Grading System

Saint Joseph Seminary College uses a 10-point grading system. The grades A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, and C- are given for satisfactory work. The grades of A (100-94) and A- (93-90) are given for work of excellent quality. The grades of B+ (89-88), B (87-84), and B- (83-80) are given for work of good quality. The grades of C+ (79-78), C (77-74), and C- (73-70) are given for work of average quality acceptable for graduation. The grades of D+ (69-68), D (67-64), and D- (63-60) are passing but unsatisfactory. The grade of F (below 60) is given for work failed.

After the latest date for dropping courses each semester, as indicated in the academic calendar, a student who officially drops a course while passing receives the grade of WP (Withdrawn Passing); a student who officially drops a course while failing receives the grade of WF (Withdrawn Failing). A student who fails a course due to excessive absences receives the grade of FA (Failure Due to Absence). A student who must withdraw from courses due to documented medical reasons will receive the grade of WM (Withdrawn Medical).

Some courses may award grades of P (Passing) or F (Failure).

The grades of P, WP, and WM are not used in the computation of the grade point average. The grades F, WF, and FA are used in the computation of the semester and cumulative grade point averages.

The grade of I (Incomplete) is given when the student's completed work in a course is of passing quality and the student has satisfactorily completed substantially all course requirements, but due to circumstances beyond the student's control, an exam or other course requirement is missing. A student must submit a request in writing no later than the last day of the semester for the Academic Dean’s approval in order to receive a grade of I. If a grade of I is issued, the missing work must be submitted no more than four weeks after the end of the term unless extended by the Academic Dean. I grades are removed only by completion and submission of the missing work, not by repeating the course. The I grade is computed as an F until changed to a final grade. If the missing work is not submitted by the deadline, it is assigned the grade of zero. The final course grade is assigned by the professor based on all graded assignments.

Quality Points and Academic Honors

The quality of work is indicated by quality points. A grade of A carries four quality points per credit hour; a grade of B carries three quality points per credit hour; a grade of C carries two quality points per credit hour; a grade of D carries one quality point per credit hour; and a grade of F zero quality points. The semester grade point average is computed by dividing the total number of quality points by the total number of hours attempted in a given semester. Grades of those courses for which credit hours are earned, along with F, WF, and FA grades, are included in the computation of the semester and cumulative grade point averages.

Graduation Honors

Students with a cumulative average of 3.5 to 3.69 graduate cum laude.

Students with a cumulative average of 3.7 to 3.89 graduate magna cum laude

Students with a cumulative average of 3.9 to 4.0 graduate summa cum laude

Dean's List

Each semester, full-time students whose semester GPA is 3.5 or above, and who do not have a D or F that semester, are placed on the Dean's List.

Attendance and Withdrawal

Full-time resident students (seminarians) should refer to the attendance policy in the Seminarian Handbook presented during orientation. All students should refer to course syllabi for specific course attendance policies. Withdrawal from courses is by formal application to the Academic Office and must be made by the deadline stated on the academic calendar each semester. Failure to attend classes does not constitute withdrawal and may result in the grade of FA (Failure Due to Absence). Withdrawal from or failure to attend classes may negatively impact a student’s financial aid eligibility status. Students should consult with the Director of Financial Aid prior to withdrawing from classes.

Academic Probation and Suspension

The maintenance of a C average, i.e. a grade point average of 2.0, is necessary for obtaining an academic degree from Saint Joseph Seminary College. Returning students whose semester average is below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation for the following semester. New students whose semester average is below 1.75 will be placed on academic probation for the following semester. Students on probation may be required to carry a limited course load. Probationary status will be extended beyond one semester only if progress is being made toward the attainment of the required grade point average, normally by achieving at least a 2.0 semester GPA. Failure to remedy the deficiency may result in the Academic Affairs Committee recommending the student's suspension for a semester, at the end of which the student may apply for readmission to Saint Joseph Seminary College and be readmitted on academic probation. Students may appeal the decision to the President-Rector. Probation and suspension are noted on the student's transcript. Students attempting 6-11 semester hours will be subject to the same probation or suspension rules as listed above.