Grading & Academic Standing

Grade Guidelines

TBCC Policy No. 431

The traditional grading system uses “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” “F,” “P”, “NP,” and “I” as defined under Grade Definitions. A change to the student’s enrollment option is available at any time before the published deadlines for the quarter by completing the approved process. The Faculty Curriculum Committee specifies grading options for courses, degrees and certificates. Transfer students should be aware that four-year institutions limit the number of pass/no pass credits that may be applied to a degree and frequently recalculate the student’s grade point average by weighing each “P” as if it were a “C” or “D,” and each “NP” as if it were an “F” from the traditional enrollment option.

Grade Definitions:

A Superior. Honor grade indicating excellence. Earned as a result of a combination of some or all of the following as outlined by the Faculty in the course syllabus: superior examination scores, consistently accurate and prompt completion of assignments, ability to deal resourcefully with abstract ideas, and/or superior mastery of pertinent skills. Additional considerations include probable success in a field relating to the subject and/or probable continued success in subsequent courses. 

B Above average. Honor grade indicating competence. Earned as a result of a combination of some or all of the following as outlined by the Faculty in the course syllabus: high examination scores, accurate and prompt completion of assignments, ability to deal well with abstract ideas, commendable mastery of pertinent skills. Additional considerations include probable continued success in subsequent courses. 

C Average. Standard college grade indicating successful performance earned as a result of a combination of some or all of the following as outlined by the Faculty in the course syllabus: satisfactory examination scores, generally accurate and prompt completion of assignments, ability to deal with abstract ideas, fair mastery of pertinent skills. Additional considerations include sufficient evidence of ability to succeed in subsequent courses. 

D Substandard but receiving credit. Substandard grade indicating the Student has met only minimum requirements as outlined by the Faculty in the course syllabus. Earned as a result of some or all of the following: low examination scores, generally inaccurate, incomplete or late assignments, inadequate grasp of abstract ideas, barely acceptable mastery of pertinent skills, insufficient evidence of ability to succeed in subsequent courses. Does not satisfy requirements for entry into courses where prerequisites are specified. 

F Failure. Non-passing grade indicating failure to meet minimum requirements as defined by the Faculty in the course syllabus. Earned as a result of some or all of the following: non-passing examination scores, inaccurate, incomplete or late assignments, failure to cope with abstract ideas, inadequate mastery of pertinent skills. Does not satisfy requirements for entry into courses where prerequisites are specified. Faculty must record the last date attended for students who earn an “F.” 

P Pass. Acceptable performance. A grade of “P” represents satisfactory achievement which would have been graded “C” or better on the traditional grading scale. The “P” grade is disregarded in the computation of Tillamook Bay Community College grade point average. This grade is available only when a student has selected the pass/no pass option prior to the published drop or withdrawal deadlines for the quarter. 

NP No Pass. Unacceptable performance. A grade of “NP” represents unsatisfactory achievement which would have been graded “D” or lower under the traditional grading system. The “NP” grade is disregarded in the computation of the grade point average. Faculty must record the last date attended for students who earn an “NP.” This grade is available only when a student has selected the pass/no pass option prior to the published drop or withdrawal deadlines for the quarter. 

SC Satisfactory completion. Mark used when a student satisfactorily completes continuing education units (CEUs). 

NSC Not satisfactory completion. Mark used when a student does not satisfactorily complete continuing education units (CEUs).

I Incomplete. At the time the final course grades are recorded, the Faculty may, with the consent of the student; record an “I” mark and grant additional time for the completion of a minor but essential requirement for the student who is otherwise making satisfactory progress. If no replacement grade for an “I” mark is provided within three complete terms, the “I” mark will automatically be changed to an “F” or “NP” (depending on the grade option chosen by the student). This mark does not entitle a student to repeat a course without paying tuition. In order to qualify for the “I” grade, a student must have completed a significant portion of the course and have explicit instructor permission. If an “I” grade is awarded, it will follow the process outlined in Administrative Rule D 15. Dual credit classes are not eligible for “I” grades.

W Withdrawal. This mark is to be used only by Student Services when the student has completed the official withdraw process prior to the published drop or withdrawal deadlines for the quarter. 

CIPR Course in Progress, Re-Register. A mark used only for designated classes. This may include courses in modular or self-paced programs. This mark may also be used in a skills based course to indicate that the student has not attained the skills required to advance to the next level. If the course is not completed within a year, the “CIPR” changes to an “AUD” (Audit) on the transcript unless the course was repeated and a grade earned. 

CIP Course in Progress. A mark used only for designated classes in modular or self-paced programs that do not conform to the normal academic calendar. If the course is not completed within a year, the “CIP” changes to an “F” or “NP” (based on the student’s prior enrollment option choice) on the transcript unless the course was repeated and a grade earned. A student does not need to re-register for the course. 

AUD Audit. This mark may be used only by Student Services. The “AUD” mark, when allowed, permits a student to attend a course without receiving a grade or credit for the course even though tuition and fees must be paid. To be assigned an “AUD” mark, a student must obtain permission from the Faculty and notify Student Services prior to the published drop deadlines. The Faculty Curriculum Committee may specify whether this mark is available for each course. The “AUD” mark does not satisfy requirements for entry into courses where prerequisites are specified. 

NS No Show. This mark may be assigned by Faculty during the first week of the quarter to indicate that a student has never attended class. These students will be dropped by Student Services. If Faculty fail to assign an NS mark to students who never attend class, and if those students fail to drop or withdraw before the published deadlines, a grade of F or NP will be assigned according to the enrollment option they selected at registration. 

R Repeated. This mark may only be used by Student Services. See “Repeated Courses.” All grades earned will appear on the transcript. The highest grade earned for a course will be calculated into the GPA; all other grades earned for that course will be excluded from the GPA. If a course can be taken more than once for credit, the oldest grade for that course will be excluded only when the repeat limit is exceeded. 

A student’s grade point average is calculated in the following way: 

The point value for a grade is multiplied by the number of credit hours earned for that course. Total grade point values are divided by the total number of credit hours taken by the student. 

Grades of “P” and “NP” and marks of “SC,” “NSC,” “I,” “W,” “X” (no longer available for use), “CIP,” “CIPR,” “R,” “NS,” and “AUD” are disregarded in the computation of the grade point average.

Grade Policies 

Repeated Courses

TBCC Policy No. 432

Faculty must specify in writing, as part of the syllabus, the specific grading policies for the class. Grading is the prerogative and responsibility of the faculty. Faculty are responsible for the assignment of the final course grade. The assigned grade must reflect the performance of the student in the course commensurate with the content and objectives of the course. If a student questions his or her grade, the faculty has a responsibility to discuss the matter with the student. If the faculty cannot satisfactorily resolve the matter, the student must be advised of the grievance procedures. 

Should a grievance be filed, the faculty will provide assistance as necessary to process the grievance. Graded examinations, papers, and other sources of evaluation are to be available to the student for inspection and discussion. If the faculty chooses ultimately to retain these materials, they must be kept for a period of one year. If graded materials become the property of the student, then uncollected materials must be kept for one term. Adjunct faculty should arrange for storage with the department in their absence. The grade records will be retained for at least one year to provide the opportunity for review and resolution of grade disputes. In the event that — through the student grievance procedure — a grade change is indicated, the change can be initiated only by the faculty, the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services, or College President as appropriate to the grievance procedure and organizational structure of the college. In the event the faculty is no longer employed by the college, grade changes can be made by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services providing there is sufficient evidence to make a change and that the faculty is not readily available for consultation.

Adding or Dropping a Course

TBCC Policy No. 436

Prior to the published drop deadlines, students shall be able to drop any registered class by completing the official drop process. Such action by the Student shall result in no charges for the course or courses (or reimbursement if charges have already been paid); the course shall be removed from the transcript. 

Students shall be able to withdraw from any registered class by completing the official withdraw process before the published withdraw deadline. This action shall result in a mark of “W” appearing for the course or courses on the transcript. Students must withdraw before the published withdraw deadline, before the end of week eight of the term, or a grade will be assigned by the Faculty. 

All students are encouraged to work with, and talk with, their faculty member prior to dropping and/or withdrawing. Students are required to submit the college withdraw form in order to be removed from the class roster.

Special Circumstances

TBCC Policy No. 437

Tillamook Bay Community College (TBCC) reserves the right to establish procedures for unusual circumstances. Such procedures may be, but not limited to, the following;

1. Experimental Courses 
   All programs are authorized to offer experimental Special Topics Courses for the purpose of introducing new materials on a trial basis. The following designations shall be used:
   XX 199X or XX 299X, Course Title (e.g., ART 299B History of Photography)
   
   Experimental courses shall be approved by the appropriate Faculty Curriculum Committee, and/or the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services. A course outline, including the course description and learning outcomes, must be filed with the Office of Instruction, but no other approvals will be required. 
   
   Experimental Courses shall be offered a maximum of two terms, after which the course material must be offered in a conventionally numbered course having the normal course approval. Except as provided in the "Granting Degrees and Certificates Policy," degree and certificate candidates shall be limited to 9 credits of 199-299 Experimental Courses.
    
2. Student Enrollment in Concurrent and/or Overlapping Courses 
   Students may not enroll in concurrent or overlapping courses. Exceptions may be granted only after approval by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
    
3. Student Overload 
   Students are allowed to enroll in a maximum of 19 credits hours. Special permission must be obtained from the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services or designee to increase registration above 19 credit hours.
    
4. Course Substitutions 
   Students have the right to petition for the following:
   1. Waiver of comprehensive degree and/or certificate requirements
   2. Substitution of course work to meet the General Education requirements
   3. Substitution of course work to meet degree and/or certificate requirements
   4. Awarding of non-traditional credit 
      
      Substitution of course work to meet General Education requirements or waivers of comprehensive degree and/or certificate requirements shall be approved/disapproved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services or a designee. For substitutions of course work to meet degree and/or certificate requirements, and/or for awarding of non-traditional credit, the campus designee shall approve/disapprove petitions in accordance with guidelines established by the Faculty Curriculum Committee. No student can graduate for less than the required number of credits. Credit can be given for equal course work, but it cannot be waived entirely.
       
5. Independent Study 
   Independent Studies are allowed in rare and unusual circumstances (e.g. a course is needed for graduation and/or the course is guaranteed on a student's degree map and there is insufficient enrollment to run the course as a normal section). In these circumstances an Independent Study Application will be completed and submitted for approval to the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services. The course must run during a regularly scheduled term and include a written plan for course expectations and meeting the course learning outcomes.
    
6. Student Membership on College Committees 
   Student input on college committees is valuable for the student, staff and community. Committee work provides a learning experience for students as well as an opportunity to be an active participant in the policy-making and environment shaping of the college community. Policies have a major impact on Tillamook Bay Community College's mission to recruit and retain students, and student input provides staff with the viewpoint of the individuals we are hired to serve. It also provides employees the opportunity, as educators, to mentor and pass on "lab experience" in group process, communication, decision-making and other life-long skills. Committees are an integral part of the Tillamook Bay Community College's policy- making process; therefore, Tillamook Bay Community College committees that recommend, formulate, or review student affairs policy shall include student membership. College Council will always ask for a student member.
    
7. Student Identity
   TBCC reserves, and exercises, the right to verify student identity, particularly students who enroll, register and complete courses at a distance.

Honors

TBCC Policy No. D 435

Honors

The college will recognize academic excellence in students pursuing a declared major, who have earned a 3.5 or higher GPA on a minimum of 12 graded credits (excluding pass/no pass), in a given term and is making Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by the college.

Term Honors

• Honors List: 3.5 – 3.74
• Highest Honors: 3.75 – 4.00

Graduation Honors

• Cum laude: 3.50 – 3.74
• Magna cum laude: 3.75 – 3.89
• Summa cum laude: 3.90 – 4.0

Graduation honors are noted on the student transcript, and students will receive a gold honors cord to wear at graduation.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

TBCC Policy No. D 433

Tillamook Bay Community College students who are not making satisfactory academic progress will be provided the opportunity to access services and resources designed to support learning and achievement of academic goals. Individuals not making satisfactory academic progress, as defined in this policy, may be denied continued admission. Students have the right to appeal this sanction following the college procedure.

Currently enrolled students pursuing a degree or certificate must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress in the following two ways:

1. Maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher AND
2. Successfully complete 2/3 (66.67%) of attempted credits per term

Students will be classified in one of the following levels of academic standing, based on their academic progress:

• Good standing
• Academic probation or continued probation
• Academic suspension

Students failing to achieve Satisfactory Academic Progress shall be alerted by the college and provided information regarding resources, as well as procedures designed to support improved academic performance.

Not Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students who fail to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) shall be assisted by the college to return to Good Academic Standing. Unsatisfactory Academic Progress stages are as follows:

1. Alert – Student’s cumulative GPA dropped below a 2.0, and/ or student did not complete two-thirds (66.67%) of all attempted credits in a term. Students are strongly encouraged to seek assistance to improve their GPA or completion of courses. Enrollment in courses is available while in the Alert stage.
2. Probation – Student’s cumulative GPA is below 2.0 and/or the student did not complete two-thirds (66.67%) of all attempted credit for a second term. The student is in Probation status. He/she will not be allowed to register until an appeal has been completed and the appeal has been approved.
3. Probation – Probation with Academic Plan – A student who successfully appeals his/her SAP status will be placed on Probation status for one term. At the end of the Probation term, the student’s academic standing and progress will be evaluated. If the student has a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and has satisfactorily completed enough credits to complete two-thirds of his/her courses, Good Standing will be re-established for the student.
4. Suspension – Student did not meet SAP standards while in Warning or Probation status. Student is not eligible to register for courses while Suspension. A student may appeal the suspension status by developing a career education plan and appeal, which will be reviewed by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services or the Associate Vice President of Student Services. Suspension status is removed by approval of the Vice President of Academic and Student Services or the Associate Vice President of Student Services. If no career education plan and suspension appeal is filed or if the appeal is denied, the student will only be allowed to enroll at TBCC after at least one year’s suspension and with the completion of the suspension appeal process.