Catalog - University of Maryland University College

ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVEREQUIREMENTSGrading MethodsThere are four grading methods at UMUC. The most commonlyused is the standard method. The pass/fail alternative is availableonly under limited conditions. The satisfactory/I/fail method isrestricted to certain specified courses. Any course may be audited.Regulations for each are given in the following paragraphs.GRADE OR MARK INTERPRETATION QUALITY POINTSindicate this intention when they register. Students may requesta change from credit to audit status anytime before the end ofthe second week of classes.Audited courses are listed on the permanent record, with thenotation AU. No letter grade is given for audited courses, norare credits earned. Students receiving financial aid should checkwith a financial aid advisor before selecting audit as a gradingoption as this may affect financial aid.A Excellent 4B Good 3C Below standards 2F Failure 0FN Failure for nonattendance 0G Grade pending 0P Passing 0S Satisfactory 0I Incomplete 0AU Audit 0U Unsatisfactory 0W Withdrawal 0StandardUnless students choose the audit option at the time of registration,they will be given a letter grade according to the standardmethod. Under the standard grading method, students are givena grade of A, B, C, or F on the basis of their performance inmeeting the requirements of each course.Pass/FailNoncredit courses, such as the required graduate library skillscourse, are graded on a pass/fail basis. Students may not chooseto take other graduate courses on a pass/fail basis.Satisfactory/Incomplete/FailThis grading method is available only on a limited basis.Although a grade of satisfactory (S) earns credit toward graduation,it is not included in calculating grade point averages. Themark of incomplete (I) earns no credit and is not included incomputing grade point averages, but is included in computingthe course completion rate (explained on p. 177). While a failinggrade (F) earns no credit, it is included in computing gradepoint averages.AuditStudents who do not wish to receive credit may register forcourses as auditors after they have been admitted. Students mustGrades and MarksThe Grade of A: ExcellentOnly students who demonstrate exceptional comprehension andapplication of the course subject matter merit an A.The Grade of B: GoodThe grade of B represents the benchmark for the GraduateSchool of Management and Technology. It indicates that thestudent has demonstrated competency in the subject matterof the course. For example, the student has fulfilled all courserequirements on time, has a clear grasp of the full range ofcourse materials and concepts, and is able to present and applythese materials and concepts in clear, reasoned, well-organized,and grammatically correct responses, whether written or oral.The Grade of C: Below StandardsThe grade of C indicates that the student has passed the course.However, the grade of C is not considered to meet overallstandards for graduate work. Students should refer to AcademicStandards (p. 135) for further information on the implicationsof a grade of C.The Grade of F: FailureThe grade of F means a failure to satisfy the minimum requirementsof a course. Although it carries no credit, it is includedin calculating the grade point average. If applicable, a studentassigned the grade of F must register again for the course, paythe applicable fees, repeat the course, and earn a passing gradein order to receive credit for that course.The Grade of FN: Failure for NonattendanceThe grade of FN means a failure in the course because thestudent has not attended or participated in course assignmentsand activities. It is assigned when the student ceases to attendclass but has not officially withdrawn. If applicable, a studentassigned the grade of FN must register again for the course, payw w w.umuc.edu / grad 133