The University awards letter grades in recognition of academic performance in each course. Students are graded according to their individual performance in the course and not on a curve.
The grading criteria listed below are illustrative and subject to the specifications in a given course. These are described in each course syllabus. Criteria for awarding grades as described in the course syllabi may include, but are not limited to:
• Quality of assignments and peer assessments
• Participation in the Discussion Forums and the quality of the postings
• Performance on quizzes
• Excellence of projects, papers, analysis and documentation of case studies
• Quality of Portfolio Assignments
• Class Presentations and Group Work
At the end of each course, a letter grade will be given by the Course Instructor for the course, based onthe student’s performance.
• The minimum passing grade for a course is a C.
• Grades above F and below C will be recorded on the student’s transcript with the letter grade but with a zero grade-point as they are not considered satisfactory performance.
The University has established the following graduate-level grading scale. All instructional personnel are expected to comply with this scale:
| Grade | Grade Scale | Grade Points |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 98-100 | 4. 00 |
| A | 93-97 | 4. 00 |
| A- | 90-92 | 3. 67 |
| B+ | 88-89 | 3. 33 |
| B | 83-87 | 3. 0 |
| B- | 80-82 | 2. 67 |
| C+ | 78-79 | 2. 33 |
| C | 73-77 | 2. 0 |
| C- | 70-72 | 0. 00 |
| D+ | 68-69 | 0. 00 |
| D | 63-67 | 0. 00 |
| D- | 60-62 | 0. 00 |
| F | Under 60* | 0. 00 |
| W | N/A | N/A |
Withdrawal from a course within the withdrawal period is reflected on the student's official transcript; a withdrawal grade is not computed in GPA calculations.
All course credits where a letter grade is issued are factored into a student’s term and cumulative GPA.
A student’s grade-point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the number of grade points earned by the number of units attempted. The total grade points earned for a course equals the number of grade points assigned times the number of course units. For example, if a student takes three 3-credit courses and receives grades of A-, C+, and F, then the GPA for the term equals the total grade points (3.67*3) + (2.33*3) + (0*3) = 18 divided by the total course units (9). The resulting GPA is 2.00.
Students are required to be in good academic standing and must earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50 in all coursework attempted at Hayward University and earn an overall grade point average of at least 2.00 in all courses taken in the major area of study in order to graduate from Hayward University.
The University insures that students are issued grades in a timely fashion and that grades are determined in a manner that is accurate, fair, and consistently applied in accord with established standards. While the University aims to respond to student work product as efficiently as possible, certain assignments, projects, and other related assessments may take up to two weeks to be reviewed and/or graded by the Hayward University Faculty.
At the conclusion of each term of study, students may check their grades in their unofficial academic record in the Self-Services Portal. Since the unofficial academic record is a permanent record of a student’s academic performance, including course selections, grades, and credits earned toward a degree, it must be correct at all times. Students who believe an error has been made on their academic records should be in contact with the Office of Academic Affairs at academic.affairs@Hayward.university
Students are encouraged to speak to their Course Instructors if they wish further clarification of their grades, would like to discuss their assessments, or are considering requesting a grade change. Students with further complaints regarding alleged unfair or improper grading at Hayward University and who are unable to reach a resolution with their Course Instructor may request a Grade Appeal form from their personal Program Advisor.
Students who believe they have been graded unfairly may appeal their final course grades. Students appealing a grade should note that the burden of proof in challenging a grade rests with the student. For a change in grade to be recommended, a student must make a compelling case that the grade originally given was unjustly or unfairly awarded.
• To appeal a grade, students must contact their Course Instructor online within fourteen days of the last day of the term. This discussion is intended to provide the Course Instructor an opportunity to explain the basis for the grade and to provide the student with an opportunity to indicate possible errors or misjudgments in the assignment of the grade. Frequently, a discussion with the Course Instructor resolves the issue.
• Course Instructors who decide to change the student’s grade must inform the Office of Academic Affairs and submit the corrected grade. The Course Instructor has the discretion to increase, decrease, or leave the student’s final grade as is in response to a Grade Appeal. The Office of Student Services will update the student’s academic record and recalculate the student’s cumulative GPA accordingly.
• If the student and the Course Instructor are unable to reach a resolution, the student may request a Grade Appeal form from their personal Program Advisor. The completed form must be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs at academic.affairs@Hayward.university no later than 30 days after the last day of the term. Late appeals will not be accepted.
• Submitted Grade Appeals will be reviewed by the Office of Academic Affairs and processed by the Office of Student Services.
• Grade Appeals are reviewed by the Student Affairs Committee, and students are informed in writing of Committee’s decision by the Office of Student Services. Decisions rendered by the Committee are final and binding. A record of the final decision and all related materials will become part of the student’s official academic record.
