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), A- (93-90), B+ (89-88), B (87-84), and B- (83-80) are given for work of high degrees of excellence. The grades of C+ (79-78), C (77-74), and C- (73-70) indicate work of a 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indicated in the calendar, a student who officially drops a course while doing passing work receives the grade of WP (Withdrawn Passing); a student doing unsatisfactory work receives the grade of WF (Withdrawn Failing). A student who fails a course due to excessive absence 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 A student who must withdraw from courses due to documented medical reasons will receive the grade of WM (Withdrawn Medical).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 work to date in the course is of passing quality and the student has satisfactorily completed substantially all of the course requirements; but, due to circumstances beyond the student's control, an exam or other course requirement is missing. The deficiency must be met by the day of registration of the next regular semester or, in the spring, four (4) weeks after the end of the term unless extended by the Academic Dean. "I" grades are removed only by completion and submission of the course work, not by repeating the course. The "I" grade is computed as F until changed to a final grade. "I" grades that are not resolved by the deadline will be changed to a grade of F at the conclusion of registration or four weeks after the end of the spring term.

Quality Points and Academic Honors

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

Students with an average of 3.5 to 3.6 graduate cum laude.

Students with an average of 3.7 to 3.8 graduate magna cum laude

Students with an average of 3.9 to 4.0 graduate summa cum laude

Dean's List

Each semester those full-time students whose quality points average 3.5 or above are placed on the Dean's List. Students with a grade of D or F cannot be considered for the Dean's list, although they may have attained a B-plus average. Placement on the Dean's List is noted on the students grade report and permanent record.

Attendance and Withdrawal

College regulations require students to attend all classes. Withdrawal from courses is by formal application to the Academic Office; failure to attend classes does not constitute withdrawal and may make students liable to the grade of FA (Failure Due to Absence).

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. Students whose semester average is below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation for the following semester. Freshman and transfer students will not be placed on probation for their first semester unless their grade point average is below 1.75. Probationary status will be extended beyond one semester only if progress is being made toward the attainment of the required grade point average. Failure to remedy the deficiency may result in the Academic Affairs Committee's recommending the student's suspension for a semester, at the end of which he or she may reapply for admission to Saint Joseph Seminary College and be readmitted on academic probation. Students may appeal the decision to the President-Rector. The appeal process is on the college's Intranet site. Placement or retention on and removal from 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.