Grading

Calculation of Grade Point Averages

A grade point average (GPA) will be calculated at the conclusion of each semester. The GPA includes all A-B-C-D-F grades complete to date, except those courses in which the pass/fail system is used exclusively, or those courses in which the pass/fail option is selected, or courses numbered less than 100. If a course is repeated, only the best grade of the repetition will be computed in a student’s GPA.

The GPA will be calculated based on a four point basis (F=0, D=1, C=2, B=3, and A=4) where the number of grade points for a specific letter grade is multiplied by the number of credit hours earned for that course. For instance, the number of credit hours in which the student earned an A is multiplied by four (4) then added to the number of credit hours in which the student earned a “B” multiplied by three (3), etc. Finally, the total grade points are divided by the total credit hours for which a student received an A, B, C, D, or F.

Appeal of a Capricious Final Grade

The following procedures are available only for review of alleged capricious grading, and not for review of the judgment of an instructor in assessing the quality of a student’s work. Capricious grading is limited to one or more of the following:

a. The assignment of a final course grade to a particular student on some basis other than performance in the course.
b. The assignment of a final course grade to a particular student by a substantial departure from the instructor’s standards announced during the term which are not uniformly applied to others in the class.

The assessment of the quality of the student’s academic performance is solely and properly the professional responsibility of the RVC faculty. It is essential for the standards of the academic programs at RVC and the integrity of the degrees conferred that these professional judgments are not subject to pressures or interference from any source.

Process for Capricious Final Grade Appeal

A student who wishes to appeal a final course grade which they feel has been capriciously given should follow the steps below. Grades may be appealed no later than the beginning of the fourth week of the academic term or summer session which directly follows the term in which the grade involved was awarded.

1. A student who wishes to appeal a capricious final grade must first meet with the faculty member to review the criteria applied in assigning that grade.
2. After this initial review, if the problem is not resolved, the student may next appeal in writing to the faculty member’s Dean. Once the appeal is read, the Dean will meet with the faculty member to review the criteria applied to the student’s performance in assigning the capricious grade. When the faculty member and the Dean have reached a decision, the Dean will communicate that decision in writing to the student.
3. If the problem is still not resolved, the student may appeal in writing to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) of the college for further review. When the faculty member and the Vice President of Academic Affairs have reached a decision, the Vice President of Academic Affairs will communicate the decision in writing to the student.
4. In the event the matter is not resolved, the student may file a petition with the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) requesting a hearing by the Grade Review Committee. All decisions of this committee are final.
5. The Grade Review Committee (GRC) Process is as follows:
   A student must submit in writing their request for a hearing to the CAO. The CAO, or designee, will convene the GRC within 30 business days from the request.
   The committee will consist of a dean (from outside the academic department) and two faculty members (one from the same academic discipline and the other from outside the academic discipline). All three voting members of the GRC will be selected by the CAO or designee. The Vice President of Student Services will facilitate the committee as a non-voting member.
   a. The Student will meet with the committee, individually, to present their appeal and any pertinent documentation.
   b. The faculty member, who assigned the final grade, will then independently meet with the committee and present the criteria they applied in assigning the final grade.
   c. The committee will reach a decision in closed session immediately following the hearing. The Vice President of Student Services will inform the student in writing regarding the decision of the committee, within five (5) business days. The decision of the GRC is final.

President's List & Dean's List

To be eligible for the President’s List and Dean’s List for a given semester, students must earn at least 12 credit hours of college course work which count toward a certificate or degree.

Students who meet the eligibility requirements and earn at least a 3.25 GPA will be named to the Dean’s List (fall and spring semesters only). Students who meet the eligibility requirements and earn a 4.0 GPA will be named to the President’s List (fall and spring semesters only).

Academic Forgiveness Criteria

Academic forgiveness is the one-time, permanent (non-reversible), elimination of up to a maximum of 15 semester hours of “D” or “F” grades in courses numbered 100 or above received at Rock Valley College. Academic forgiveness applies to the calculation of a grade point average (GPA) at RVC and does not result in the deletion of those grades from the transcript. RVC does not guarantee that a receiving transfer institution will honor RVC’s Academic Forgiveness Policy.

To be eligible for academic forgiveness:

1. Students may petition for academic forgiveness for a maximum of 15 semester hours of “D” or “F” grades which have been earned in any 365-day period.
2. A period of 12 months must have elapsed between the date of the request for forgiveness and the end of the last semester in which the undesirable grades were earned.
3. Petitions shall include:
   a. A list of those courses to be considered for academic forgiveness.
   b. A statement which contains pertinent information regarding the receipt of the undesirable grades and an indication of serious intent to continue academic studies.
4. To be considered for academic forgiveness, a student must have completed a minimum of 12 credits of subsequent course work at a
   2.0 GPA at RVC or another regionally accredited institution.
5. Academic forgiveness does not apply to courses which have been repeated and completed with grades of A, B, C, D, or F.
6. Special circumstances will be reviewed by a Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA).
7. It is recommended that students meet with an Academic Advisor to review courses that may be eligible for academic forgiveness.

The Petition form may be obtained from the Records and Registration Office. The Petition should be completed and submitted to the Records and Registration Office. The final decision for Academic Forgiveness will be determined by the VPAA.