Grading Policies

The university uses a four-point scale to calculate a grade point average (GPA). Grade point values are assigned as follows:

Grade	Indication	Points per Unit
A+	Outstanding	4.0
A	Outstanding	4.0
A-	Outstanding	3.7
B+	Good	3.3
B	Good	3.0
B-	Good	2.7
C+	Fair	2.3
C	Fair	2.0
C-	Fair	1.7
D+	Poor	1.3
D	Poor	1.0
D-	Poor	0.7
F	Failure	0.0

The following symbols have no grade point value and are not used in the calculation of the GPA: "AU" (Audit); "I" (Incomplete); "CR" (Credit); "NC" (No Credit); "W" (Withdrawal).

The A+ grade is granted as strictly an honory distinction. 4.0 is the highest amount of points a student can earn.

The GPA is calculated by dividing the total grade points earned by the total units completed. For example:

Course	Grade	Units	Grade Points
MGT 342	A-	3.0	11.1
FI 302	B+	3.0	9.9
MKT 399	A	1.0	4.0
TOTAL		7.0	25.0	GPA = 3.57

Only GGU courses are used to compute the GPA, not courses transferred in from other schools.

The GPA is calculated by academic level: undergraduate, graduate or doctoral. Each course is assigned one and only one academic level. A course's academic level may be different from its course level. For instance, MATH 30 has an undergraduate course level. If taken as part of an undergraduate program, it has an undergraduate academic level; if taken as part of a graduate program, however, it has a graduate academic level.

The GPA calculation will include all courses taken at the academic level, regardless of whether those courses apply toward the degree or certificate program requirements. GGU does not issue "program GPA's".

The GPA calculation freezes at the term a degree has been posted. Courses taken after the degree posting will not be included in the degree's GPA, even if they are at the same academic level. For instance, undergraduate courses taken after earning a bachelor's degree will not be retroactively included within that degree's GPA.

All instructors are required to submit grades two weeks after the end of the term. The Office of Records and Registration notifies the schools of which instructors have yet to submit grades by this deadline, and continues to do so until all grades are entered.

If you do not see your grades on GGU4YOU after this deadline, please contact the school or regional site in which the course was held:

Contact	Phone Number	E-mail Address
Ageno School of Business	415-442-6500	biz@ggu.edu
School of Accounting	415-442-7828	jowong@ggu.edu
School of Taxation	415-442-7880	tax@ggu.edu
Division of Undergraduate Programs	415-442-6565	rgowen@ggu.edu
Los Angeles	213-626-6000	ebelasco@ggu.edu
Monterey Bay	831-884-0900	monterey@ggu.edu
Sacramento	916-648-1446	sac@ggu.edu
San Jose	408-573-7300	sanjose@ggu.edu
Seattle	206-622-9996	jmorgan@ggu.edu
Walnut Creek	925-945-7132	walnutcreek@ggu.edu

You may request an instructor assign an "I" (Incomplete) grade provided:

• You are making satisfactory course progress as evidenced by a passing grade.
• You have completed the majority of the academic course work.
• You are unable to complete the remaining course material because of unforeseen - but fully justifiable - circumstances.

Course work must be completed and the grade received by the Office of Records and Registration by the deadline date established by the instructor but not later than the following:

• Fall classes -- May 27.
• Spring classes -- August 22.
• Summer classes -- December 22.

If the course work is not completed by the designated deadline, the "I" grade change automatically to "W" (Withdrawal).

Units for courses graded as "I" do not count toward calculating full-time unit load for international students with a student or scholar visa.

If you wish to stop attending a class, but the drop deadline has past, you may request your instructor assign you a "W" (Withdrawal) grade. This will have no effect on your GPA. The instructor has the right to decline this request. If you take the class again, you will be required to register and pay the full tuition.

If you are a financial aid recipient, be aware that "W" grades affect your Satisfactory Academic Progress evaluation per regulations established by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). A course with a "W" grade cannot be counted towards your program completion rate. The completion rate to remain compliant with the policy is six trimester units for undergraduates and four trimester units for graduates. If you do not satisfy this rate, you will be put on financial aid probation and may be denied further financial aid at Golden Gate University. For more information, please refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy .

You may retake courses, and the original and subsequent grade(s) will appear on the academic record. Only the most recent class will be counted toward fulfilling graduation requirements, and only its grade will be calculated into the grade point average. This option is not available to students in the process of satisfying the terms of conditional admission; for them, the first grade earned will be used in determining admission criteria.

There is no discount in tuition or fees for repeated courses. Repeated courses cannot be used in determining enrollment status for financial aid eligibility.

A "Dean's List" notation is placed on undergraduate students' academic records each time they achieve a 3.50 grade point average or higher in at least six units within one reporting term. Only courses completed at Golden Gate University are considered in this criteria. These students also receive a hard copy Certificate of Accomplishment.

Complete information on the policies and procedures for contesting a grade can be found here.