Grading System

Grading symbols and corresponding grade points are listed below. Some symbols are not grades but designations of administrative action regarding course work.

• A (Excellent) Student has demonstrated outstanding proficiency in mastering course objectives. (4 grade points per credit hour in computation of grade point average.)
• B (Above Average) Student has demonstrated above-average proficiency in mastering course objectives. (3 points)
• C (Average) Student has demonstrated average proficiency in mastering course objectives. (2 points)
• D (Below Average) Student has demonstrated below-average proficiency in mastering course objectives. (l point)
• F (Failing) Student has not demonstrated a minimum passing proficiency in mastering course objectives (O points)
• I (Incomplete) Due to extenuating circumstances, a student may be given an extension of time by the instructor to complete course objectives. The “I” can be issued only at the discretion of the instructor. Once you are issued an “I,” you may not withdraw from the course in which the “I” was issued. The “I” must be made up by the midterm of the following semester or it will become an “F” grade. The incomplete must be completed with the instructor who originally issued the “I.” The “I” does not count in computation of grade point average.
• P (Pass) Student has completed the course work satisfactorily. This mark is used for most developmental courses and other courses at the discretion of the college. (Does not count in computation of grade point average.)
• R (Re-enroll) The student has made satisfactory progress but should re-enroll until the course objectives are completed. This mark is used for developmental courses only. (Does not count in computation of grade point average.)
• V (Audit) Student’s final registration in the course was on an audit basis (no credit). (Does not count in computation of grade point average.)
• W (Withdrawal) A “W” is not a grade, but an indication of administrative action requested by the student. You must officially withdraw from a course before the end of the 10th week of classes. For courses shorter than the normal semester, the withdrawal period will be prorated. A “W” may not be changed to a grade. (Does not count in computation of grade point average.)
• AW (Administrative Withdrawal) The grade of "AW" will be assigned to those courses that have been administratively withdrawn from a student’s record. A grade of "AW" will not count in a student’s grade point average but will count in their overall completion ratio. See Board Policy 439 Withdrawal.
• Z Administratively unable to give a grade at this time.

Grade Grievance Policy

Students with concerns about grades should, whenever possible, first approach the instructor for clarification/resolution. Concerns about final grades must be expressed by the end of the next regular semester. If, after contacting the instructor, you still have concerns, you should address them to the appropriate program coordinator and/or department chair who will work with you and the instructor to resolve the matter. If the department is unable to remedy the situation, you should address your concerns to the division dean. If resolution still is not achieved, you may then appeal in writing to the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, SSB 2110. Anonymous calls or unsigned letters will not be acknowledged. Only concerns expressed by the individual student involved will be addressed.

Review of Academic Status

The college recognizes that extenuating circumstances occur from time to time that may warrant further review of a student’s academic progress. Contact the Enrollment Services Department for more information.

NOTE: Students with concerns about course requirements, class procedures, teaching styles or grades should follow the procedure outlined in the Procedure for Addressing Student Concerns section of the catalog.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

St. Charles Community College (SCC) has academic standards that all students must meet. It is necessary for students to maintain a sufficient grade point average (GPA) to graduate from SCC and transfer to a four year college or start a career. Students who meet SCC academic standards are making “satisfactory academic progress” and are in “good standing.”

To stay in “good standing,” students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 after they have earned 15 college credit hours or more at SCC.

What Happens If My GPA Drops Below 2.0?

Academic Warning: A student is placed on academic warning when their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 for the first time. Students are unable to register for additional courses until they have completed a mandatory online college success workshop through Canvas.

Academic Probation 1: A student is placed on Academic Probation 1 when their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 in two consecutive terms. The student must complete an online workshop through Canvas. The student is also required to enroll for classes with an academic counselor after completion of the workshop and is limited to a maximum of 13 credit hours.

Academic Probation 2: A student is placed on Academic Probation 2 when their cumulative GPA remains below a 2.0 for a third consecutive term. The student must complete an online workshop through Canvas. The student is also required to enroll for classes with an academic counselor after completion of the workshop and is limited to a maximum of 13 credit hours.

Academic Suspension: A student is placed on Academic Suspension when their cumulative GPA remains below a 2.0 for a fourth consecutive term. Students will be prohibited from enrolling in courses the semester following the suspension status.

Academic Dismissal: A student will no longer be allowed to attend SCC unless they are academically reinstated by the Director of Academic Advising. Students must wait a minimum of one semester to appeal this status (summer semester excluded). For a detailed list of procedures to apply for academic reinstatement, contact the office of Academic Advising.

What If I Get Suspended?

• Suspended students will be required to sit out a semester to reevaluate their academic plans. Students may return the following semester. Enrollment is restricted to 13 credit hours.
• A meeting with the Director of Academic Advising is required to enroll in classes. To make an appointment email darnzen@stchas.edu. 
• After returning from suspension students are required to maintain a 2.0 term GPA each semester that they attend SCC. A meeting with an academic counselor is required to enroll for classes.
• Students who do not earn at least a 2.0 term GPA will be academically dismissed.

When a student’s cumulative GPA reaches a 2.25 or above, they are placed on a less restrictive status and are then able to enroll for courses without meeting with an academic counselor.

Scholastic Honors

Full-time students who earn a 3.50 or above semester grade point average in 12 or more semester hours of credit and part-time students who earn at least a 3.50 GPA for each cumulative 12 credit hours will be named to the Dean’s List. Developmental courses, pass/fail courses, transfer credits, and courses in which incomplete grades were received do not count toward the credit hours.

The Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates will be granted with the following designations to candidates of superior academic achievement:

• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.50-3.74 – Honors
• Cumulative GPA of 3.75-3.99 – High Honors
• Cumulative GPA of 4.0 – Highest Honors

Indication of scholastic honors at the commencement ceremony will be based on the previous fall semester cumulative GPA.

To Request a Transcript

We now offer electronic transmission of official transcripts. Students can track their status and be notified via text or email when the transcript has been sent.

You may request a transcript by accessing this link: Student Clearinghouse. In addition, in person requests can be made. We do not accept FAXED requests. Use the Transcript (PDF) and Enrollment Verification Form (PDF).

Outcomes Assessment

SCC is committed to the assessment of college programs and services to improve and maintain their quality and effectiveness. Classroom and program activities, including surveys and focus groups, will be used to assess the outcomes of college education.

Students completing the Associate of Arts 42-hour general education block are required to take COL 299 Sophomore Portfolio Assessment, which will assess their acquisition of knowledge and skills.

Students who complete career-technical programs will be assessed on their mastery of essential occupational skills and general education knowledge. The method of assessing these skills will vary by discipline. Some of the methods used by the programs will be portfolios, culminating projects, field specific national tests, and tests developed by the department.