Grading System
Aims Community College assigns the following alphabetical grades:
Grade
Symbol |
Quality of Work Indicated by Symbol |
|
Grade
Points |
| A |
Indicates that the student has demonstrated superior achievement of the course objectives. |
|
4 |
| B |
Indicates that the student has demonstrated above-average achievement of the course objectives. |
|
3 |
| C |
Indicates that the student has demonstrated acceptable achievement of the course objectives. |
|
2 |
| D |
Indicates that the student has demonstrated a below-average level of achievement in the course that does not warrant a failing grade yet represents the minimum passing grade. |
|
1 |
| F |
Indicates that the student has failed to achieve the objectives of the course. |
|
0 |
| S |
Satisfactory:
For designated courses, indicates achievement of the course objectives at a ‘C’ level or above. |
|
none |
| U |
Unsatisfactory:
For designated courses, indicates failure to achieve course objectives. |
|
none |
| AU |
Audit:
No credit is granted. Regular tuition rates apply. The audit (AU) grade does not affect the grade point average. Any course for which an AU grade is assigned: does not count toward any certificate or degree program; cannot be used to satisfy a course prerequisite; cannot be used to satisfy “in residence” requirements; and cannot be used to satisfy requirements for financial aid or veterans’ benefits. Each department will set guidelines for the approval or disapproval of a student’s auditing a course. The student must obtain instructor approval on an Audit Request Form and submit the form to the Admissions & Records office by the add/drop deadline for the course. Once approved and submitted, the final grade of AU will be assigned. The grade of AU is final and cannot be changed. The student may receive credit for a course that was originally audited only by enrolling in and satisfactorily completing another section of the course in a subsequent semester. |
|
none |
| W |
Withdrawal:
Indicates a student’s withdrawal after the point marking 15% of the course (the drop/refund deadline) and before the point marking 75% of the course. After the 75% point, students may no longer choose to withdraw from a course, and faculty will either assign the grade earned or complete an “Incomplete” agreement with the student. |
|
none |
| I |
Incomplete:
The Incomplete is an option for the instructor when a student has, for good reason, been delayed in completing the required work and has satisfactorily completed at least 75% of the course. To receive the grade of “Incomplete,” the student does not re-register for the course but instead completes an agreement with the instructor, in which the instructor specifically identifies the time frame and requirements for completing the course. The instructor then submits the completed Incomplete Agreement form to the Admission & Records Office and ensures that the student receives a copy. The student has a maximum of one term to complete the course requirements. If necessary, the instructor may extend the time limit for one additional academic term. After one year from the issuance of the “I”, an Incomplete that remains on a student’s record will be converted to the “F” grade. |
|
none |
Grade Point Average
A student’s grade point average (GPA) is computed according to the following formula:
Number of credits of ”A” multiplied by 4; plus
Number of credits of “B” multiplied by 3; plus
Number of credits of “C” multiplied by 2; plus
Number of credits of “D” multiplied by 1;
Number of credits of “F” multiplied by 0; then divided by total number of credits accumulated.
Only the credits accumulated and grade points earned in college level courses at Aims Community College are used in computation of semester and cumulative GPAs which appear on grade reports and transcripts. Courses numbered below 100 do not count for college credit or in the grade point average. Courses graded “S” count for credit, but are not used in the grade point average.
Fresh Start Policy
“Fresh Start” is an option for students who had a poor start academically and return to Aims after at least a two-year absence, counted from the end of the student’s last term at Aims.
Under the program, the student may petition to have all of his or her previous grades eliminated from the cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). The grades would remain on the transcript, but would no longer be calculated in the GPA.
The student may obtain a Fresh Start Petition in the Admissions & Records office or online.
Grade Replacement Policy
“Grade Replacement” is an option for students who may choose to repeat a limited number of courses for the purpose of replacing a poor grade with a better grade.
Under the program, both the previous and the new grades would remain on the transcript, but only the last grade received would be counted toward the GPA. The student may attempt to improve his or her overall GPA by repeating a maximum of 4 courses in which he or she had received a final grade of “D” or “F”.
The student may obtain a Grade Replacement Petition in the Admissions & Records office or online.
Academic Standards
Academic Standards Policy
Aims Community College has implemented an Academic Standards Policy to ensure that degree/certificate-seeking students maintain satisfactory academic progress. To remain in good standing, students must achieve a minimum cumulative and term grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 for all attempted credits.
Students who fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress will be placed on academic probation. Probationary students who do not show progress toward good standing the subsequent term will be placed on academic suspension.
Student who are academically suspended will need to submit a written appeal for reinstatement which will be forwarded to the Academic Standards Appeals Committee for review and decision. If an appeal is denied, students will be required to sit out, reapply for admission, and develop a reentry plan. A full explanation of the appeal process is available online at www.aims.edu/student/admissions/standards.
Financial aid and certain Aims programs may have more specific guidelines concerning course load and GPA. Students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 to receive a degree or certificate.
Honors
Full-time students who complete at least 12 credit hours of college level courses which are used to compute the GPA during a semester and who earn a GPA of 4.0 (straight A) will be listed on the President’s List. Full time students who earn a GPA of 3.5 but less than 4.0, will be on the Dean’s List. The achievement of honor status is noted on student transcripts.
Standards of Student Conduct
As members of an academic community, Aims Community College students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner. Students should at all times try to promote a sense of cooperation within the College and work to build an atmosphere conducive to the goals of higher education within the institution. Aims’ students are residents of the city, state, and country and members of the academic community and are, therefore, expected to conduct themselves as law-abiding citizens of each at all times. Admission to Aims carries special privileges and imposes special responsibilities apart from those rights and duties enjoyed by non-students.
To these ends, Aims Community College students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which is not disruptive of college functions; does not interfere with free movement of students, school personnel, or guests; and does not cause or threaten to cause injury to persons or damage to property. Aims will not tolerate menacing behavior or threats by any student toward another student or toward any College employee. The College also prohibits the use of controlled substances and alcohol while on campus or at a College-sponsored event. Aims prohibits the use of tobacco products in all buildings owned and operated by the College. Aims Community College reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and well-being of the campus community. Any interference, damage, or threat to persons or property will be deemed misconduct and will be subject to disciplinary sanctions by the College ranging from a warning to suspension or expulsion.
Aims Community College students are expected to practice academic honesty and to refrain from any form of cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the College. Breaches of academic dishonesty will be considered misconduct and may result in disciplinary action. Additionally, the College expects students to contribute to a positive learning environment in classroom situations. Students who conduct themselves contrary to the best interests of the class as a whole may be subject to disciplinary action, including being withdrawn from the course.
Policies and procedures governing College disciplinary proceedings are available in the offices of the Dean for Student Services and the Academic Deans. In situations that warrant such action, the College President may summarily suspend all persons involved in a violation of the Standards of Student Conduct, pending final dispensation of the case by the appropriate body.
Academic Initiatives
Aims Community College is committed to providing quality instruction and a learning environment that focuses on students and students’ success. To that end, Aims engages in periodic review of its academic programs and student services. Within this context, strategic and organizational planning initiatives follow:
- Monitor and respond to recent changes in requirements for education and training in the community, assure that curricular development processes are adequate and that curricular structure and content are appropriate.
- Maintain an educational environment that values diversity.
- Provide academic services that encourage student persistence and success.
- Enhance an environment that promotes lifelong learning for students, faculty, and staff.
- Expand academic programs that engage students in the world-wide community.
- Continue effective and efficient use of college resources by integrating curriculum where appropriate, sharing equipment and human services and utilizing relevant technologies in the educational process.
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