At mid-semester and at the end of the semester, grade reports are available on-line through NOVASIS. However, only the grade report at the end of the semester is part of the student’s permanent record. Any inaccuracy in this record must be reported to the Office of the Registrar within two weeks of its receipt; otherwise, the grade will stand as it is.

A. Grade Definitions and Values

B. Grade Point Average (GPA)

In addition to passing all required courses, a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 is necessary for graduation. For science students, a Technical GPA of at least 2.0 is also required. For Arts students, some majors may also require a minimum grade point average for all courses that are used to meet the major requirements. Grades for all courses taken at Villanova University (expect S/U grades and WXs) are calculated in the GPA. If a course is repeated, then both grades are included in the computation. If a transfer course is accepted to fulfill a requirement for a failed Villanova University course, then the failed Villanova course is still included in the GPA computation. The grade point average is determined by taking the number of credits for each course times the quality points earned and dividing the total quality points by the total credit hours attempted.

C. Example of GPA Calculation

GPA= Total Attempted Credits x Total Quality Points
 

Total Attempted Credits: 15
Total Earned Credits: 12
Total Quality Points: 27

GPA = 15 X 27 = 1.80
 

D. S/U Grades: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Option

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors may take one elective course a semester on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. The "S" grade is the equivalent of a grade "C" or better. The satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade will be shown on the transcript but will not be reflected in the quality-point average. Failures in the satisfactory/unsatisfactory option need not be repeated.

The satisfactory/unsatisfactory option may not be used for courses that fulfill core, major, or minor requirements, but individual departments may offer the major seminar on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. A student must declare election of the satisfactory/unsatisfactory option by the end of the drop/add period by using the paper form available in the Dean’s Office, in the Advising Office, and in the Office of the Registrar. Only one course a semester may be taken S/U.

E. Auditing a Course (AU)

Courses may be audited only with the instructor’s consent by obtaining his or her signature on the proper form available in the Dean’s Office, in the Advising Office, and in the Registrar’s Office, Tolentine Hall Room 202, before the end of the drop/add period (the first week of class). The student must attend all classes and labs and participate in class in the manner expected of all students. Failure to comply may result in an authorized withdrawal (WX) from the course at the instructor’s discretion. A student auditing a course will not be responsible for assignments or examinations, and no academic credit is earned for auditing a course. However, audited courses are noted on the student’s official record by AU. A course taken for audit is counted as a course for course overload purposes.

F. Incomplete Grades, N and NG

All grades are permanent, except N and NG, which are temporary grades used to indicate that a student’s work in a course has not been completed. An N or NG grade must be removed and a grade substituted according to the following schedule, or it automatically becomes an NF and is computed into the GPA as an F.

For the Fall Semester: Students must submit all work to the instructor by the last Friday in January; grade changes must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the second Friday in February.

For the Spring Semester: Students must submit all work to the instructor by the last Friday in June; grade changes must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the second Friday in July. Students should check the academic calendar for actual dates.

A student may also receive an N for missing a final examination if the student reports a serious medical reason (or other reason certified by the Dean as acceptable) within 48 hours of the time of the examination. Otherwise, an F grade must be reported. The student may report the reason for absence to the instructor, the department chair, or the Dean. The University policy is may be found at http://catalog.villanova.edu/policies/index.html.

G. WX Grade

The grade WX indicates an authorized withdrawal; the grade is not considered in the calculation of the grade-point average. The last day for Authorized Withdrawal Without Academic Penalty (WX grade) is published on the official University calendar and usually occurs after mid-term grades have been submitted and during the academic advising and course selection period for the upcoming semester. Authorization for such withdrawal may be given only by the Dean of the College.

H. F Grade

Required courses carrying a final grade of F must be repeated unless the student transfers to another college of the University where the course for which the F grade was received is not a requirement for the degree. The reasons for student deficiencies are reported by the faculty member at mid-semester and at the end of the semester to the Dean of the student’s college.

I. W and Y Grades

Withdrawal after the official deadline is indicated by a W grade, withdrawal with academic penalty. The grade is calculated as an F in determining the grade-point average.

The grade Y is given when a student unofficially withdraws from a course (usually stops attending class). It is reflected in the grade point average (GPA) as an F. If a course is repeated, then the grades in both courses will be included in the GPA calculation.

J. Grade Reports

Grade reports are computed at the middle and end of each semester. These reports are available to students online through their Novasis account. Mid-term grades are not a part of a student’s permanent record. Students are directed to http://catalog.villanova.edu/ for a complete description of the University Grading System.

K. Class Rank

A student’s rank in class is determined by the cumulative quality-point average, which is computed at the end of the summer following a student’s junior year. Only credits earned through Villanova University or in formally approved inter-institutional programs will be considered in determining the cumulative quality-point average. Credits and grades earned in the summer at other colleges are not counted in the quality point average.