Determining Graduate GPA

Policy Purpose

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The purpose of the policy is to stipulate what credit and grades are included in the graduate GPA calculation.

• Policy Statement

   

  I.    ETSU coursework solely is used to calculate the grade point average (GPA); non-ETSU transfer work is not computed in the GPA.

  A. If a student chooses to repeat a course, all grades earned are calculated in the GPA. The grade earned on the repeat does not replace the original.

  B. The letter grades of “S” (Satisfactory Completion), “SP” (Satisfactory Progress), and “U” (Unsatisfactory) are given for Readings and Research, Capstone Projects, Thesis, and Dissertation. These grades do not affect the student’s GPA. 

  • A grade of “S” or "P" carries graduate credit and indicates satisfactory completion of the course.
  • Each program must specify the number of hours required for Thesis/Dissertation.
  • Degree completion requires an “S” on the most recent hours associated with Thesis/Dissertation or Readings and Research.
  • “SP” indicates progress toward project or research completion, but carries no credit.
  • "P" indicates satisfactory completion of course but carries no credit and the grade is not calculated in the GPA. “F” grades in a P/F course and credits attempted in such courses are included.
  • Students who receive an “SP” must, in subsequent semesters (including summer), enroll in additional hours of Thesis/Dissertations or Readings and Research until the requirements are completed.
  • The “U” grade carries no credit and indicates unsatisfactory progress toward research or project completion. Students who receive a “U” must enroll for the course the following semester, including summer. The “U’ is equivalent to an “F”. The first “U” does not affect the GPA, however, all subsequent “U” grades will convert to an “F” and will be figured into the GPA.

  II.    Quality points earned in a course are based on the final grade in the course.
  
  

  Final Grade	Meaning	Quality Points
  A	Clear Excellence	4.0
  A-		3.7
  B+		3.3
  B	Satisfactory Performance	3.0
  B-		2.7
  C+		2.3
  C	Minimum Passing Grade	2.0
  F	Failed	0.0
  S	Satisfactory	0.0
  SP	Satisfactory Progress	0.0
  P	Pass	0.0
  U	Unsatisfactory	0.0
  W	Withdrawal	0.0
  WF	Withdrawal Failing	0.0
  AU	Audit	0.0
  I	Incomplete	0.0
  NR	Not Reported	0.0

   

   

  III.  The GPA is used to determine

  • probation
  • financial aid eligibility
  • graduation
  • NCAA eligibility

   

• Authority

   N/A
• Definitions

   
• Policy History

  Effective Date: 6/28/18

  Revision Date: 2/5/20

• Procedures

  The grade point average (GPA) equals the total of all quality points earned in all courses attempted, divided by the total number of credits attempted.

  The grade point average (GPA) is computed as follows:

  • Quality Points earned in a course x course credits = Quality Points for course
  • Sum of quality points for all graded courses = Total Quality Points
  • Total quality points divided by all credits attempted = GPA

  Example:

  Course		Grade	Credits		Quality  Points		Quality Points for Course
  	1	B	3	x	3	=	9
  	2	A	4	x	4	=	16
  	3	C	3	x	2	=	6
  	4	C	3	x	2	=	6
  	5	A	3	x	4	=	12
  Total			16				49

   

                  49 Quality Points divided by 16 credits = GPA of 3.06

• Procedure History

   Effective Date: 6/28/18

  Revision Date:

   
• Related Form(s)