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Grades

The grading policy and grade change information listed below can be found the college catalog.  Please see the catalog for additional information on academic policies related to grades.  Printed copies of the catalog are available from the Admissions & Records office.

Grading Policy
Grades from the following grading scale shall be averaged on the basis of the point equivalencies to determine a student’s grade point average. The highest grade shall receive four points, and the lowest grade shall receive 0 points, using only the following evaluative symbols:

I    Incomplete:
The “I” symbol shall not be used in calculating units attempted nor for grade points.
If a student has incomplete academic work because of unforeseeable, emergency and justifiable reasons at the end of the term, he/she may consult with the instructor and request the instructor issue an “I” (Incomplete) on the student’s record. The condition for removal of the “I” shall be stated by the instructor in a written record. (The form is available in the Admissions and Records Office). This record shall specify the conditions for removal of the “I” and the grade assigned in lieu of its removal. This record must be signed by both the student and instructor, with each keeping a copy. The original will be kept on file with the Director of Admissions and Records until the “I” is made up or the time limit has passed. A final grade shall be assigned when the work stipulated has been completed and evaluated, or when the time limit for completing the work has passed.
The “I” must be made up no later than one academic year following the end of the term in which it was assigned. A student may petition the appropriate Dean for a time extension due to circumstances which are unusual or beyond the student’s control.

IP     In Progress:
The “IP” shall not be used in calculating grade point average. The “IP” symbol shall be used to denote that the class extends beyond the normal end of an academic term. It indicates that work is “in progress,” but that assignment of a substantive grade must await its completion. The “IP” symbol shall remain on the student’s permanent record in order to satisfy enrollment documentation. The appropriate evaluative grade and unit credit shall be assigned and appear on the student’s record for the term in which the course is completed.

RD    Report Delayed:
The “RD” shall not be used in calculating grade point average. The “RD” symbol may be assigned by the Director of Admissions and Records only. It is to be used when there is a delay in reporting the grade of the student due to circumstances beyond the control of
a student. It is a temporary notation to be replaced by a permanent symbol as soon as possible.

W    Withdrawal:
The grade of “W” is authorized for students who withdraw from a class prior to the last day to withdraw. Withdrawal requests must be submitted to the Admissions & Records office. Students may not withdraw via WebReg.
• For quarter-length (12 week) courses, students may withdraw between the end of the fourth calendar week and the last business day of the seventh calendar week of classes.
• For six-week session courses, students may withdraw between the end of the second calendar week of classes and the first business day of the fourth calendar week of classes.
• For all other courses, the last day to withdraw is generally prior to the 58% point of the course. Please contact Admissions & Records for the last day to withdraw from specific courses.

No notation shall be made on the academic record of the student who withdraws from a class or classes prior to the beginning of the period of time for which a grade of “W” is authorized. The academic record of a student who remains in a class or classes beyond the time authorized to give a grade of “W” must reflect a grade other than “W.” In extenuating circumstances clearly beyond the control of the student, such as verified accidents or extended illnesses, a student may petition the Vice President, Academic Affairs and Student Services for a grade of “W” beyond the authorized time for such a grade.
The “W” shall not be used in calculating grade point average, but excessive “W’s” shall be used as factors in probation and dismissal procedures.

Lake Tahoe Community College grade point average (GPA) is computed using only grade points and units for courses completed graded “A-F.” The grade of “P” and the units earned in such a course will not be counted in calculating grade point average, but will
count in determining probation status. An overall GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation from Lake Tahoe Community College.

MW    Military Withdrawal:
The grade of “MW” shall be authorized upon verification that a student who is a member of an active or reserve United States military service receives orders compelling a withdrawal from courses. This grade may be issued at any time following the end of the drop with
no record period. Military withdrawals shall not be counted in progress probation nor
dismissal calculations.

Pass-No Pass
The College offers certain courses for a Pass (P)/No Pass (NP) grade option. For those courses that have this option, the student is held responsible for all coursework, assignments, and examinations and will earn a "P" if his/her final grade is a "C" or better. A "NP" is issued when the final grade earned is a "D" or "F." The Admissions and Records Office maintains a list of courses that have the P/NP grading option available. Should a student seek this grading option for a course, he/she must inform the Admissions and Records Office by the end of the fourth week of quarter-length classes, or the 30% point for short classes.  Grading options can NOT be reversed or changed after the 30% point.  

A maximum of 12 units earned in courses where a grade of "P" is received may be used toward the course requirements for the A.A. degree. A maximum of 4 units earned in courses where a grade of “P” is received may be used toward the course requirements for certificates. Note that courses taken for P/NP may not transfer as major preparation courses. Students are encouraged to work with a counselor for all transfer planning.

Students who took courses prior to summer 2009 may also have Credit (CR)/No Credit (NC) grades listed on transcripts.  CR is the equivalent of Pass and NC is the equivalent of No Pass.

Grade Changes
The determination of the student’s grade by the instructor shall be final in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency (Title 5, §55760). A student who feels that an instructor has given an evaluative grade based on one or more of these conditions, and has evidence to substantiate the claim, may pursue an appeal by following the procedures delineated in Board Regulation 3.11 which is available in Student Services, Admissions and Records, or the Instruction Office. Students requesting a change of grade on the basis of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency must begin the appeal process within one
year from the end of the quarter in which the course was taken. The process for grade changes resulting from student dishonesty or fraud are delineated in Board Regulation 3.11.