Grades and Grading Schemes |
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Except for courses taken under the pass/fail option, courses in the undergraduate Faculties represented in this publication are graded according to the following scale. The grade point values are used to compute averages. For information regarding the pass/fail option regulations, refer to the grading information available in your Faculty’s section of the Undergraduate Calendar.
Note: only courses taken at York University are included in the grade point averages. The percentages indicated are not part of the official grading scheme and are meant only to be used as guidelines. The letter-grade system is the fundamental system of assessment of performance in undergraduate programs at York University.
| Grade | Grade Point | Per Cent Range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 9 | 90-100 | Exceptional |
| A | 8 | 80-89 | Excellent |
| B+ | 7 | 75-79 | Very Good |
| B | 6 | 70-74 | Good |
| C+ | 5 | 65-69 | Competent |
| C | 4 | 60-64 | Fairly Competent |
| D+ | 3 | 55-59 | Passing |
| D | 2 | 50-54 | Marginally Passing |
| E | 1 | (marginally below 50%) | Marginally Failing |
| F | 0 | (below 50%) | Failing |
Note: all of the above-noted grades are used to calculate averages and credits.
Definitions of Grading Descriptions
A+ Exceptional. Thorough knowledge of concepts and/or techniques and exceptional skill or great originality in the use of those concepts/techniques in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course.
A Excellent. Thorough knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with a high degree of skill and/or some elements of originality in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course.
B+ Very Good. Thorough knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with a fairly high degree of skill in the use of those concepts/techniques in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course.
B Good. Good level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with considerable skill in using them to satisfy the requirements of an assignment or course.
C+ Competent. Acceptable level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with considerable skill in using them to satisfy the requirements of an assignment or course.
C Fairly Competent. Acceptable level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with some skill in using them to satisfy the requirements of an assignment or course.
D+ Passing. Slightly better than minimal knowledge of required concepts and/or techniques together with some ability to use them in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course.
D Barely Passing. Minimum knowledge of concepts and/or techniques needed to satisfy the requirements of an assignment or course.
E Marginally Failing.
F Failing.
Calculation of Averages
Two types of averages are calculated and reported to students: sessional and cumulative. All averages calculated for purposes such as determining eligibility to proceed and graduate are credit-weighted.
Sessional grade point average: This average reflects a student’s grades for a particular academic session (e.g. Fall/Winter 2012-2013 Session).
Cumulative grade point average: This average reflects a student’s grades over the entire undergraduate career in a student’s particular degree program.
Definitions of Pass and Fail
Passed courses
A passed course is one in which the student has achieved a grade of D or better.
Failed courses
There are two failing grades on the Undergraduate Grading Scheme: E (marginal failure) and F (failure).
Grades Release Dates (Grade Reports and Transcripts)
Grades submitted by an instructor are subject to review by the teaching unit in which the course is offered and by the Faculty Council or Faculty Committee on Academic Policy and Planning. Final course grades may be adjusted to conform to program or Faculty grades distribution profiles. Normally, grades appear on grade reports and transcripts as soon as they are submitted to the Registrar’s Office.