Office of the Registrar

203

Regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

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.

Search the Calendar:

2014-2015 PDF Calendar2013-2014 CalendarPrevious Calendars

Table of Contents

Calendar Home Page
Notices, Errata, Addendum

Welcome from the President

Inquiries

Academic Schedule
 11Major Deadlines from the 2014-2015 Academic Schedule
 11.1Academic Schedule 2014-2015 (monthly listing of academic events on campus)

Undergraduate Application Deadlines for Admission and Readmission

Undergraduate Admission
 13Admission to Undergraduate Programs
 14General Admission Requirements
 15Admission Requirements by Faculty
 16Admission for International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement Students
 17Admission from Outside Alberta

University Regulations and Information for Students
 20General University Policies
 21Classification of Students
 22Registration and Fees
 23Academic Regulations
 24Student Services
 25Code of Student Behaviour
 26Code of Applicant Behaviour

Programs
30Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences
40Faculty of Arts
50Augustana Faculty
60Faculty of Business
70Faculty of Education
80Faculty of Engineering
90Faculty of Extension
100Faculty of Law
110Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
120Faculty of Native Studies
130Faculty of Nursing
140Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
150Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation
160School of Public Health
170Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
180Faculté Saint-Jean
191Faculty of Science

Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
 200The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
 201Members of the Faculty
 202General Information
 203Regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
 204Graduate Program Regulations
 205Graduate Programs
 206Graduate Financial Support

Open Studies

Course Listings
 230Details of Courses
 231Course Listings

Glossary

General Information
 241University History and Traditions
 242Constitution of the University
 243University Libraries
 244Alumni Association
 245Affiliated Colleges

University Staff
 250Continuing Academic Staff
 251Emeriti
 252Associate and Adjunct Staff
 253Honorary Degree Recipients