Academic Status

Common Grading System

NOTE: All courses are required to follow the percentage to alpha grade conversion table for final marks.

Symbols (not calculated in Grade Point Average)

AU The AU symbol is given if a course is audited.

CR Prior Learning Credit: this refers to credit assigned through the Prior Learning and Recognition (PLAR) assessment process.

NC No Prior Learning Credit: this refers to credit not assigned through the Prior Learning and Recognition (PLAR) assessment process. Refer to the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition  policy and procedures in the Transfer Credit and Evaluation of Prior Learning section.

EF Experiential Fail: indicates unsatisfactory performance in an experiential learning course (practicum, fieldwork, internship, or clinical placement).

EP Experiential Pass: indicates successful completion of an experiential learning course (practicum, fieldwork, internship, or clinical placement).

I Incomplete: temporarily applied when a student has not completed semester work to the satisfaction of the professor and has been granted an extension to complete that work. (See the section below for conditions).

Q Unassigned Grade: an administrative code assigned by the Registrar’s Office in extenuating circumstances and on an interim basis, along with appropriate transcript notation, pending resolution of a final grade decision.

TR Transfer course: indicates that a course was taken at another postsecondary institution.

W Withdrawal: a student receives a “W” following official withdrawal from a course. (See the section below for conditions).

WC Withdrawal with Cause: a student receives a “WC” following official withdrawal from a course due to special circumstances. (See the section below for conditions).

The method by which professors arrive at the final course grades is left to their discretion. In different departments and within departments, different percentages might be required for a Satisfactory standing. However, the system used must be communicated to the students at the beginning of the semester and should be stated in the course outline for each course. Professors must convert their own methods for determining course standing to the official grading system when assessing final grades. The University will not undertake any official conversion or equation of letter grades with any percentage or other grading systems.

Conditions for “I” symbol

The decision as to whether or not the student will be permitted to enter into a contract for the completion of a course rests with the professor. If the professor is not available, the student should contact the appropriate Department/Program Chair.

The agreement must be arranged prior to the deadline for submission of final grades and a copy of the agreement must be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar by the professor.

Course requirements must be completed within a maximum of 60 calendar days after the end of the semester.

The contract must indicate what the letter grade for the course will be if the student does not complete the coursework specified in the professor-student contract (i.e., the grade earned in the course to that date).

Unless the Office of the Registrar has been notified before, at the end of the 60-day period, the “I” symbol will be changed to a letter grade as determined by the professor, or, if the specified coursework has not been completed, the “I” will be changed to the grade indicated in the professor-student contract.

Extension of the “I” symbol contract beyond the 60-day period can be made at the discretion of the professor.

Conditions for “W” symbol

A “W” symbol can be applied up to and including the withdrawal deadline as stated in the Academic Schedule.

Any consideration for withdrawals after this deadline must be supported by medical and/or psychological documentation.

No withdrawals are permitted after the last day of classes.

Conditions for “WC” symbol

Students can apply for a “WC” at any time during the semester up to and including the last day of scheduled classes.

A “WC” will apply under the following conditions:

• serious illness, verified in writing by a physician, or
• severe emotional distress, verified in writing by Student Counselling Services or other registered mental health professional.

Except under exceptional circumstances, a student who has entered into an ‘I’ contract will not be eligible for a “WC”.

See Change of Registration  section for further information.

Removal from Experiential Learning course

At the professor’s discretion, a student in an experiential learning course (e.g., practicum, fieldwork, work experience, internship, co-op, or clinical placement) may be removed from the course at any point in the semester and assigned an “EF” grade, if the student’s academic performance directly or indirectly threatens the safety of others.

Grade Point Average

The Grade Point Average (GPA) is determined by dividing the total grade points earned by the number of credit hours attempted. The “AU”, “CR”, “I”, “NC”, “EF”, “EP”, “Q”, “IP” and “W” and “WC” grades are not included in calculating the GPA. Academic upgrading courses (those numbered 0100- 0999) are also not included in calculating the GPA.

Example: Assume a student earns the following grades: Interior Design - A, Chemistry - B, English - C, Geology - D, German - F, Mathematics - I and Psychology - W.

* “I” and “W” grades are not counted.

Cumulative GPA is calculated on all grades earned at Mount Royal.

Semester GPA is calculated on all grades earned in a given semester.

Program GPA is calculated on all grades earned for all courses required for graduation in a program of study.

Dean’s Honour Roll

A student who earns 12 or more credit hours in a semester at Mount Royal University with a GPA of 3.50 or higher will be placed on the Dean’s Honour Roll for that semester.

President’s Honour Roll

A student who earns 24 or more credit hours in an academic year at Mount Royal University with a GPA of 3.75 or higher will be placed on the President’s Honour Roll.

Repetition of a Course

Students may repeat any course. When a course is repeated, the original grade remains on the student’s academic record. Only the higher grade awarded is used to determine the cumulative GPA, eligibility to graduate and continuance as a student in good standing at the University.