Grading System Explained

Effective September 1, 2003, the university implemented a letter grading system with a four-point scale of numerical equivalents for calculating grade point averages. Grades in the nine-point grading system are retained on student records for terms that are prior to September 2003.

Grade points reflect judgements of student achievement performance in a class. The instructors mark in terms of raw scores, rank the papers in order of merit, and assign an appropriate grade to each paper.

Letter Grading System (effective September 1, 2003)

Course Grades Obtained by Undergraduate Students

Descriptor	Letter Grade	Grade Point Value
Excellent	A+ A A-	4.0 4.0 3.7
Good	B+ B B-	3.3 3.0 2.7
Satisfactory	C+ C C-	2.3 2.0 1.7
Poor	D+	1.3
Minimal Pass	D	1.0
Failure	F	0.0

Course Grades Obtained by Graduate Students

Descriptor

Letter Grade

Grade Point Value

Excellent

A+

A-

4.0

3.7

Good

B+

3.3

3.0

Satisfactory

B-

C+

2.7

2.3

Failure

C-

D+

2.0

1.7

1.3

1.0

0.0

In addition to the letter grades described above, the University of Alberta currently records the following grades and remarks:

Final Grades

AE	aegrotat standing
AU	registered as an auditor
AW	registered as an auditor and withdrew
CR	completed requirements, no grade point value assigned
EX	exempt
IN	incomplete
IP	course in progress (assigned to Part A of a Two-Term or One-Term A/B Course with the final grade assigned to Part B)
IP*	withdrew from or failed course in progress (assigned to Part A of a Two-Term or One-Term A/B Course where the final grade assigned to Part B is a withdrawal or failure)
NC	failure, no grade point value assigned
W	withdrew with permission

Remarks

1	grade includes a mark of '0' for final examination missed, or for term work missed, or both
2	grade includes a mark of '0' for final examination missed, or for term work missed, or both, and deferred final examination granted
3	credit withheld
4	reexamination granted
5	failure (assigned to failing Graduate Student grades only)
6	failure, grade includes a mark of '0' for final examination missed, or for term work missed, or both (assigned to failing Graduate Student grades only)
7	failure, grade includes a mark of '0' for final examination missed, or for term work missed, or both, and deferred final examination granted (assigned to failing Graduate Student grades only)
8	disciplinary sanction for serious instances of inappropriate academic behavior
9	failure, disciplinary sanction for serious instances of inappropriate academic behavior (assigned in the same circumstances as the remark of 8 but to failing Graduate Student grades only)

* Further discussion on the University of Alberta's evaluation procedures and grading system can be found in Section 23.4 of the University Calendar.

9 Point Grading System (prior to September 2003)