2023 - 2024 Catalog
Grades and Grade Point Average

Grading is based on the quality of a student's work in relation to the criteria set by faculty for the given course. Final performance grades shall be reported for each student for every course undertaken according to the following grading system, unless an alternative grading system is required to comply with state or national accrediting agency or licensure requirements.

*Performance Grades

Grade points earned for each course are determined by multiplying the number of points for each grade by the number of credit hours the course carries. For example, if you take a three-hour course and earn an "A" you will accumulate 12 grade points for that course. Your grade point average is then computed by adding the total grade points for all courses and dividing by the number of credit hours attempted during the same period. For example, if you take the following courses, and earn the following grades, you will have a grade point average of 2.93:

GPA(1)

Your transcript and grade reports will indicate two different Grade Point Averages, called GPAs.

• GPA(1) is based upon all courses completed through Dallas College in which you received a performance grade of A-F.
• GPA(1) is used to determine Suspension/Probation status and athletic participation eligibility.

GPA(2)

• GPA(2) is based upon grade points earned in all college-level courses taken at Dallas College in which you received a performance grade of A-F.
• Courses numbered below 1000, ARTS 1170, DIRS 9170, 9270, 9370, DRAM 1121, MUSI 9176 and 9378 are not used in the calculation of GPA(2).
• GPA(2) is used to determine, honor rolls and eligibility in Who's Who in American Junior Colleges.
• GPA(2) is also the GPA that may be considered by four-year institutions if you transfer.

Graduation

GPA is used to determine eligibility for graduation and is based on all college-level course work including credits transferable to Dallas College.

Repeated Courses

For repeated courses, only the latest grade earned is included in cumulative grade point averages even if the latest grade is lower than a preceding grade. However, transcripts do indicate all work attempted and completed at Dallas College. When you withdraw from a course being repeated, the cumulative grade point average is calculated by using the immediately preceding grade in the same course.

If You Question How Your Grade was Determined

If you believe an error has been made in determining a course grade, you should contact the instructor or appropriate division office as soon as possible. For more information, see Grade Dispute Resolution in the section on College Policies and Procedures.

Incomplete Grade

An incomplete grade of "I" may be given when an unforeseen emergency prevents you from completing the work in a course. The "I" must be converted to a performance grade (A-F) within 90 days after the first day of classes in the subsequent regular semester. If the work is not completed after 90 days, the "I" is converted to a performance grade, usually an "F".

An Incomplete Contract is used to assign an incomplete grade and states the requirements for the satisfactory completion of the course. The Incomplete Contract must be agreed upon and signed by the instructor, you and the appropriate division dean and submitted with the final grade report. When an Incomplete Contract must be submitted without your signature, the instructor must include a statement indicating that you are aware of and agree with the contract.

A "WX" Grade

If you do not complete course requirements, you may receive a "WX" grade when the instructor determines that reasonable progress has been made and when you can re-enroll for course completion prior to the certification date in the next regular semester. If you do not complete the course requirements, the "WX" is converted to a performance grade.

A "E" Grade

An "E" grade may be given when an instructor wishes to indicate that you have made progress in a developmental studies course. An "E" grade is non-punitive and is not computed. The "E" grade provides more flexibility for re-enrollment, particularly for students who do not achieve a C-level grade in a course. An "E" grade indicates that you participated in a course according to TSI guidelines, but were unable to do C-level or passing work that would qualify you to enroll in transfer-level courses. The "E" grade indicates below college skill level work, but shows that you participated in and attended the class and attempted to do the work in the course.

Students on Federal Financial Aid should check with the Financial Aid Office concerning "E" grade(s) and any impact they have on benefits.