted number of withdrawals or counted as an enrollment attempt. An EW is acceptable when a student withdraws from a course(s) due to reasons beyond their control, which include but are not limited to, the following:
- Job transfer outside the geographical region
- Illness in the family in which the student is the primary caregiver
- An incarcerated student in a California State Prison or County Jail is released from custody or involuntarily transferred before the end of the term in the case of an incarcerated student, an excused withdrawal cannot be applied if the failure to complete the course(s) was the result of a student’s behavioral violation or if the student requested and was granted a mid-semester transfer)
- The student is the subject of an immigration action
- Death of an immediate family member
- Chronic or acute illness
- Verifiable accidents
- Natural disaster directly affecting the student
The financial aid eligibility of a student may be affected depending on individual circumstance. A student should consult with the financial aid staff regarding any impact.
E - Excluded
As a result of procedures such as Grade Alleviation, Academic Renewal and Course Repetition, a notation of E may appear in the right column of the student academic record to indicate that the course is to be Excluded from the GPA calculation.
I - Included
As a result of procedures such as Grade Alleviation, Academic Renewal and Course Repetition, a notation of I may appear in the right column of the student academic record to indicate that the course is to be or Included in the GPA calculation.