Grading System
Grade Point System
University grades are reported in letter symbols, each carrying a value in honor points per credit hour. The grade point average (GPA) is the average of the student’s honor points on a 4.00 point scale. The system is as follows:
| Grade |
Significance |
Per Credit Hour |
| A |
Superior |
4 |
| B |
Above Average |
3 |
| C |
Average |
2 |
| D |
Below Average |
1 |
| F |
Failure |
0 |
| W |
Withdraw |
0 |
| I |
Incomplete |
0 |
| S |
Satisfactory |
0 |
| U |
Unsatisfactory |
0 |
| AU |
Audit |
0 |
Although grading is at the discretion of an instructor, typically a letter grade for a course would equate to following percentage of content mastery:
A = or > 90%
B = or > 80%
C = or > 70%
D = or > 60%
F = Below 60%
Some programs may use a more rigorous standard than stated above.
Change of Final Grade
In addition to incompletes, there are certain cases where a change of final grade is permitted. Within the 16-week period into the next term, the instructor has the option to change the grade within their professional judgment. After the 16-week period, the instructor must obtain the approval of the college dean before the change of grade may be enacted. Once graduated with a baccalaureate degree, Dickinson State University will not permit alteration to the course titles, grades, or GPA calculation of a student’s academic transcript for any reason, unless incorrect information was initially recorded as a result of misinformation received by the Director of Academic Records from a Dickinson State University faculty member or administrator.
Grade Appeals
Occasions arise when a student believes that a final course grade is in error. The student may make an informal and formal appeal of the grading decision through the Academic Appeals Process as outlined on the Grade Appeal Procedure found on the DSU website.