123.1 Grading

123.1 Grading

A. Background

A traditional grading system, with some modifications, is used at Furman to evaluate the academic performance of students.

B. Policy

The grading of a student's work, including the assignment of a final course grade, is the right and responsibility of the teacher.

C. Guidelines

1. All students taking a course for credit, including those on pass/fail status, are to be assigned a letter grade for the course. The meaning of the letter grades is stated in the Furman University, Catalogue.

2. A term grade should be an accurate, carefully determined indication of a student's academic performance in a course, and should not be influenced by such matters as race, religion, politics, or personality of the student.

3. The teacher is obligated to assign and evaluate work early and throughout the term to assure that students, especially freshmen, are informed of their academic status at appropriate points in time.

4. On forms provided by the Office of Computing and Information Services, students' grades are reported to the Registrar as soon as possible, but no later than forty-eight (48) hours after the final examination in the course.

5. The grade "I" should be used only in those situations where, in the judgment of the instructor, the student has been providentially prevented from completing a course.

6. A term grade is not to be changed on the official record unless an error has been made in computation or transcription. Like the original grade, a change can be made only by the instructor in the course and by the following procedure: A change-of-grade form obtained from the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean is completed by the instructor and submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean. If the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean approves the change, he instructs the Associate Dean and University Registrar to make the necessary correction on the official record. If the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean does not approve the change, the matter is discussed and decided by the instructor, his department chair, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean. Change of the temporary grade "I" to a permanent grade may be made by written notice from the faculty member to the Associate Dean and University Registrar.

7. The teacher should keep his grade records clearly enough for a colleague to understand so that, in case of emergency, students may be treated fairly.

8. Additional information on grading may be found in the Furman University, Catalogue.

9. See also entry on "Faculty Roll Books," Policies and Procedures Manual, File 187.8.

...........................