Grades

Permanent semester grades are used to compute grade point average (GPA). A cumulative GPA includes all credits completed at Southwest Tech.

Students may view their grades electronically on "My SWTC"

To calculate a semester GPA, first multiply the credit value of a course by the point value of the grade earned. The total number of points earned for the semester is then divided by the total number of credits taken in that semester.

Example: A student completes four courses in a semester. The GPA is 3.42 (41 divided by 12):

Credit Loads

Students may carry up to 20 credits per semester without written approval from their division dean. A minimum of 12 credits is required to be a full-time student.

Grade Change Procedures

Questions about a course grade that appears in a final grade report should be immediately brought to the attention of the instructor. An instructor can officially change a grade up to one year after course completion.

Grade Reports

Grade reports are mailed to students at the end of each term. Students with outstanding financial obligations to the College will have their grade reports withheld.

Honor Status

The Dean's List is published at the end of each semester. Students qualify for high honors if they are full-time (a minimum of 12 credits that apply toward a degree) and earn a GPA of 3.5 or greater for the semester. Honor's List students are those who are full-time and earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the semester. Honors are not awarded to students who have an "I" &"IP" or an "F" grade on their semester transcript.

Graduating with High Honors

Students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above at graduation may wear a high honor cord during their graduation ceremony. The cumulative GPA of students enrolled in two-year programs is determined by using all program-required coursework completed prior to the final term. The cumulative GPA of students in one-year programs is determined by using all completed program-required coursework plus grade approximations for final term program-required courses.

Cumulative GPA is not rounded in determining eligibility for high honors. For example, a 3.49 GPA is not rounded to 3.5. Participation in the graduation ceremony is required to receive a high honor cord, which the recipient may keep.

Grades/Status

Students may receive periodic progress reports; however, midterm evaluations are informational only. Semester grades are entered on a student's permanent record and used to compute grade point average.

Definition of Grades/Status

Pass. This is used when a student has made satisfactory progress but a grad is not required (e.g. taking a math class to be accepted into college). Courses in which a "P" is earned cannot be used to meet program requirements.

Incomplete. An "I" may be given to a student who has done passing work but has failed to complete minimal course requirements because of extenuating circumstances. The student is required to notify the instructor of the circumstances that might warrant an incomplete and request that it be given. The instructor may approve in writing up to a one-year extension for course completion. If approved, then the instructor shall note the incomplete course in the student's file along with the final date by which remaining course requirements must be fulfilled. The student is then responsible for obtaining from the instructor all outstanding assignments needed for course completion.

Withdrawal. Withdrawal applies to courses that students drop after the official refund period expires. A student withdraws from a course by notifying Student Services in writing or in person and completing the required withdrawal form. This process can be completed by telephone in special circumstances. The official withdrawal date is the date these procedures are completed. Students who want to withdraw from courses should be mindful that no credit will be issued and a "W" (withdrawal) will appear on their transcript. Withdrawals are not accepted if less than twenty percent of a course remains. (For courses less than one semester long, withdrawal must occur prior to the last ten percent of the course.) Students who leave the College without officially withdrawing may receive failing grades. Further, students who receive financial aid should consult with the Financial Aid Office concerning continued financial aid eligibility.

Audit. A student who desires to review a subject or obtain a general understanding of it may enroll in the course as an audit. The auditing student must complete a registration form and pay the same tuition as students registering for credit. Audited courses appear as an "X" on permanent student records and have no grade points associated with them. Hence, they are not figured into grade point average calculations. In addition, audited courses do not count toward credit load or program requirements, or for financial aid. The normal refund policies apply. A student who initially audits a course may not later seek credit. However, a student may change from credit to audit if ten percent or more of the course remains. (For courses less than one semester long, a student must change from credit to Changing from credit to audit may affect financial aid status.

Narrative. An "N" designates that a student has attempted to complete required course work but for reasons identified by the support services specialist could not do so. The narrative appears in a student's record and states what the student was able to accomplish in the course.

Repeat Course. Any student may register and pay fees to repeat a course. When a course is repeated, only the highest grade earned is used to calculate grade point average. All grades for that course will appear on the student's transcript, however.

Scholastic Probation

Full-time students (12 or more credits) who do not achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 are placed on scholastic probation for the following grade period and are counseled to enroll in remedial courses, take a reduced load, or change programs. Students on probation who do not attain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 by the end of their probationary period may be dropped from their program. Approval from the division dean is then required for these students to be readmitted to their former program or to a new program.