Grading Policies

These notes from the Academic Dean's Office highlight some aspects of the Grading Policy at Guilford. For complete information, consult the Faculty Handbook.

Academic Suspension and Dismissal

  • After any semester, if a student's term and cumulative grade-point averages are both a 1.00 or less, the student will be dismissed from the College by the Academic Dean's Office without a probationary period.
  • New and Transfer students in their first term at Guilford College therefore must earn above a 1.0 GPA in order to continue in school. Such students who earn a 1.0 or less will be dismissed.

Academic Probation

  • First Year Students with a grade point average (GPA) below 2.0 but above a 1.0 in their first semester are placed on academic probation. For example, three four-credit "C's" and a one credit "C-" result in academic probation.
  • Students earning a GPA of 1.0 or lower during their first semester at the college are suspended or dismissed without a probationary period.
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for students to remain in "good academic standing."
  • Students on academic probation must earn a GPA of at least 2.0 each semester they are on academic probation in order to remain in school. For example, three four-credit "C's" and a one credit "C-" results in suspension!
  • Students must be in good academic standing to take summer school courses at another institution and transfer the credits to Guilford.
  • Students must earn at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA to graduate unless they are approved to graduate under the C-Credit Accumulation Plan.
  • Once posted, final grades cannot be changed unless a faculty member discovers a computation or clerical error and the Associate Academic Dean grants approval for such a change, or an official grade appeal results in an approved change.

Grades in the Major    

The grade of "C-" in a major course will count towards the major. A grade of D+ or lower will not count towards the major.

Last Day for Withdrawal from Courses with a W Grade     

This date is strictly enforced.

Provisional (Incomplete) Grades

  • Students must discuss any request for a provisional grade with their professor at least 7 days before exams begin.
  • Provisional grades are assigned only when unavoidable circumstances occur and student is unable to complete the required work during the semester. Unavoidable circumstances are defined as cases of extended illness, death in the family, accident, or other circumstances beyond a student's control.
  •  Plus and minus suffixes cannot be attached to provisional grades.
  • Provisional grades are included in the GPA calculation!  Academically "at risk" students will not benefit from a provisional grade.  Provisional grades should be replaced as soon as possible.
  • Faculty should consult with the Associate Academic Dean before agreeing to assign any provisional grades. This consultation can help with subsequent decisions about suspensions and dismissals.
  • Faculty must turn in a statement with their grades including (1) the rationale for assigning the provisional grade and, (2) the due date for completion of required work.  Due dates prior to a subsequent semester are preferable.