2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

can cadets take elective courses?
Many electives are offered, and cadets who receive transfer or validation credit may substitute electives for those particular
courses. Cadets with a prescribed Grade Point Average (GPA) may also overload during most semesters, allowing them to take
other non-prescribed courses. Every cadet, however, must remain at the Academy for four years, no matter how many extra
course credits are earned. Every cadet, also, must take a certain number of classes each semester. He or she will usually take six
academic courses per semester (except for fourth-class cadets who take only five courses their first semester).
how are cadets graded on their courses?
A computerized grading system enables instructors to keep a continuous evaluation of each cadet’s performance on quizzes,
examinations, homework, or classroom recitations. A progress grade report is published at mid-semester, and a final grade
report is issued at the end of the semester. Most courses are graded by means of letter grades (A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-,D, F)
with equivalent grade-point averages (4.0, 3.7, 3.3, 3.0, 2.7, 2.3, 2.0, 1.7, 1.0, 0). An incomplete (I) grade is given to a cadet who
does not complete the academic requirements because of incapacity, emergency, or failure to finish an essential assignment.
Some courses are graded pass/fail and have no effect on grade-point averages.
do parents receive transcripts of cadet grades?
Most parents are curious about their cadet’s grades and academic progress at the end of each semester. The Federal Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 dictate the policy regarding the release of student grades to parents. This law
specifies that educational records of the students may not be released without (1) the written consent of the student specifying
those educational records to be released and to whom or (2) judicial order or subpoena of the student’s educational records.
In the latter situation, the student must be notified of the institution’s compliance with the order or subpoena. Based upon this
policy, the United States Air Force Academy provides grade reports directly to the cadet and will provide grade reports to
the parents at the written direction of the cadet. We understand and appreciate the concern and interest of parents; however,
parents must receive this information either directly from the cadet or by the cadet’s written request that a grade report be
mailed to the parent.
can cadets with marginal grades seek help?
Cadets are encouraged to contact their instructors at any time to request extra instruction outside the classroom. Faculty
instructors want to assist cadets who need individual tutoring. An Academic Review Committee (ARC), consisting of several
officers from various organizations, interviews cadets having academic difficulty and recommends remedial action. The Student
Academic Services Center has programs, facilities, and personnel dedicated to assist cadets interested in improving their
performance.
where can cadets of all performance levels go to receive additional
assistance?
The Student Academic Services Center provides a full range of instruction to improve cadet-learning techniques. The benefits of
being an independent and confident learner are immeasurable. Resources available are the writing center, one-on-one academic
tutoring, advising, seminars, handouts, and enrollment in Strategies for Academic Success or Reading Enhancement Courses.
Cadets are welcome to drop by and pick up literature on topics such as time management, procrastination avoidance, note
taking, effective textbook reading, better listening skills, and test strategies.
United States Air Force Academy Catalog 179