Grade Reporting and Grading System

Grade Reports

Grade reports can be accessed by authorized users via Banweb. A letter academic grade and a numeric work ethics grade is issued for each course in which a student was enrolled.

Grading System

Evaluation of each student’s progress, conduct, and attitude is continuous. Instructors report irregularity in attendance and progress to a Dean of Academic Affairs or Vice President for Academic Affairs whereby corrective steps may be taken to assure quality training. At the end of each semester, the achievement of each student is reported using the following system of grade assignment:

A grade of “I” (incomplete) may be issued to any student not completing all required coursework by the end of the semester, upon approval from the course instructor and program Dean. If the incomplete “I” is not removed before the midpoint of the following semester, it will be recorded as a failure “F” on the student’s official transcript. Student must see their advisor for more information as certain programs are excluded or require a quicker completion. A grade of “I” may prohibit a student from registering for specific courses for the next term due to not meeting prerequisite requirements.

A grade of “IP” (in-progress) indicates the course continues beyond the end of the semester. The final grade is reported at the end of the following semester except in special circumstances. A grade of an “IP” issued in Spring Semester for a Dual Enrollment student for a course taken at the student’s high school may continue through the end of the following Fall Semester. A grade of “IP” for a qualified emergency as determined by the college or other authority that alters the deliver of academic coursework may continue until the qualifying emergency is deemed over. A grade of “IP” may prohibit a student from taking specific courses during the next term due to not meeting prerequisite requirements. An “IP” may be issued upon approval of the program Dean. A grade of “I” that is not resolved in the above-mentioned timeframes would be recorded as an
“F”.

A grade of “W” indicates the student withdrew prior to 60% of the course(s).

A grade of “Z” is given when a student has stopped attending, failed, or withdrew during a qualifying emergency that altered the delivery of academic coursework during the emergency. The grade “Z” is only to be used for students that have been given a waiver in response to the qualifying emergency. A qualifying emergency is determined by the college with guidance from the Technical College System of Georgia, Department of Education, Accreditors and other organizations with governance over college policies and procedures. Qualifying emergency definitions may be tied to regional, state or national emergency response procedures.

Grades are based upon quality and quantity of achievement in both the classroom and the laboratory. Students failing to maintain a standard of satisfactory progress will be withdrawn from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

Academic Grade Appeal

Students receiving a final course grade that they believe is incorrect should first discuss the matter with their instructor. This appeal should be completed within the first two weeks of the semester following the term in which the grade is questioned. The instructor will determine whether a grade change is warranted. A student who is not satisfied with the instructor’s decision may request a review by a Dean of Academic Affairs within four weeks of the following term in which the grade is posted. A student who is not satisfied with the Dean’s decision may request a review by the Vice President for Academic Affairs within six weeks of the following term in which the grade is posted. The reviewer will examine the facts and any applicable documentation to determine if the grade was determined fairly according to the course syllabus and will communicate the results of this review to both the student and the instructor. The decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs is final.

Work Ethics

The Technical College System of Georgia and WGTC believe it is extremely important to identify, evaluate, and encourage good work habits as an integral part of the instructional program. Learning outcomes for this work ethic model are included in each program. By including work ethic learning outcomes, each program teaches and assesses the 10 work ethic traits. A system to evaluate “work ethics” in each credit course has been developed. Work ethics grades (3,2,1,0) are earned in each completed credit hour course and are included on the student’s permanent record and transcript. WGTC adheres to the work ethic grading policy as stated below. The list of work ethics characteristics includes:

• Attendance: Attends class; arrives/leaves on time; notifies instructor in advance of planned absences.
• Character: Displays loyalty, honesty, trustworthiness, dependability, reliability, initiative, self-discipline, and self-responsibility.
• Teamwork: Respects the rights of others; respects confidentiality; is a team worker; is cooperative; is assertive; displays a customer service attitude; seeks opportunities for continuous learning; demonstrates mannerly behavior.
• Appearance: Displays appropriate dress, grooming, hygiene, and etiquette.
• Attitude: Demonstrates a positive attitude; appears self-confident; has realistic expectations of self.
• Productivity: Follows safety practices; conserves materials; keeps work area neat and clean; follows directions and procedures; makes up assignments punctually; participates.
• Organization: Manifests skill in prioritizing and management of time and stress; demonstrates flexibility in handling change.
• Communication: Displays appropriate nonverbal (eye contact, body language) and oral (listening, telephone etiquette, grammar) skills.
• Cooperation: Displays leadership skills; appropriately handles criticism, conflicts, and complaints; demonstrates problem-solving capability; maintains appropriate relationships with supervisors and peers; follows chain of command.
• Respect: Deals appropriately with cultural/racial diversity; does not engage in harassment of any kind.

Work Ethics Rating Scale:
3 = Exceeds Expectations
2 = Acceptable
1 = Needs Improvement
0 = Unacceptable

Grade Point Average

Semester Grade Point Average

The Semester Grade Point Average (SGPA) is the average calculated on all credit courses taken each semester at the institution.

Cumulative Grade Point Average

The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is a reflection of the total credit instructional activity attempted by the student. The CGPA is not affected by program of study, changes in program, or student classification. It is inclusive of all attempts at all credit courses taken at the institution. CGPA is recalculated after each semester to include the currently completed semester’s grade(s).

Graduation Grade Point Average

The Graduation Grade Point Average (GGPA) used for graduation is calculated only on those courses required in the student’s course of study from which he or she is graduating.

Calculating Grade Point Average

The formula for calculating grade point average is:
The Sum of Quality Points Earned divided by the Number of Credit Hours Attempted.
Quality Points Earned equals the credit hour value of a course times the value of the grade received.
Students will be awarded quality points for each credit course grade according to the following scale:

A = 4 Quality Points
B = 3 Quality Points
C = 2 Quality Points
D = 1 Quality Point
F = 0 Quality Points

The quality points awarded are then multiplied by the credits for that course to get the quality points earned for the course. Quality points earned for all courses are then added together and divided by the total credits for the semester to obtain the semester grade point average (GPA).

Courses receiving grades “I, IP, W, TR, AC, AU, Z, or EX” are not included in the GPA calculation.

Example:

Grade Quality Points x Credits = Quality Points Earned

A 4 x 5 =20

B 3 x 10 =30

c 2 x 5 =10

Total Credits 20

Total Quality Points Earned 60

Grade Point Average = 60/20 = 3.0

Academic Progress and Standing

Students attending Wiregrass Georgia Technical College are expected to meet certain academic standards. These standards stress the importance of successful performance by students to maintain good standing with the College. Students shall be made aware of the specific WGTC requirements for maintaining Good Academic Standing, Satisfactory Academic Progress (Financial Aid), and the required qualifications for graduation. Academic standing is reflected each term on the student’s transcript.

Academic Good Standing

Students are considered to be in good standing if they maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher. Students on academic warning may also return to good standing, regardless of cumulative GPA, upon earning a semester grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Academic standing determinations are made at the end of each semester.

Academic Warning

The first time a student earns a semester grade point average of less than 2.0 and also has a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.0, they will be placed on academic warning. To be removed from academic warning, a student must earn a semester grade point average of 2.0 or higher during the next semester of attendance. A student who does not achieve a semester grade point average of 2.0 or higher while on academic warning will be placed on academic probation.

Academic Probation

A student previously placed on academic warning who earns a semester grade point average of less than 2.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students remain on academic probation until they earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better. Students will receive notification via student email that they have been placed on academic probation.

Academic Dismissal

A student on academic probation whose semester and cumulative grade point averages are less than 2.0 will be placed on academic dismissal. Students on academic dismissal are required to sit out for one semester. In certain circumstances, a student may be dismissed or suspended from an academic program or the technical college without first being placed on probation. These circumstances may include program specific GPA deficits, attendance issues, or other requirements as outlined in the program specific academic requirements. Students who are dismissed due to academic misconduct are subject to disciplinary sanctions as outlined in the Student Conduct code and will be required to meet with the Vice President for Enrollment Management, or appropriate designee, prior to applying for re-admission. Students who are on academic dismissal will not be allowed to graduate.

Students must additionally comply with the satisfactory progress requirements for Title IV eligibility according to 20 U.S.C 1091(d), Sec. 668.34 and other college policies regarding financial aid.

To return to WGTC after an academic dismissal, a student must meet with an Advising and Retention Center Advisor during the dismissal term to create a plan for academic success. The student is required to follow all imposed sanctions upon returning to the College. An example of an imposed sanction may require the student to complete the CareerScope aptitude and interest assessment, or complete the College Success (COLL 1010) course.

A student who is approved to return to WGTC after an Academic Dismissal will be placed on Academic Probation their first term back. The student is required to earn a semester grade point average of 2.0 or higher in order to continue to the next semester. The student will remain on academic probation until obtaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher in order to achieve good academic standing.

Honors Lists

President’s List

Students who complete 12 or more credit hours (with no grades of “I” or “IP”) in a semester, and achieve a 3.8 or better grade point average will be designated as honor roll students and will be recognized on the President’s List.

Dean’s List

Students who complete 12 or more credit hours (with no grades of “I” or “IP”) in a semester, and achieve a 3.5 to 3.79 will be designated as honor roll students and will be recognized on the Dean’s List.

Graduation and Commencement

To be eligible for graduation, students must have completed all college/program requirements satisfactorily and cannot be on Academic Dismissal. All occupational classes must be completed with a “C” or better and must have a graduation GPA of at least 2.0. All general education core courses must be completed with a “D” or better. Students enrolled in Allied Health programs must complete general education core courses with a “C” or better. Transfer credit for up to 75 percent of a program of study may be applied toward graduation. All pre-requisite courses must be completed with a “C” or better. All financial obligations to the college must be met prior to graduation and any holds cleared.

Students who have met all program requirements with an overall program graduation GPA of 3.5 or better will be designated as honor graduates. Degree, diploma, and technical certificate students designated as honor graduates will be recognized in the commencement program and wear gold honor cords during the commencement ceremony.

It is the responsibility of the student to apply for graduation. Applying for graduation is free. Graduation application forms may be found in the Office of the Registrar, via student email announcements, and online at www.wiregrass.edu. Students must complete all sections of the application for graduation, and submit all paperwork to the Office of the Registrar. Students should complete this form upon their last advisement session. A student must have enrollment within the last five years of the graduation term to receive an award. Students who choose to participate in commencement must complete the participation form and pay the $40 fee in the Bookstore.

Commencement exercises will be held for degree, diploma, and technical certificate candidates for graduation. The dates for commencement exercises will be announced and published on the college’s website and through student email. Student participation in commencement exercises is strongly encouraged. There is a $40 fee for participation in the Commencement ceremony; however, there is no fee to apply for graduation.

Transcripts

Transcripts are a vital part of the student’s personal record. No transcript of a student’s record will be issued without the express, written authorization of the student. Requests should be made through the student’s BanWeb account https://bannerss.wiregrass.edu/ssomanager/c/SSB. No telephone or third-party requests will be honored by the college for information from, or transmittal of, the student record. In addition, the college will not issue transcripts of an official or unofficial nature if the student’s financial accounts have an outstanding balance or if there is a disciplinary hold on the transcript.

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has retained Credentials Inc. to accept transcript orders over the Internet. Official transcripts may be requested by authorized users via the internet using your BanWeb account.

Unofficial transcripts may be viewed or printed by authorized individuals through the internet at https://bannerss.wiregrass.edu/ssomanager/c/SSB.

Record Retention

Documents shall be held for no less than five (5) years after the graduation of the student or the date of the student’s last attendance. Records for students who apply but never attend will be held for no less than three (3) years after application term.