Traditional Academic Catalog 2023-2024 > Academic Regulations and Procedures > Grades

Grades

Students view their grades on the University's web portal at my.mvnu.edu.

System of Grading

The University uses the following letter grade system. Faculty have the option of adding +/- to letter grades.

Computation of Grade Point Average

The number of grade points earned in a course is obtained by multiplying the number of semester hours for the course by the number of grade points per credit hour for the grade received in the course. The cumulative GPA is computed by dividing the total number of grade points received by the total number of semester hours in courses in which grades have been received.

Note: For additional information about grades that are earned in courses that are taken elsewhere and transferred back to MVNU, see Transfer Student Admission Procedures elsewhere in this Catalog.

Incomplete Grades

I = Not computed: Incomplete work necessitated by extenuating circumstances (e.g., serious illness or other emergency).

When necessary, the instructor may administer a grade of incomplete (I) for the mid-semester in fall or spring. This must first be approved via email by the registrar. As a final grade, an incomplete grade (I) may be administered only if permission is granted by the school dean. To accomplish this, the student and the instructor must submit a written request for an incomplete grade (I) prior to the final examination period for that particular term to the school dean. If permission is granted, the final grade must be submitted to the registrar within 30 calendar days of the last date of the term. If not, the final grade will automatically be changed to F, and the student will not receive credit for the course. Alternatively, when permission for an "I" grade is given, the instructor may, at their discretion, specify a final grade other than "F" that the student should receive if the completion deadline is not met.

The student and instructor may petition in writing for extended time to the associate vice president for academic administration. If the petition is granted, the deadline for the final grade submission will be set and communicated to the student, instructor, and registrar in writing. MVNU email is an approved means for all communication.

Note: A grade of Incomplete (I) may not be appropriate for certain courses, particularly those for which student attendance is necessary. Examples include (but are not limited to) internships, clinicals, directed studies, and independent studies. Whether the course is suitable for a grade of Incomplete (I) is solely within the instructor's discretion. If the instructor decides that the course is not suitable, then the Withdrawal policy will be in effect.

Grade Policy for Travel Courses

Courses with travel components may include trips that take place outside of the standard fall or spring semester dates. In these instances, the following policies are in effect.

• Fall Semester:
  • Travel components of fall semester courses need to be completed prior to the spring semester start date.
  • Incomplete (I) grades must be submitted by the regular grades due date for fall term.
  • Final grades for fall must be submitted to the registrar prior to the spring semester start date.
• Spring Semester:
  •  Travel components of spring semester courses need to be completed on or before July 31.
  • Incomplete (I) grades must be submitted by the regular grades due date for spring term.
  • Final grades for spring must be submitted to the registrar on or before July 31.

Grade Appeals

1. When a student has a question about a course grade, they must first seek resolution with the course instructor.
2. If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached, the student may request that the matter be reviewed by the department chair no later than 30 calendar days from the issuance of the grade. To accomplish this, the student must submit an appeal, along with all required supporting documentation, including a course syllabus (or equivalent) and the assignments in question. The chair reserves the right to question any individual and/or obtain additional information from any other source. If the student files the request outside the 30-calendar day period, they forfeit any further right to appeal. The chair’s review is limited to whether the student was treated fairly and stated protocols were followed. The chair will either uphold or deny the appeal. If the appeal is upheld, the chair may impose conditions. The chair will notify the student of the decision in writing within 10 business days of receipt of the appeal.
3. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the department chair, they may request that the matter be reviewed by the school dean. To accomplish this, the student must inform the chair via e-mail within 10 business days of the chair’s decision. If the student files the request outside this period, they forfeit any right to proceed. The chair will send the appeal file to the dean; thus, the student may not include additional information. The dean reserves the right to question any individual and/or obtain additional information from any other source. The dean’s review is limited to whether the student was treated fairly and stated protocols were followed. The dean will either uphold or deny the appeal. If the appeal is upheld, the dean may impose conditions. The dean will notify the student of the decision in writing within 10 business days of receipt of the appeal.
4. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the school dean, they may request that the matter be reviewed by the associate vice president for academic administration (AVPAA). To accomplish this, the student must inform the dean in writing of their intent to file an appeal within 10 business days of the dean’s decision. If the student files the request outside this period, they forfeit any right to proceed. The dean will send the appeal file to the AVPAA (or designee); thus, the student may not include additional information. The review will be limited to whether the student was treated fairly and that stated protocols were followed. The appeal will either be upheld or denied. If the appeal is upheld, conditions may be imposed. The student will be notified of the decision in writing within 10 business days. The decision is final and non-appealable.

At no point in the process is legal counsel or representation permitted.