Final Grade Submission – Spring 2011

As we approach the end of the semester, I remind you that a grade must be submitted for every student in your class within three days (72 hours) of the final day of instruction.  All grades must be submitted no later than Saturday, May 14, 2011. 

Prompt grade submission is of critical importance to the University.  As a University we aim to distinguish ourselves through quality service to our students.  Providing grades in a timely fashion not only satisfies students’ legitimate right to know their status, it is also indicative of our faculty’s commitment to service and reflects upon the University’s pledge to excellence

As you are aware, all classes now meet for the entire 14th week of instruction. Faculty are free, within the guidelines of their colleges, to have regular instruction, class presentations,  hold an exam on one or both days during the final week, or to hold a review session and then have an exam.  The key factor is that the entire 14th week needs to be devoted to activities that constitute instruction.  The State recognizes the final examination as instruction.

The policy on make-up exams has not changed.  If students have three or more exams on the same day they have the option of taking a make-up exam.  Students, who want to utilize this option, should be directed to their dean’s office. 

View our glossary of available grades online. Every student must receive one of the available grades within 72 hours of the scheduled final day of instruction.  Because of this, I ask the Registrar to inform the academic deans of faculty with outstanding grades so that they might monitor the progress of this essential student service.

Should you have specific questions about grading policies in your college, please ask your Deans’ office for guidance.  For general guidance, please take note of the points below:

• There is no grade of INCOMPLETE for undergraduate students.  This policy was re-confirmed by the University Senate on February 12, 2007.  Therefore, an undergraduate student who has not completed all course assignments must be graded based upon the work completed to that point.  Naturally there will be exceptions necessary in the case of illness, etc.  Please contact your Dean’s office for assistance with those rare situations.
• It is important for faculty to be aware of the difference between an F and a UW.
  • An F (Failing) is awarded to a student who completes the course but fails to achieve the course objectives. For example, a student who attends a course the entire semester but fails to show up for the final, or submit any final papers or portfolios, is eligible to receive an F.
  • A UW (Unofficial Withdrawal) is awarded to students who did not officially withdraw from the course, but who failed to participate in course activities through the end of the period. It is used when, in the opinion of the instructor, completed assignments or course activities or both were insufficient to make normal evaluation of academic performance possible. A student, who disappears during the semester for example, never to return, might be eligible for a UW.

As you may be aware, through surveys and polls we have heard from both faculty and students that a final examination week rather than a final week of instruction is preferred. Therefore, beginning with the Fall 2011 semester we have reinstated the Final Examination Week. 

Should you have further questions, please contact the University Registrar, Ms. Joanne Llerandi at extension 1487.