203
Regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
203.8
Academic Standing
203.8 Academic Standing
203.8.1 Explanation of Grading System
Important Notification: Effective September 1, 2003, the University of Alberta implemented a letter grading system with a four-point scale of numerical equivalents for calculating grade point averages. Letter grading scales are more commonly applied throughout North America.
The University of Alberta uses a letter grading system for most courses. For students registered in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research the normal passing grade is C+ (see §203.8.2 below). In addition, some courses are offered on a credit/fail basis.
The grade distribution according to the four-point system is as follows:
Course Grades Obtained by Graduate Students
| Alpha | Grade Point |
|
Descriptor | Grade | Value |
|
| A+ | 4.0 |
|
Excellent | A | 4.0 |
|
| A- | 3.7 |
|
| B+ | 3.3 |
|
Good | B | 3.0 | Minimum admission GPA |
| B- | 2.7 | Min. Academic Standing GPA |
Satisfactory | C+ | 2.3 | Minimum Course Pass Mark |
| C | 2.0 |
|
| C- | 1.7 |
|
Failure | D+ | 1.3 |
|
| D | 1.0 |
|
| F | 0.0 |
|
203.8.2 Minimum Faculty Requirements
Regardless of the student's category, the pass mark in any course taken while registered in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is a grade of C+.
All students in degree programs (including time spent as a qualifying graduate student) or diploma or certificate programs must maintain a minimum cumulative program grade point average of 2.7 throughout the course of the program. (In cases where the cumulative program grade point average falls between 2.3 and 2.7, departments may recommend termination of program, or continuation in the program for a specified probationary period; in any case, convocation (see note) shall not take place with a cumulative program grade point average of less than 2.7.)
Notwithstanding the above, a student whose academic standing falls below a grade point average of 2.7 may be required to withdraw at any time.
The above are minimum grades and grade point averages acceptable to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. Individual departments may require higher grades than these.
Note: Postgraduate Certificate students are listed in the convocation program but do not attend the ceremony.
203.8.3 Failure in or Failure to Complete a Course or Research Work
Satisfactory performance in the coursework component of a graduate program entails completion of all courses taken as part of the student's program requirements (i.e., courses designated as extra to the student's program requirements and audited courses are excluded). Normally, the minimum acceptable passing grade in individual courses is C+ (see §203.8.2 above); however, some departments may require higher grades.
Graduate students are not permitted to take reexaminations. Regardless of their category, students who do not obtain an acceptable grade, or fail to complete a course that is required as part of their graduate program, must have the approval of the department and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research to retake the course and must obtain a passing grade. Alternatively, students may take an alternate course recommended by the department and approved by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, but they must also obtain a passing grade.
In calculating a student's GPA, both the original failing grade and the grade received when the course is retaken or the alternate taken will be used. The failing grade and the grade achieved for the repeated or substitute course will appear on the student's transcript. A Grade of INF is counted as a numeric grade of 0.0 in the computation of the GPA.
A student whose course and/or research work is unsatisfactory may at any time be required to withdraw.
