Academic Catalog

Grading & Grade Point Averages

Grade Quality of Performance

Grade
Grade Pts. 		Explanation
A
4.0		 Superior performance in all aspects of the course with work exemplifying the highest quality-Unquestionably prepared for subsequent courses in field.
A-
3.7 		Superior performance in most aspects of the course; high quality work in the remainder-Unquestionably prepared for subsequent courses in field.
B+
3.3 		High quality performance in all or most aspects of the course-Very good chance of success in subsequent courses in field.
B
3.0 		High quality performance in some of the course; satisfactory performance in the remainder-Good chance of success in subsequent courses in field.
B-
2.7 		Satisfactory performance in the course-Evidence of sufficient learning to succeed in subsequent courses in field.
C+
2.3 		Satisfactory performance in most of the course, with the remainder being somewhat substandard-Evidence of sufficient learning to succeed in subsequent courses in field with effort.
C
2.0 		Evidence of some learning but generally marginal performance-Marginal chance of success in subsequent courses in field.
C-
1.7 		Minimal learning and substandard performance throughout the course-Doubtful chance of success in subsequent courses.
D+
1.3 		Minimal learning and low quality performance throughout the course-Doubtful chance of success in subsequent courses.
D
1.0 		Very minimal learning and very low quality performance in all aspects of the course-Highly doubtful chance of success in subsequent courses in field.
D-
0.7 		Little evidence of learning-Poor performance in all aspects of the course-Almost totally unprepared for subsequent courses in field.
F
0.0 		Failure to meet requirements of the course-Unprepared for subsequent courses in the field
W
n/a 		Withdrawal from course
I
n/a 		Incomplete coursework
S
n/a 		Satisfactory
P
n/a 		Pass C or better grade
NC
n/a 		No Credit, C- or lower grade
R
n/a		 Repeated Course
WZ
n/a 		Administrative Withdrawal for non-attendance
Z
n/a 		Grade Unavailable (temporary grade assigned while the actual grade is being clarified)

 

Grade Points

Northwest University desires to provide students with an honest evaluation of their performance, not only in relation to other students in a particular course, but also in relation to the academic standards generally expected at institutions of higher education. To that end, and especially as a Christian university, we approach grading with a focus on the values of integrity, truth-telling, and respect. In the assigning of grades, these values apply not only to the relationship of the faculty member to the individual student, but also to the relationship of Northwest University to larger communities-social, regulatory, business, religious, and academic. Consequently, Northwest University seeks to uphold a grading system that carefully differentiates and provides an honest assessment of student performance, recognizes truly exceptional achievement, and maintains University credibility.

 

Grade Point Average

A student’s grade point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned during a given period by the number of credits for which the student was enrolled and received a regular grade during the same period. Students’ semester grade point average (SGPA) and cumulative grade point average (CGPA) are calculated and reported each semester. For example:

Academic Probation

Entering students whose records reflect grade averages below “C+” level (2.3) are admitted on academic probation. Students are placed on probation if their cumulative grade point averages fall below:

Probation is not intended as a punitive measure but as a warning with opportunity for improvement. Probationary students are under the supervision of the Provost Office or its representative during the period of probation. In order to ensure their concentra­tion upon academic work during the probationary period, students on probation are restricted in their academic loads (no more than twelve hours plus P.E. activity), are restricted in their participation in certain university activities, and may be restricted in their work loads. To aid them in reaching their potential, they may be required to attend special classes or counseling sessions. (A student averaging below 2.00 might be restricted, regardless of their academic standing.) When their cumulative grade point averages rise above the stated levels, students are removed from probation.

 

Eligibility for Special Groups and Student Leadership

All participants of special groups (e.g. varsity athletics, traveling choirs, speech teams) and student leadership must maintain a 2.00 GPA to qualify for membership in the group. In addition, the University reserves the right to establish minimum credit loads each semester for these students.

 

Academic Disqualification

After each semester, all probationary students are evaluated to determine their eligibility for further enrollment at Northwest University. If their cumulative grade point average has been below the stated levels for two or more semesters, they are placed on academic disqualification (suspension). Exceptions may be made if the last semester’s grades indicate a clear improve­ment and average above 2.0.

Although not directly connected to Financial Aid disqualification, often students on Academic Probation or Disqualification also have their Financial Aid status affected. Students should consult the Financial Aid section of the catalog, and confer with the Financial Aid Office for further details.

Appeals for reinstatement after academic disqualifica­tion may be directed to the Provost on forms provided at the receptionist’s desk. Normally, at least one semester must elapse after disqualification before students will be considered for reinstatement, during which time they should have reevaluated their educational plans or taken steps to improve their scholastic skills. Disqualified students may also petition for permission to enroll as Special Students to take selected courses for personal benefit.

 

Incomplete Grades

A student may request an Incomplete grade for reasons of illness or emergency. A written request for an Incomplete must be submitted to and approved by the professor of the course before the final examination. The Incomplete must be removed from the record by the end of the succeeding semester. Otherwise, the grade automatically converts to an “F” on the student’s record.

 

Grade Reports

Grade reports are available via the University’s website following the close of each semester. Printed Grade reports can be provided by the Registrar’s Office upon written request.

 

Honors

Students who earn a current grade point average of 3.5 or better, while carrying twelve credits or more of courses that affect grade point average (i.e., non-pass/no credit courses), are placed on the Dean’s List, which is published at the conclusion of each semester. Full-time students with a current grade point average of 3.3 to 3.499 are placed on the Honors List.

The Awards and Honors Convocation program regularly includes the following awards:

Student Life Awards – Awards are made to one male and one female student whose life and influence are deemed exemplary.

Academic Honors by Classes – Awards are made to the non-graduating freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior with the highest cumulative grade point averages. LEAP students constitute their own class. Only grades earned at Northwest University are computed. The grades from at least two semesters as a full-time student must be available for consideration. For First Time Freshmen, current full-time enrollment in a second semester is required. A hardware award goes to the top qualifier, and all students above 3.8 receive certificates. No awards are made for averages below 3.0.

Departmental Honors – In those departments which offer majors, a hardware award is presented to the graduating major (or minor if there is no qualifying major) with the highest grade point average on all work done in his major department. At least half of the work must have been done at Northwest University. No awards are made for averages below 3.0.

Graduation Honors – Awards are made to the Associate degree graduate and Baccalaureate degree graduate who have the highest grade point averages on all Northwest University work done toward graduation. Highest qualifiers automatically receive the awards regardless of other honors received.

Special Recognitions – Special awards are presented to students as conferred by Societies such as the American Bible Society and Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Criteria and procedures for honoring students are outlined in this Manual.

Conferring of Scholarships – University awarded scholarships are presented to the recipients at the Convocation.

northwest-universityNorthwest University • 5520 108th Avenue NE, Kirkland, WA 98033 • 425.822.8266 • (Enable Javascript to see email address)