Grading System

A refined grading system was approved by Senate on May 21, 1991 effective Spring 1992 as follows:

Courses taken on exchange are graded using the Outstanding /Pass /Fail alternate grading system. In addition, selected University of Guelph courses, approved by the Board of Undergraduate Studies, will use this alternate grading system.

Alternate Grading System

Other Grade Notations

Grading Procedures

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:

080-100 (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.

070-079 (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.

060-069 (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.

050-059 (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.

000-049 (F) Fail. An inadequate performance.

Resolution 2

That instructors must use evaluation criteria which measure quality of performance and not merely activity.

Resolution 3

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

Resolution 4

Part A

That, by the start of the course selection period for the semester in which the course will be offered, instructors will provide a course description for posting to the department web site. This course description shall include a brief summary of the course topics and requirements, the general format of the course, and the methods of evaluation.

Part B

That, by the first class meeting of the course (by the end of the first week of classes for distance education courses), the instructor must provide students with a written course outline that is a detailed description of course requirements, the methods of evaluation, and the timing of the evaluations.

Resolution 5

That the methods and/or timing of evaluation as indicated on the course outline should not be changed after the first class meeting except under strictly adhered to conditions. Notice of proposed change and of the class at which consent is to be sought, must be given at a previously scheduled class. Where the change is supported by the instructor and is consistent with University policies and procedures such change may be enacted with the unanimous consent of students. If unanimous consent of the students has not been obtained, the change may be enacted only with the approval of the chair of the department and only if alternative and equitable accommodation is available to students opposed to 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 before the last day of the examination period. If the material is necessary for the preparation of the final examination, it must be returned or discussed as soon as possible and in any case no later than three days before the examination.

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 1000 and 2000 levels shall have final examinations and that exceptions require the approval of the Board of Undergraduate Studies.

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

• 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.
• 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

Senate resolved on March 21, 1978 that the chair should review, prior to the commencement of classes, the manner in which a faculty member intends to conduct a course and to determine final grades. If the chair disagrees with the faculty member's intention or subsequently with the implementation of the stated intentions, the chair will discuss his/her concerns with the faculty member. If agreement cannot be reached, the matter will be referred to an appropriate department committee which will advise the chair in reaching his/her decision. The advice may include a recommendation on examination procedures.

Release of Final Grades

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

All grade reports are released by mail. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that correct address information is reported. Duplicate copies are not released until the first day of classes of the subsequent semester. Students who require confirmation before that date may request an official transcript upon payment of the transcript fee.

Admission inquiries: Admission Services ~ ~ ~ General calendar inquiries: Undergraduate Program Services
Last revised: 14 May 2003
© 2003 Office of Registrarial Services, University of Guelph