Grades and Grading Policies
- Passing, Non-Punitive and Failing Grades
- I*, N* and I, NG Grades
- Grade Point Averaging and Deficits
- Calculating the GPA and Deficit Grade Points
- Repeat Course Work
- Grade Changes
- Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory (S-U) Grade Option
- H Grades
- Writing Requirement
Passing, Non-Punitive and Failing Grades
The Office of the University Registrar records student grades.
The word "credit" refers to one semester hour, generally representing one hour per week of lecture or two or more hours per week of laboratory work.
Grades and Grade Points Prior to May 11, 2009 - Summer A
| Letter Grade | A | B+ | B | C+ | C | D+ | D | E | WF | I | NG | S-U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade Points | 4.0 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Grades and Grade Points Effective May 11, 2009 - Summer A
| Letter Grade | A | A- | B+ | B | B- | C+ | C | C- | D+ | D | D- | E | WF | I | NG | S-U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade Points | 4.0 | 3.67 | 3.33 | 3.0 | 2.67 | 2.33 | 2.0 | 1.67 | 1.33 | 1.0 | .67 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Note: The degree-granting college may require a minimum grade of C in particular courses.
Non-Punitive Grades and Symbols – Zero Grade Points; Not Counted in GPA
W = Withdrew
U = Unsatisfactory
H = Deferred grade assigned only in approved sequential courses or correspondence study
N* = No grade reported
I* = Incomplete
Failing Grades – Zero Grade Points; Counted in GPA
E = Failure
WF = Withdrew failing
NG = No grade reported
I = Incomplete
I*, N* and I, NG Grades
I* or N* grades recorded on the student record indicate the non-punitive initial-term receipt of an I or NG. A grade of I* or N* is not considered a failing grade for the term in which it is received, and it is not computed in the grade point average. However, if the I* or N* has not been changed by the end of the next term for which the student is enrolled and receives grades, it will be counted as a failing grade and used in computation of the grade point average.
For purposes of determining grade point average after the initial receipt of an I* or N* grade, the three summer terms are considered collectively as a single term. I* and N* grades are not assigned to graduating students; they receive failing grades of I or NG.
An incomplete grade may be assigned at the discretion of the instructor as an interim grade for a course in which the student has completed a major portion of the course with a passing grade, been unable to complete course requirements before the end of the term because of extenuating circumstances, and obtained agreement from the instructor and arranged for resolution of the incomplete grade. Instructors are not required to assign incomplete grades.
If make-up work requires classroom or laboratory attendance in a subsequent term, the students should not register for the course again. Instead, the student must audit the course and pay course fees.
If the make-up work does not require classroom or laboratory attendance, the instructor and student should decide on an appropriate plan and deadline for completing the course.
When the course is completed, the instructor will initiate the change of grade. These procedures cannot be used to repeat a course for a different grade. An I grade should not be assigned to a student who never attended class; instead, instructors should assign a failing grade.
Grade Point Averaging and Deficits
The term "average" refers to the grade point average (GPA) for work completed at the university. Grades received at other institutions are NOT averaged with grades received at the University of Florida for the purpose of meeting university average requirements. Other agencies and honorary societies will compute averages in accordance with their own standards and policies.
Averages are determined by computing the ratio of grade points to semester hours attempted. For the grade point average computation formula, please refer to the example below.
A grade point deficit is defined as the number of grade points below a C average on hours attempted at UF. If the grade point average is less than 2.0, there is a grade point deficit.
Only grades higher than C (2.0) will lower a deficit. Beginning Summer A 2009, every credit of C+ earned removes .33 (one-third point) from a deficit (a grade of C+ in a three-credit course removes .99 deficit points, .33 X 3); every credit of B removes 1 deficit point; and every credit of A removes 2 deficit points. A C- (1.67) will increase your grade point deficit.
Calculating the Grade Point Average
- Multiply grade value times the number of credit hours for total grade points.
- Divide the total number of grade points by the number of hours carried. (S-U Option grades are not calculated in the GPA.)
Calculating the Grade Point Deficit
To determine grade point deficit students must first calculate the grade point average:
- Multiply the total UF hours carried for a grade by 2 (for 2.0 GPA) and
- Subtract the total grade points earned to determine the deficit.
- For instance, if a student has taken 100 hours for a grade, then 200 grade points are needed for a 2.0 GPA.
If there are 196 grade points, there is a 4-point deficit.
How to Calculate GPA and Deficit Points
Follow the example below.
Grade value times number of credit hours = grade points
| Course | Grade | Grade Value | X Credit Hours | = Grade Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AML 2020 | D+ | 1.33 | 3 | 3.99 |
| PSY 2013 | S | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SPN 1110 | C+ | 2.33 | 5 | 11.65 |
| PSC 1420 | D- | .67 | 3 | 2.01 |
| 11 | 17.65 | |||
| 17.65 divided by 11 = 1.60 GPA | ||||
Because the GPA is less than 2.0, you need to figure the grade point deficit, as follows:
- 11 total hours X 2.0 = 22 (the number of grade points necessary for 2.0 GPA)
- 22 minus 17.65 (total grade points earned) = 4.35 deficit points
| Grade Values for Conversion | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Letter Grade | A | A- | B+ | B | B- | C+ | C | C- | D+ | D | D- | E | WF | I | NG | S-U |
| Grade Points | 4.0 | 3.67 | 3.33 | 3.0 | 2.67 | 2.33 | 2.0 | 1.67 | 1.33 | 1.0 | .67 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
To see caluculations based upon former grade values, please refer to the 2009-10 undergraduate catalog.
Repeat Course Work
University of Florida course work that is repeated is counted in the computation of a student’s UF grade point average as many times as grades for that course are recorded, although credit hours will be awarded only once.
However, when a student earns a C (2.0) or higher in a course, repeats that course and earns a C (2.0) or higher on the subsequent enrollment, the new grade is neither computed into the UF grade point average nor awarded additional credits.
Students who entered UF with credit for Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses who then repeat the equivalent course at UF will receive a grade for the UF course and no credit for the prior work.
Outcomes when repeated course work involves UF course work only:
| Grades Earned | GPA/Credit Computation |
|---|---|
| First grade lower than a C, Second grade of C or higher |
Each grade computed in grade point average; credit earned only once. |
| First grade lower than a C, Second grade lower than a C |
Each grade computed in grade point average; credit earned only once. |
| First grade of C or higher, Second grade lower than a C |
Each grade computed in grade point average; credit earned only once. |
| First grade of C or higher, Second grade of C or higher |
Only first grade computed in GPA; credit earned only for first attempt |
Grades received at other institutions will not be averaged with grades received at the University of Florida. Repeat course work taken at the University of Florida will result in calculation of only the UF grade in the UF grade point average, with credit earned only once.
Outcomes when repeat course work involves transfer course work and UF course work are as follows:
- Grades Earned: Any grade combination for first and second courses, as illustrated in the table.
- Course work taken at another institution, then repeated at UF: Only UF grade computed in grade point average; credit earned only once.
- Course work taken at UF, then repeated at another institution: Only UF grade computed in grade point average; credit earned only once.
In the case where all repeated course work was taken at other institutions, no grades will be calculated into the UF grade point average and credit is awarded only once.
Repeat course equivalencies are identified based on the state’s common course taxonomy. Refer to the statewide course numbering system for the definition of course equivalencies.
Colleges may not accept grade points and hours earned from lower level courses if they are taken after the student has received credit/grades for advanced courses or exam credit in the same field.
Grade Changes
Grade changes will be accepted and processed by the Office of the University Registrar for one calendar year after the term in which the course was attempted.
Any grade changes submitted after the deadline must be accompanied by additional supporting information or documentation justifying the extension and submitted to the appropriate college dean. If the dean approves the exception, he or she will forward an authorized grade change form to the Office of the University Registrar.
One calendar year is specified as the published grades due date of the same semester in the following year.
This policy does not apply to grades of I or I*, which designate a grade of incomplete.
Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory (S-U) Grade Option
Subject to college degree program and department guidelines, students may take elective course work and earn grades of S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory). A grade of S is equal to a C (2.0) or better. Grades earned under the S-U option do not carry grade point values and are not computed in the University of Florida grade point average. Such grades are included in a student’s permanent academic record and are reflected on the transcript. Once the S-U option is approved, students cannot revert to a letter grade.
Students should note that other academic institutions and agencies may interpret a grade of "U" as a failing grade.
Students choosing the S-U option must be in good standing and cannot be on university academic probation. To elect the S-U option, students must obtain the approvals indicated on the form. They can elect the S-U option for only one course each term; this option is in addition to courses that are taught only on an S-U basis. Courses taken to fulfill the general education and the writing and math requirements cannot be taken S-U.
For fall, spring and summer C terms, the S-U option deadline is Friday of the third week of classes. For summer A and summer B terms, the deadline is Wednesday of the second week of classes.
H Grades
An H grade, which signifies a deferred grade assignment, is normally assigned at the end of a term when a specific course's class calendar differs from the traditional course calendar. Now that UF correspondence study courses have been incorporated into the student records system, H grades will also be assigned to students who cannot complete their correspondence course requirements before the end of the traditional grade cycle.
While H grades for traditional courses become punitive at a date determined by the college, H grades for correspondence course work generally become punitive 32 weeks after course enrollment. However, any grade of H received by a degree candidate will become punitive (and calculated as a failing grade) at degree certification.