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
Note: District Academic Senate Resolution 14.01S20 was implemented during the Spring
2020 through Fall 2021 semesters, in which the letter grade of “F” was replaced by
“NP” for all courses that had a letter grade 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 have the option to select Pass/No pass grade mode at the time of registration and until the last day of the class.
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 Grade
This symbol is used in case of incomplete academic work for unforeseeable, emergency and justifiable reasons. Conditions for removal are set forth by the instructor in a written record which also indicates the grade to be assigned in the event that the student fails to meet the stated conditions. The student will receive a copy of this record, and a copy will be filed with Admissions & Records. A final grade will be assigned by the instructor when the stipulated work has been completed and evaluated. In the event that the work is not completed within the prescribed time period, the grade previously determined by the instructor will be entered in the permanent record.
An 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. An "incomplete grade" shall not be used in the computation of grade point average.
IP - In Progress
This symbol is used in the permanent record of the student to confirm current enrollment and/or to indicate that the course extends beyond the normal end of the term. It indicates that work is in progress and that unit credit and a grade will be assigned when the course is completed. The “IP” shall not be used in the computation of grade point average.
RD - Report Delayed
This symbol is used by the Admissions and Records Office to indicate a delay in reporting the grade due to circumstances beyond the control of the student. It is replaced by a permanent symbol as soon as the grade is made available. The “RD” shall not be used in the computation of grade point average.
W - Withdrawal
The W symbol indicates withdrawal from a course.
MW - Military Withdrawal
The MW symbol indicates military withdrawal.
# - Non-degree Applicable
This symbol appears with a grade and indicates a non-degree applicable course.
EW - Excused Withdrawal
A provision for an "Excused Withdrawal" is available to students who find it necessary to withdraw from a course(s) due to extenuating circumstances that is beyond their control. “Extenuating circumstances” means cases of accidents, illnesses, or other circumstances beyond the control of the student. For additional information, please refer to “Drops and Withdrawals.”
For additional information about excused withdrawals, please refer to "Drops and Withdrawals" section.
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.