Grading Policy

Grading System

The grading system at Central Texas College is as follows:

Grade Designations

“D” - Passing but Unsatisfactory

Students receiving a “D” grade in prerequisite courses are advised not to enroll in succeeding courses until they complete prerequisite coursework with at least a “C” grade. A “D” grade will not be acceptable toward graduation for any course in the major in the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, and Certificate of Completions. 

“F” - Failure

Failure may be awarded for lack of academic progress (F) or failure to complete remaining course requirements (F). “F” grades may not be overridden with “W” or “IP” grades. If you elect to repeat a course for which you have received an “F,” you must re-register, pay full tuition and fees, and repeat the entire course.

“IP” - Incomplete, Course in Progress (for non-developmental courses)

An “IP” grade may be assigned by an instructor if a student has made satisfactory progress in a course with the exception of a major quiz, final exam, or other project. The “IP” grade may also be assigned for extenuating circumstances beyond a student’s control such as personal illness, death in the immediate family, military orders, or in the case of distance learning courses, institutional technology failures and mail delays. Notice of absences with supporting documentation may be required by the instructor. The instructor makes the final decision concerning the granting of the incomplete grade. The instructor may set a deadline for completing the remaining course requirements. In no case will the deadline exceed 110 days after the scheduled end of the course. The instructor may set a deadline date earlier than 110 days. An “IP” grade cannot be replaced by the grade of W or other non-punitive grade. If a student elects to repeat the course, the student must register, pay full tuition and fees, and repeat the entire course.

At the end of the 110 calendar days, any unresolved “IP” will be system-converted to an “Fl” and appear as an “F” on the student’s official transcript. Only in the most extenuating circumstances will extensions be granted beyond the 110 days. If an extension is granted beyond the 110 days, the system-generated “F” grade remains on the student’s official transcript until such time the student completes the remaining requirements. The reason for the extension must be initiated by the instructor through the instructor’s chain of command and Chancellor of Central Texas College.

The IP grade replaced the I (Incomplete) grade in Summer 2001. In calculating the grade point average for graduation or other purposes, the “I” grade was calculated as an F.

The IP grade is not used for developmental study courses and designated nontraditional, modular courses.

“N”- No Credit

The grade of “N” is reserved for use with noncredit courses such as continuing education and military contract courses. The “N” grade is assigned to students who did not successfully complete the course. Re-enrollment requires the payment of usual tuition and fees for the course.

“P”- Completed

The grade of “P” is reserved primarily for use with noncredit courses such as continuing education and military contract courses. The “P” grade is assigned to students who successfully completed the course. In some developmental courses, the “P” grade may be assigned. When used with credit-granting courses, earned hours will be displayed on the transcript. Quality points and grade point calculation are not computed.

“W”- Withdrawal

Students who officially withdraw will receive the grade of “W,” provided attendance and academic performance are satisfactory at the time of official withdrawal. Students must file a withdrawal application with CTC before they may be considered for withdrawal. The withdrawal request must be received by the official last date to withdraw.

Self-Paced Courses (OSL)

Self-paced courses allow students greater flexibility to manage course completion. That said, self-paced courses contain assignment milestones throughout the course to facilitate learning. The length of time to reach each milestone will depend on the length of the course (e.g., a 16-week course will have milestones every four weeks). The instructor will designate in the course syllabus which assignments in the course should be completed by each milestone. Milestones allow for two positive course design impacts: 1) students will receive feedback with enough time remaining in the course to apply the feedback towards more effectively reaching the learning outcomes of the course and 2) by spreading out the material more evenly over the length of the course, milestones allow time for students to grapple with and digest material meaningfully before proceeding to the next concept. Assignments completed by the milestone are eligible for full credit. Assignments completed within one week (seven calendar days) after the milestone will receive a 10% penalty. Assignments submitted more than one week after the milestone will not receive credit. Instructors retain authority to waive milestones. Students request exception in writing directly with their instructor.

Grade Point Averaging (GPA)

Students are responsible for knowing their grade point average and when their grade point average affects their academic standing. Grades and unofficial transcripts are available online through Self Service.

Grade Point Average Calculation Sample

Multiply the number of grade points for each grade by the number of credit hours for the course. Add the totals. Divide the total grade points by the number of hours attempted. Grades of IP, W, N or P and grades in developmental courses (A, B, C) are not included in the grade point averaging.

Note: The CTC Financial Assistance webpages include a GPA calculator that students can use to calculate their grade point average at https://www.ctcd.edu/students/current-ctc-students/financial-aid/completion-rate-calculator/.

Final Grade Changes

Students direct questions (e.g., computational errors) regarding final grades to the respective course instructor within 180 days of course completion. In the absence of the faculty member, contact the responsible Department Chair or the Executive Dean of Military Operations if course was offered at Fort Cavazos or a Continental site outside Texas. CTC administrative personnel are prohibited from changing final grades. 

Grades and Financial Assistance/Tuition Assistance/Veterans Education Benefits

Special conditions may apply to students enrolled in courses paid through the military tuition assistance program; financial aid, scholarships, and VA benefits; or other third-party contractual agreements due to agency requirements. Students should contact the appropriate agency for specific requirements and possible obligations, particularly for grades of “F,’ “IP” or withdrawals “W.”

Repeating a Course

The total hours earned toward a certificate/degree are not increased if a student repeats a course in which a passing grade has already been earned. When a student repeats a course, both grades remain on the transcript but only the highest grade earned is used in computing your CTC GPA. A CTC grade can only be replaced by repeating the same course at CTC. Other colleges may compute the GPA in a manner different from Central Texas College.