VIII--Associate Diploma Regulations and Procedures

Grades

Grading System

On May 1, 1976, the University Senate endorsed the following resolutions:

Resolution 1

That the assignment of grades at the University of Guelph be based on clearly defined standards, which are to be published in the Undergraduate Calendar for the benefit of faculty and students and that the definitions for each of the numerical grade range (letter grades) be as follows:

80 - 100 (A) Excellent. An outstanding performance in which the student demonstrates a superior grasp of the subject matter, and an ability to go beyond the given material in a critical and constructive manner. The student demonstrates a high degree of creative and/or logical thinking, a superior ability to organize, to analyze, and to integrate ideas, and a thorough familiarity with the appropriate literature and techniques.

70 - 79 (B) Good. A more than adequate performance in which the student demonstrates a thorough grasp of the subject matter, and an ability to organize and examine the material in a critical and constructive manner. The student demonstrates a good understanding of the relevant issues and a familiarity with the appropriate literature and techniques.

60 - 69 (C) Acceptable. An adequate performance in which the student demonstrates a generally adequate grasp of the subject matter and a moderate ability to examine the material in a critical and constructive manner. The student displays an adequate understanding of the relevant issues, and a general familiarity with the appropriate literature and techniques.

50 - 59 (D) Minimally Acceptable. A barely adequate performance in which the student demonstrates a familiarity with the subject matter, but whose attempts to examine the material in a critical and constructive manner are only partially successful. The student displays some understanding of the relevant issues, and some familiarity with the appropriate literature and techniques.

0 - 49 (F) Fail. An inadequate performance.

Resolution 2

That instructors are not to use evaluation techniques that take into account merely the number of books read, physical attendance, or other similar criteria while tabulating the final grade. (i.e. no portion of a final grade is to be based on such techniques).

Resolution 3

That instructors are not to use predetermined, arbitrary distributions in the assignment of grades in individual courses.

Resolution 4

That instructors must provide students, during the first week of the semester, with written course outlines which state clearly the course requirements and the methods of evaluation.

Resolution 5

That the methods of evaluation are not to be changed after the first week of the semester without the unanimous consent of the students in attendance at a scheduled class. Notice of proposed change and of the class at which consent is to be sought, must be given at a previous scheduled class. In a case where making a change is unavoidable but unanimous consent of the students has not been obtained to a proposed change, the instructor must receive the approval of the chair of the department before making the change.

Resolution 6

That all term tests, assignments, laboratory reports, etc., should be returned to, or discussed with students, without undue delay, and in any case, by the final class day.

Resolution 7

That departments must coordinate multiple section courses in terms of course content, evaluation procedures and final grades.

Department also refers to schools and to colleges (where multiple section courses are offered by, or coordinated by the Office of a College Dean).

Resolution 8

That each department must keep under continual review its grading procedures and matters that relate to academic standards to make sure the University's policies are being applied.

Resolution 9

That normally all courses at the 100 and 200 levels shall have final examinations and that exceptions require the approval of the Board of Undergraduate Studies.

To specify clearly the administrative responsibility of chairs with respect to the methods of evaluation, the setting of examinations and the determining of grades in courses in their departments.

The Board of Undergraduate Studies has by formal resolution undertaken to do as follows:

• To review the effects of the pass by course system on the academic standards of the University.
• To request each program to review its overall academic standards and, in particular, its requirements for graduation.
• To examine whether the prerequisites at the O.A.C. level required for admission to the University of Guelph are adequate.
• From time to time, to review and monitor the academic standards across the University to ensure that there is consistency and that the regulations of the University are being adhered to.

Resolution 10

Senate resolved on June 21, 1977 that in determining grades for written assignments the instructor should take into consideration the student's ability to use correctly and effectively the language appropriate to the assignment.

Resolution 11

University grades are official on the day that they are mailed to students (refer to Section III - Schedule of Dates).

Grade re-assessment is the process of reviewing the calculation of grades, or the methods and criteria used to establish final grades for a student in a course or misapplication of an academic regulation. The outcome of a grade re-assessment may be a grade increase, a grade decrease, or no change to the grade. The detection of errors or omissions in the calculation of final grades will result in the assignment of a revised grade. Students normally initiate grade re-assessments, but instructors may initiate this process. However, instructors must NOT use the grade re-assessment process to:

• grant extensions for submission of work beyond the end of the semester (see Academic Consideration and Appeals);
• change the student's continuation of study status;
• improve the student's program average or
• submit late grades (see Final Grades).

Calculation Errors or Omissions

Students who believe there have been errors or omissions in the calculation of their final grade for a course may request a grade reassessment. They must submit a request in writing to the chair of the department offering the course no later than the 10th class day of the succeeding semester. The request must pertain to work completed during the semester and must contain a statement of the specific reasons why the grade does not adequately reflect academic performance in the course. Students must also submit relevant assignments or tests that have been returned to them.

Where there is a change in the grade the student will be advised in writing. If there is no change to the grade, it is the chair's responsibility to inform the student in writing.

1999-2000 Diploma Program Calendar VIII--Associate Diploma Regulations and Procedures Academic Regulations