Grading and Academic Standards
Faculty members determine grading standards for all grades within individual courses. This information can be found on the course syllabus.
The grading system at Maryville is as follows:
A – Excellent
B – Good
C – Satisfactory
D – Passing
F – Failed
Quality points for calculation of the grade point average (GPA) are assigned as follows:
| Grade |
# of Quality Points |
| A+ |
4.00 |
| A |
4.00 |
| A- |
3.70 |
| B+ |
3.30 |
| B |
3.00 |
| B- |
2.70 |
| C+ |
2.30 |
| C |
2.00 |
| C- |
1.70 |
| D+ |
1.30 |
| D |
1.00 |
| D- |
0.70 |
| F |
0.00 |
Students are graded under this system in all required general education courses, most electives, and unless stated otherwise, all courses taken to meet major requirements.
In some situations, grades of “S” (Satisfactory) and “U” (Unsatisfactory) are used. The “S” grade is understood to be the equivalent of at least a “C.” Most experiential education courses, Maryville College Life Enrichment Program projects, education senior studies (EDU 351), and most internships are graded on this basis. At the student’s option, one elective course each year may be graded “S” or “U.” Students must notify the course instructor and Registrar in writing within the first week of class meetings if they elect to take a course for an "S" or "U."
In the following exceptional circumstances these grades are given:
W Withdrew - Given when a course is dropped during the first 45 days of classes. This grade does not affect grade point average.
I Incomplete - Given as a temporary grade when a course cannot be completed due to reasons beyond the student’s control; becomes an “F” unless the work is carried to completion by the end of the next semester (not including May or Summer terms). See full details and process directly below.
Process for Requesting and Resolving a Grade of "I Incomplete"
Students must initiate the request for an Incomplete by conferring with the faculty member. Students must complete the process to secure an Incomplete before 5:00 p.m. on the last day of classes for the term. Deadlines are listed on the Academic Calendar.
Faculty can assign a grade of Incomplete only when all of the following criteria are met:
• The student must be passing the course at the time the conditions that created the delay in progression occurred.
• The student must provide documentation verifying that the circumstances prompting the Incomplete were truly beyond the student’s control and directly prevented the timely, successful completion of the course requirements.
• The student and instructor must complete an Incomplete Grade Request, specifying the exact nature of the work remaining and the precise date by which the work must be submitted. The Division Chair must also approve the Incomplete and sign the Incomplete Grade Request form. This form is available from the Registrar’s Office.
• An Incomplete grade must be assigned by the instructor no later than the official deadline for the submission of final grades for that academic term. Under no circumstances can a faculty member retroactively change an earned letter grade (including an 'F') to an Incomplete after grades are submitted.
The student must submit all remaining coursework by the deadline specified on the Academic Calendar.
Should the student fail to complete the missing work by the deadline, the "I" grade will revert to a grade of "F" (Failure) on the student's permanent academic record.
Any exception to the policies listed in this section must be approved by the Dean of the College.