Grading

⁺Credits not used to compute grade point average (GPA) and not counted toward graduation.

⁺⁺Credits not used to compute GPA but counted toward graduation. "S" is a UNC assigned course grade. "CR" is non-UNC assigned course grade.

Notes

A “CR” indicates credit awarded for AP, IB, CLEP, Military, and/or for courses from other institutions assigning a grade of “CR”.

A “*” indicates basic skills, fresh-start, and grade forgiveness on a student’s records. Credits not used to compute grade point average (GPA) and not counted toward graduation.

A “**” indicates fresh-start prior to March 1993. Credits not used to compute GPA but counted toward graduation.

A “.” indicates basic skills coursework. Credits not used to compute grade point average (GPA) and not counted toward graduation.

A “NC” indicates no credit and is assigned for audited courses.

A “NG” indicates a no graded course and is only used for ISE 100/101 and NSE 100 course designations.

A “NR ” is used for theses, dissertations, and other courses that have been granted approval for “NR” grading at the graduate level. The “NR” is assigned when the coursework requires longer than a semester to complete. The “NR” will be replaced by the appropriate grade when the work is completed. Once “NR” grades have rolled to an unsatisfactory, grade changes will not be permitted. 

A “W” indicates an approved withdrawal from the course and is assigned only when the student has completed the official withdrawal processes. Credits not used to compute grade point average (GPA) and not counted toward graduation.

A “UW” indicates an unauthorized withdrawal and is assigned only when the student has never attended the class for which he/she enrolled. Credits not used to compute grade point average (GPA) and not counted toward graduation.

A "F", or "W", or "U" grade requires the submission of a last date of a student's "academic-related activity". "UW" grades are only submitted when the student never attended the class. As outlined by the U.S. Department of Education (34 C.F.R. 668.22), the submission of the "Last Date of Attendance" is necessary to ensure that any student receiving a failing grade actually attended the class and, therefore, is eligible for any federal financial aid they may have received.

As defined by the U.S. Department of Education, an "academically-related activity" includes, but is not limited to—

• Physically attending the class
• Submitting an academic assignment
• Taking an exam, and interactive tutorial, or computer-assisted instruction
• Attending a study group that is assigned by the institution
• Participating in an online discussion about academic matters
• Initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studies in the course

"Academic attendance" and "attendance at an academic-related activity" do not include activities where a student may be present, but not academically engaged, such as:

• Living in institutional housing
• Participating in the institution's meal plan
• Logging into an online class without active participation; or
• Participating in academic counseling or advisement (34 C.F.R. 668.22)(I)(7)(i)(A)

UNC is required to determine "academic attendance" or "attendance at an academically-related activity" for all students. (34 C.F.R. 668-22(I)(7)(ii). (Also see Withdrawal from the University)

Incomplete Grading:

At the discretion of the instructor, a temporary grade of Incomplete ("I") may be given if the student demonstrates that they cannot complete the requirements of the course due to extenuating circumstances beyond their control. Examples of such circumstances include, but are not limited to: serious illness of the student; accident; or death/illness in the family. Examples of circumstances that are not extenuating include, but are not limited to: a student's poor academic performance in class; a student's time management and planning; and/or a student's lack of adherence to/awareness of University policies or deadlines.

Students must have a passing grade in the course at the time that an Incomplete is requested unless the instructor determines that there are extenuating circumstances to assign an Incomplete. The grade of Incomplete may be assigned up through the last week of the course, which includes finals week.

After an Incomplete grade is given, students should NOT register for the course a second time. A grade of "I" is not used to compute grade point average (GPA) and is not counted towards graduation. Degrees will not be conferred upon students with outstanding "I" grades.

Grade change process for Incomplete grades:

• The instructor must submit to the department chair or school director, a written notice of the specific coursework to be completed before the final grade is determined as well as reasons for the Incomplete grade. A copy is kept in the school/department and one is provided to the student.
• To change an Incomplete grade, the instructor must submit the grade change request to the Office of the Registrar. Grade change requests submitted within the first six-week period of the subsequent term in which the student originally enrolled in the course must be signed by the instructor and the school director/department chair. Grade change requests submitted after the six-week period of the subsequent term in which the student originally enrolled in the course must be approved and signed by the instructor, the school director/department chair and the Dean of the College (or designee).
• If the course requirements are not completed and the grade change not received in the Office of the Registrar within one year after the term in which the "I" was assigned, the grade will be recorded on the academic record as a failing or unsatisfactory grade. Once the Incomplete grade(s) have converted to failing/unsatisfactory, a grade change(s) will not be permitted.
• For year-long independent study courses, if the course requirements are not completed and the grade change received in the Office of the Registrar after a maximum of one year from the term in which the Incomplete grade was assigned, the grade will be recorded on the academic record as a failing or unsatisfactory grade. Once the Incomplete grade(s) have converted to unsatisfactory/failing, a grade change(s) will not be permitted.

For more information, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 970-351-4UNC (4862).

Minimum Grade Requirement

Courses for which "C-", "D+", "D", "D-", "F", "U", "W", "NR", or "I" grades are awarded will not count towards a graduate degree program requirements.

Grade Forgiveness

Graduate students are not eligible for grade forgiveness.

The course syllabus contains important information regarding course requirements and the grading system utilized. It is the responsibility of the students to read the syllabus and consult the instructor if they have questions.