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Quality Points Average (QPA)

On September 1, 1951, the University adopted a 4.0 quality point scale, changing from the 3.0 scale.

Quality points are assigned to each semester-hour credit as follows:

  • For a grade of A, 4 quality points

  • For a grade of B, 3 quality points

  • For a grade of C, 2 quality points

  • For a grade of D, 1 quality point

  • For grades of F, I, X, NF, W, S, SP, NP, U, and WF, no quality points.

The quality point average for the semester is determined by dividing the total quality points earned by the total semester hours attempted (excluding courses in which grades of I, W, S, SP, NP, and U were earned). The cumulative quality point average is determined by dividing the total quality points for all semesters by the cumulative hours (excluding courses in which grades of I, W, S, SP, NP, and U were earned). Noncredit courses are disregarded in computing the quality point average.

When a course is repeated, the grade on repeated work as well as the original grade will be included in calculation of the quality point average. Credits attempted with a grade of I, W, S, NP, and SP are disregarded, but credits attempted with grades of X, WF, NF, and U are counted as F's.

Grading

Grades are indicated by letters.

  • A--Excellent

  • B--Good

  • C--Satisfactory

  • D--Passing*

  • F--Failure

  • I--Incomplete

  • NF--Fail, Never Attended

  • X--Absent from Examination

  • W--Withdrew Passing

  • WF--Withdrew Failing

  • S--Satisfactory

  • P--Passing**

  • U--Unsatisfactory

  • SP--Thesis (Satisfactory Progress)

  • NP--Thesis (No Progress)

*D is a Passing grade for undergraduate students only. For graduate students, only grades of A, B, C, S, P, and SP are considered satisfactory, with not more than two (2) grades of C allowed for graduate degree purposes.

**At the graduate level, P/F (Passing/Fail) grades are only approved for COUN 6800, COUN 6820, COUN 6821, COUN 6830, and COUN 7830. A student must meet the minimum requirements for a grade of B to earn a P grade in these courses.

Grade of I (Incomplete)

An instructor may assign an "I" Grade when a student's performance has been satisfactory, but for reasons beyond the student's control, they have not been able to complete the Graduate course requirements within the allotted time.

When a Grade of "I" is assigned, the graduate student will not be required to register for the Graduate course again but must complete the original course requirements with the original instructor, if applicable.

Upon approval of the instructor, the graduate student has up to one (1) calendar year or until the time of graduation, whichever comes first, to remove the "I".

Completion of a Graduate course with a Grade of "I" does not count toward enrollment hours.

The "I" is excluded from the calculation of the graduate student's Current GPA and Cumulative GPA until a Grade is earned.

If the "I" is not removed within the established time limits, it is automatically changed to a Grade of "IF".  The Grade of "IF" will remain on the student's academic record permanently and will be included in the Cumulative GPA.  A Graduate student cannot graduate with an "I" on their record.

Grade Appeal Procedure

The university grade appeal procedure is outlined in Tennessee Tech Grade Appeals Policy #218.