Graduate Grade Point Average and the Grading System

The following grading system is used in graduate courses:

An A is the highest passing grade and is awarded for superior course work. The low passing grade of C is awarded for work that is minimally acceptable at the graduate level. Any grade below a C is considered unsatisfactory and is not accepted in graduate courses.

The grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the quality points achieved by the number of credits attempted at Bridgewater College. All graduate credits for which a student enrolls are counted as credits attempted except those credits for which a grade of W or S is received. A student may repeat course work in which he or she has received a grade of C or F. In the case of repeated work, the highest grade is used in computing the student’s GPA; however, both grades will remain on the student’s permanent record.

Work accepted for transfer to Bridgewater College is recorded as credits earned. Credits attempted and quality points achieved are not transferred. Hence, a student’s GPA, both cumulative and in the student’s major, is only dependent upon work attempted at Bridgewater.

I—Incomplete Achievement

This grade may be given when a student has been unable to complete the course or has been absent from the final examination because of illness or an emergency situation that is beyond the student’s control. The time and conditions for the removal of an I must be approved by the registrar when it is assigned but no later than the sixth week of the following semester. In determining the grade point average, credits with a grade of I are not counted as credits attempted.

W—Withdrawn

This grade indicates withdrawal from a course in which the student was officially registered. In order to receive it, the withdrawal must have the approval of the instructor of the course, graduate program director, the student’s academic advisor and the registrar before the withdrawal deadline (see the graduate academic calendar, page 2). A grade of W may be assigned from the last day of the initial drop/add period until the last day of the 10th week of the full semester, the second week of May Term or the last day of the 7th week of the graduate summer sessions. Following these deadlines, the option of withdrawing will no longer be available. In determining the GPA, credits with a grade of W are not counted as credits attempted.

F—Unsatisfactory achievement (carries no credit)

S—Satisfactory achievement

U—Unsatisfactory achievement (carries no credit)

AUD—Audit (carries no credit)

For field internships and student teaching, grades of S or U are assigned. Courses carrying grades of S or U do not contribute to credits attempted or grade points achieved, nor do they figure in the GPA, but appropriate credits earned are credited to the student’s permanent record.

For students wishing to audit a course, the student must get permission of the instructor and program director of the graduate program prior to enrollment. An audited course will have a grade of AUD assigned. A grade of AUD does not contribute to credits attempted, credits earned or grade points achieved. The AUD grade does not figure in the GPA.