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Grade notation and policies
Undergraduate Grading System
Advisors and counselors are available to assist ministry-bound students seeking guidance for career opportunities after graduation. While Hesed University provides resources and information, the institution is not obligated to offer job placement services. Students are encouraged to contact the director of their academic programs for further information or support.
Percentage Equivalent |
Grade |
Interpretation |
Grade Points |
100-93 |
A |
Excellent |
4.0 |
92-90 |
A- |
3.7 |
|
89-88 |
B+ |
3.3 |
|
87-83 |
B |
Good |
3.0 |
82-80 |
B- |
2.7 |
|
79-78 |
C+ |
2.3 |
|
77-73 |
C |
Satisfactory |
2.0 |
72-70 |
C- |
1.7 |
|
69-68 |
D+ |
1.3 |
|
67-63 |
D |
Passing |
1.0 |
62-60 |
D- |
Minimum Passing |
0.7 |
Below 60 |
F |
Failure |
0 |
Other Grade Marks Used:
Grade | Interpretation | Grade | Interpretation | Grade | Interpretation |
I | Incomplete | NF | Non-Attendance Failure | AU | Audit |
IP | In Progress | P | Pass (D- or better) | R | Retake |
W | Withdrawal | NP | Non-Pass / No Credit |
In Progress Grade (IP)
The grade of “IP” (In Progress) is used for ongoing courses, reflecting that the course is still in progress as of the academic term’s end. Once the course is completed, the grade will be updated to a final letter grade or other status notations based on the course’s completion.Incomplete Grade (I)
The grade of “I” (Incomplete) is given when a student is unable to complete the course requirements by the end of the term, under acceptable circumstances. The instructor will determine whether the reasons for the incomplete grade are acceptable. If the “I” grade is not resolved within ten weeks after the end of the term, it will automatically become the current grade in the course.Withdrawal Grade (W)
A grade of “W” (Withdrawal) is given when a student officially withdraws from a course by following the proper procedures and deadlines. The “W” does not carry any credit and is not included in the GPA calculation.-
Note: Due to the online format, students are required to follow the same process for withdrawal but should also ensure they notify the university regarding any changes in their course load.
Non-Attendance Failure Grade (NF)
The grade of “NF” (Non-Attendance Failure) is assigned when a student stops attending the class or misses excessive sessions in an online course. This grade will be calculated into the GPA like an “F”. It cannot be changed once recorded, and no other grades can be changed to an “NF”.Audit Grade (AU)
An “AU” (Audit) grade is given when a student attends a course without earning credit. The “AU” grade has no credit value and is not included in the GPA calculation. In online courses, students auditing must attend all real-time lectures and engage with course materials.Retake Grade (R)
When a student retakes a course for grade improvement, the previous course grade is marked with an “R” (Retake) next to it on the transcript. Only the grade from the retaken course is included in the GPA calculation, but the previous course will still appear in the academic record.-
Courses that are retaken for credit are not marked with “(R)” and will count toward the student’s cGPA and graduation requirements.
Grade Appeal
Students who wish to appeal a grade should follow the procedure outlined below. It is important to begin this process promptly, as appeals must adhere to specific timeframes.
1. Consultation with the Faculty Member
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Before the end of the quarter following the course in which the contested grade was issued, the student must request that the faculty member reconsider the awarded grade.
2. Appeal to the College Dean/Director
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If the student is dissatisfied with the faculty member’s decision, they may submit a written appeal to the College Dean/Director within 10 days of the faculty member’s decision.
3. Appeal to the Academic Dean
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If the outcome from the College Dean/Director is unsatisfactory, the student may submit a written appeal to the Academic Dean within 10 days of receiving the decision.
4. Student Responsibility
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Throughout the appeals process, the student is required to monitor their email daily to ensure timely communication and response.
Class Work
Students who wish to appeal a grade should follow the procedure outlined below. It is important to begin this process promptly, as appeals must adhere to specific timeframes.
1. Submission Deadlines
All class work must be submitted by the deadline set by the professor.
2. Late Work Policy
Assignments will not be accepted if they are more than two weeks overdue, except under exceptional circumstances approved by the professor.
3. Grade Reduction for Late Work
Late submissions will incur grade reductions for each day they are overdue unless otherwise specified by the professor.
4. Grading Timeline
Professors are expected to complete grading within 10 days after the submission of assignments.
Academic Good Standing
Undergraduate and graduate students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale to remain in Academic Good Standing.
Academic Disciplinary Status Overview
To support students in achieving academic success, Hesed University enforces academic disciplinary policies. These policies encourage students to make necessary adjustments in their academic and personal lives. Students failing to maintain Academic Good Standing are subject to increasing levels of oversight and are required to consult regularly with academic advisors.
Disciplinary Policy for Undergraduate Students
The disciplinary policy includes a structured progression of interventions, providing students multiple opportunities to improve their academic performance before potential dismissal.
Disciplinary Status Levels
Academic Warning
Academic Probation
Academic Suspension
Academic Dismissal
Transcript Notation
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Academic Warning is not recorded on the student’s academic transcript.
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All other disciplinary statuses, including Academic Probation, Suspension, and Dismissal, will be indicated on the student’s official academic record.
(Hesed Academic Standing for Undergraduate Students : 2.0 GPA Standard, 12 Credit Thresholds)
1. Academic Warning
If an undergraduate student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, the student is placed on Academic Warning.
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Objective: To assist students in achieving Academic Good Standing and meeting graduation requirements.
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Satisfactory Progress Policy: A student on Academic Warning is required to meet the following Satisfactory Progress Policy requirements for the term
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Earn a minimum term GPA of 2.2.
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No withdrawal or incomplete requests allowed.
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Meet with the academic advisor before registration.
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Retake all failed Major and University Core Courses from the previous term.
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Register for no more than 12 credit hours.
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Maintain satisfactory progress toward graduation.
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Continuation: Students meeting the Satisfactory Progress Policy but failing to achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 remain on Academic Warning.
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Restoration: Students regain Academic Good Standing when their cumulative GPA reaches 2.0.
2. Academic Probation
Students failing to meet the Satisfactory Progress Policy while on Academic Warning are placed on Academic Probation.
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Must adhere to the same Satisfactory Progress Policy requirements.
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Students leaving Hesed on Academic Probation are readmitted with the same status, with performance at other institutions considered in the readmission decision.
3. Academic Suspension
Failure to meet the Satisfactory Progress Policy while on Academic Probation results in Academic Suspension.
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Restrictions:
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Students may not enroll, audit, or visit classes.
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Pre-registered classes are dropped automatically.
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Transcript Notation: “Academic Suspension” is recorded for the affected term.
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Length:
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First Suspension: One regular term and any summer term.
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Second Suspension: Final dismissal without possible readmission.
4. Readmission
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Students on First Suspension may petition their College Dean for readmission.
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Readmitted students return on Academic Probation and may face additional probationary conditions tailored to their circumstances.
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Students on Second Suspension are permanently dismissed without the possibility of readmission.
5. Appeals
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Appeals must be filed within 10 working days of receiving written notice of suspension or dismissal.
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Appeals are reviewed by the College Dean, whose decision is final.
Academic Progress Policy at Hesed University
Midterm Monitoring
To ensure early identification of academic challenges, faculty members evaluate the academic performance of students mid-quarter.
Faculty Responsibility: Faculty are requested to provide comments on students’ performance, particularly noting:
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Unsatisfactory grades or inconsistent academic work.
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Poor or erratic attendance.
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Behavioral changes, including inattentiveness, agitation, or inappropriate actions.
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Changes in attitude or appearance.
Purpose: Faculty observations are essential for:
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Assisting academic advisors in monitoring student progress.
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Providing timely support and resources to students experiencing challenges.
Academic Review
At the conclusion of each quarter, the Academic Division Committee reviews the records of students with term or cumulative GPAs below 2.0.
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Committee Composition: Includes faculty members and academic staff.
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Review Outcomes: Based on the evaluation, the committee may assign students one of the following standings:
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Academic Warning.
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Academic Probation.
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Academic Suspension.
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Academic Dismissal.
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Notification Process:
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Students are notified of their academic standing via email.
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However, students are responsible for tracking their academic records independently.
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Failure to receive notification does not nullify standing decisions.
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Important Notes:
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Students are encouraged to proactively seek assistance from university resources.
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Exercising the repeated course option does not alter prior academic standing actions.
Statement of Academic Rigor
Academic rigor is essential to fostering lifelong learning and is integral to Hesed University’s mission. It represents a commitment to cultivating a learning environment that challenges students to achieve high levels of intellectual and ethical excellence.
Academic Rigor for Faculty
Faculty at Hesed University play a key role in fostering an intellectually challenging and supportive educational environment. Faculty are expected to:
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Clearly communicate course expectations and outline them in the syllabus while adhering to the approved curriculum.
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Be prepared to deliver online lessons effectively and provide timely, constructive feedback on assignments.
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Many of the support functions can be facilitated through the Populi online classroom system, ensuring accessibility for students outside the virtual classroom for questions and support.
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Design assignments that are meaningful, relevant, and challenging.
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Create inclusive learning opportunities tailored to students’ diverse abilities and talents.
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Actively discourage academic dishonesty, address plagiarism, and promote integrity.
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Continuously evaluate and improve their teaching methods and course content.
Academic Rigor for Students
Students are equally responsible for upholding academic rigor, which requires perseverance, preparation, and a commitment to intellectual growth. As such, students are encouraged to:
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Set ambitious academic goals and maintain a sense of purpose in their studies.
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Engage in online classes prepared and complete assignments by the established deadlines through the Populi system or other designated platforms.
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Utilize faculty office hours and other opportunities to enhance learning.
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Show respect to peers and actively engage in the academic process.
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Manage time effectively and treat their education as a valuable investment.
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Uphold honesty and integrity in all academic pursuits.
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Collaborate responsibly when encouraged, ensuring their contributions reflect their own work.
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Take full responsibility for their academic performance and the grades they earn.
