I. Purpose
This policy defines the principles, structure, and processes by which student performance is assessed, graded, recorded, and reviewed within the pre-clinical sciences program. It ensures that grading is fair, transparent, standardized, and aligned with program learning outcomes.
II. Scope
This policy applies to all students enrolled in the pre-clinical sciences program; 7, 6 and 5 year tracks at all sites. The grading policy also applies to students in the post-baccalaureate program and the Charter Foundation Program.
This policy applies to all courses delivered within these programs.
III. Definitions
- Summative Assessment: An assessment contributing to the final course grade.
- Formative Assessment: An assessment designed to provide feedback and support learning; may contribute minimally or not at all to the final grade.
- Standardized Examination: A written assessment administered uniformly across the cohort.
- Grade Point: Numeric value assigned to a letter grade for GPA calculation.
- Grade Query: A formal request by a student to review a recorded score or final grade based on a documented error.
IV. Grading Framework
Components of Assessment
Each course may comprise standardized summative written examinations aligned to module content, practical and clinical skills assessments where applicable, professionalism and participation in scheduled class activities and formative assessments, and assignments or other course-specific evaluation components.
A sequence of summative written assessments is administered in each course and contributes substantially to the final grade.
Weighting and Course-Specific Requirements
Each assessment contributes defined points toward the final course grade.
The course syllabus specifies the assessment types, the weighting of each component, and any minimum performance requirements for specific components.
Scoring and Standardization
Assessment scoring is conducted across the cohort using standardized scoring approaches. Score distributions are analyzed to ensure consistency and comparability across the cohort. Final grades are derived from the cumulative performance across all weighted assessment components.
V. Grading Scale
The pre-clinical sciences program uses the following grading scale to indicate achievement in completed courses:
| Letter Grade | Grade Point | Percent Range |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 4.00 | 100 |
| A | 4.00 | 90–99 |
| B+ | 3.50 | 85–89 |
| B | 3.00 | 80–84 |
| C+ | 2.50 | 75–79 |
| C | 2.00 | 70–74 |
| D | 1.00 | 65–69 |
| F | 0.00 | <65 |
A minimum passing grade is 65% (D) unless otherwise specified in the course syllabus. *Please see the conditions for promotion and progression as they relate to D grades (See Progression Policy for Pre-Clinical Program). Courses may define non-compensatory requirements, including required passing of specific assessment components such as practical or clinical skills assessments.
VI. Academic Standing and Responsibility
Students are responsible for monitoring their academic performance, knowing whether course requirements have been met, and complying with all examination schedules. Determinations regarding remediation, progression, academic standing, or program continuation are made by the Academic Progress Review Committee (APRC) and the Committee on Academic Progress and Professional Standards (CAPPS).
VII. Grade Reporting and Transparency
Student transcripts reflect achievement of course requirements and overall academic performance. Students have continuous access to gradebooks within the learning management system to review recorded scores, verify completeness of grading, and review participation records.
VIII. Grade Query Process
Students who wish to query an assessment score must submit a request within 24 hours of score release as defined in the syllabus by the Course Director. Students who wish to query a final course grade must submit a request, as defined by the syllabus, within 24 hours of final grade posting. All queries must clearly state the basis for the request, such as a calculation error or missing points. The Course Director will review the query and provide a response prior to grade finalization. Grade queries are limited to verification of accuracy and completeness and do not constitute a re-evaluation of academic judgment.
IX. Governance and Oversight
Course Directors are responsible for implementation of grading policies within their courses and for ensuring the accuracy of grade calculations and reporting. Oversight is provided through program-level and school-level curriculum and assessment committees, as well as institutional academic governance structures.
X. Alignment and Compliance
This policy aligns with institutional academic regulations and with principles of fairness, transparency, and consistency in assessment.
XI. Authority
Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences; reviewed every 3 years.
XII. Version History
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