Undergraduate Grading Plan

Grading Plan
The grading plan is determined by the instructor in each course and must be announced to the class at the beginning of the semester. The plan must meet the following criteria:

  1. In one of the first three class meetings, the instructor must provide students with complete evaluation criteria to be used in a course — preferably in writing.
  2. Usually a minimum of three evaluation criteria are required for each course.
  3. A syllabus course outline should be provided for each course. Each instructor is to provide copy of such syllabi to the department chair at the outset of each semester.
  4. The plan should keep the student reasonably current as to her/his standing in the class. Every effort should be made to return graded tests within one week.
  5. The conditions under which final examinations are optional or required and their weighting must be specified.
  6. The attendance requirement and the effect of failing to meet this criterion must be specified.
  7. Final grades will be submitted by the faculty member within one week of the final examination of a course, or the last such examination in the case of a multiple section course.

Grade Replacement Policy and Procedure

Undergraduate Grade Replacement Policy and Procedure
Policy
Undergraduate students may have the option of replacing a grade in a course by retaking the course. Note the following conditions:

  1. For any one course, this grade replacement option may be used once. Also, credit for a repeated course may be used only once.
  2. This policy can be applied to a maximum of four different courses.
  3. For purposes of GPA calculation, the grade earned during the first course enrollment will stand until the recording of the final grade in the second enrollment is completed. When the second enrollment is completed, the grade for that second enrollment will become the grade used in all GPA calculations, regardless of whether the grade earned is higher or lower than the grade obtained during the first enrollment.
  4. The transcript will record both course enrollments and the grade earned in each enrollment. The first attempt will be marked with an X to indicate grade replacement (e.g., XF, XD, XC).
  5. In the case of multiple attempts to achieve a passing grade in any one course, the X grade will apply only to the first attempt. The grades from all other attempts will be included in GPA calculations.
  6. Students will not be allowed to apply the grade replacement policy to a course in which there has been documented academic dishonesty that has not been reversed on appeal.
  7. The grade from the first attempt will continue to stand for those students who withdraw with a W or WP grade from the course during the second attempt. The grade for withdrawing with a WF during the second attempt will be an F for the course. Any type of withdrawal will count as one of the four allowed attempts.

Procedure
A student who wishes to apply for a grade replacement should petition the Undergraduate Advising Office. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor before making a petition.

Petitions must be filed by the end of the add/drop period of the semester in which the student will complete the second attempt. The Director of Undergraduate Advising will review all applications and may deny permission in cases where repeating a course will delay appropriate progress toward completion of the student’s academic program. A student may appeal the decision to den a second enrollment to the department chair responsible for his or her primary academic program.

Grade Reports

Grade Reports
All final grades will be submitted within five (5) working days of the class’s final examination. Final grades for graduating seniors will be submitted no later than 72 hours (3 days) prior to Commencement. Students can access and view their grades on the Banner Web site.

Errors in final grades should be reported to the Office of the Registrar within two weeks of the end of the semester. Transcripts of grades are released only upon a written request from the student, and may be requested, for a fee, in the Office of the Registrar*. Students who believe their work has been unfairly evaluated may request a review of their final grade by completing and submitting the appropriate form in the Office of the Registrar.

*Note: FERPA does not require a University to issue a grade report, a transcript and/or diploma to students who are in default on obligations (such as library late fees, tuition, parking fines, etc.) owed to the University.

Credit Hour
As an institution of higher education, Bryant University holds the responsibility for determining and upholding standards related to the awarding of credit hours for student work consistent with national standards.

  • One hour (50 minutes) of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester.
  • A least an equivalent amount of work as required outlined above for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work relating to the award of credit hours.

Bryant University ensures a minimum of 750 minutes of instruction per credit hour (2,250 minutes of instruction for a standard, three-hour course), regardless of mode of delivery. Winter and Summer sessions offer accelerated courses, and the schedule is adjusted to meet the above standard.

Grading System

Undergraduate Grading System
The grading system is as follows:

A (Excellent) 4.0
A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
B (Good) 3.0
B- 2.7
C+ 2.3
C (Satisfactory) 2.0
C- 1.7
D+ 1.3
D (Unsatisfactory) 1.0
F (Fail) 0.0
P (Pass) 0.0
AU (Audit) 0.0
I (Failure to complete ) 0.0

AU – Audit grade is not included in GPA calculation

I – Incomplete (because of extenuating circumstances, the instructor has allowed additional time, usually two weeks, to complete the course.) The Incomplete is not included in calculating the GPA. If the Incomplete is not finished before the end of the next regular term (i.e., Fall or Spring terms), the grade will automatically be converted to an F. For purposes of this policy, “end of the next regular term” shall be interpreted to mean the last date on which that instructor’s grades must be submitted.

W – Withdrawn within first 10 weeks of semester – no academic penalty.

WD – Student is allowed to withdraw from semester without penalty up to and including the tenth (10th) week of classes.

WP – At the discretion of the faculty member, student is allowed to withdraw without penalty after the tenth (10th) week of classes and prior to the administration of the final exam.

WF – At the discretion of the faculty member, student is allowed to withdraw WITH academic penalty (failing grade) after the tenth (10th) week of classes and prior to the administration of the final exam.

NA – In those cases where the instructor fails to meet the deadline date for submission of grades, the grade report will reflect the symbol “NA” which means “not available at time of processing of grade reports.” Student must check with instructor for grade.

All courses attempted at Bryant University are permanently recorded and appropriately calculated in the grade point average.

FERPA (Privacy Rights of Students)

FERPA
Privacy Rights of Students

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), an individual enrolled at Bryant University is listed as an eligible student and any rights previously accorded to parents under the Act are transferred to the student.

Information contained in the educational record of the student may not be released without the student’s written consent, except as indicated in the Act.

1. The Bryant University student has the right to inspect and review those records, files, documents, and other materials that contain information directly related to the student and which are maintained by the University, but with the following exceptions:

1.1 Records of institutional, supervisory, and administrative personnel, and educational personnel that are in the sole possession of the maker, and that are not accessible or revealed to any other person except a substitute.

1.2 Records that are created or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional.

1.3 Confidential letters and statements of recommendation that were placed in the educational records prior to January 1, 1975.

1.4 Records maintained solely for law enforcement purposes.

1.5 Parents’ financial records and related parental financial information.

2. Who has access to records:

2.1 The student (former or present) upon presentation of proper identification.

2.2 Other University officials, including faculty within the University or local educational agencies who have been determined by the responsible official to have legitimate educational interest.

2.3 Officials of other schools in which the student seeks to enroll, upon condition that the student is aware of the transfer, receive a copy of the record if desired, pays the appropriate fee, and has the opportunity to challenge the content of the record.

2.4 Authorized government officials as described in the Act.

2.5 Authorities to whom request for financial aid has been made.

2.6 State and local officials or authorities specifically required by the Act.

2.7 Authorized organizations conducting studies on behalf of educational agencies, provided such studies do not disclose personally identifiable materials.

2.8 Accrediting organizations.

2.9 Parents of a dependent student as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.

2.10 Authorized persons, if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons.

2.11 Compliance with judicial order or subpoena – the student is to be notified in advance of compliance.

3. Other than the routine in-office use of the record, the purpose for requesting access must be indicated.

4. The University maintains records in many media including but not limited to handwriting, print, tapes, microfilm, microfiche, and computer disks.

5. Policy on Review, Appeal, and Expungency of Record:

5.1 Upon receipt of a written request to review the record, an appointment will be arranged.

5.2 In the event that some item is challenged by the student, an appeal may be made, described by the particular office (e.g., in the case of an academic item, after meeting with the appropriate academic Dean, the matter may be pursued to the University Committee on Scholastic Standing for its recommendation to the Provost).

5.3 A favorable decision on the appeal would result in the item being expunged.

6. Copies of Records:

6.1 The student, upon payment of a $5 fee per item ($10 for a faxed copy), may obtain a copy of his or her academic transcript generated by the University.

6.2 Copies of records generated from other institutions must be secured from such institutions subject to their policies.

7. Student Directory Information:

7.1 Name, address, e-mail address, telephone listing, date, and place of birth.

7.2 Major field of study and class schedule.

7.3 Participation in officially recognized activities and sports, including weight and height of members of athletic teams.

7.4 Dates of attendance.

7.5 Distinguished academic performance, degrees and awards received, including dates.

7.6 Most recent previous educational agency or institution attended.

7.7 Photographic view or electronic images.

7.8 Unless the student requests to the contrary, all of the above directory information will be published by the University as appropriate. A request not to publish must be made annually in writing to the Office of the Registrar within two weeks of the start of the fall semester.

8. The privacy of Bryant students and their parents is protected under the authority of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-380) as amended (P.L.93-568), also known as the Buckley Amendment.

9. Waivers:

9.1 The University cannot require eligible students to waive their rights.

9.2 A student may waive the right of access to confidential statements submitted on or after January 1, 1975.

9.2.1 A student has the right to know the names of all persons making confidential recommendations. Such recommendations are used solely for the purpose for which they were intended.

9.2.2 Waivers may not be required as a condition for admission to, receipt of financial aid from, or receipt of any other services or benefits from such agency or institution of the University.

FERPA and Graded Student Work

Policy regarding the return of graded papers, tests, assignments, and projects:

Since the enactment of the FERPA rules on confidentiality, graded papers, exams and projects cannot be left outside of a faculty member’s office for anyone other than the target student to view. Any materials to be handed back to students should be done directly by the professor. Under no circumstances is it permissible for student assistants working in faculty office suites to handle such sensitive materials.

Student Records

Students’ academic records are maintained by the University and are a private matter between the student and the University. Disciplinary records are held separately from academic records and are maintained solely for the use of the University. All disciplinary records are maintained by the Dean of Students. These records are not forwarded outside the University, except with the permission of the student or by judicial order. Academic records are maintained permanently. Access to all records is limited. The guidelines and procedures for gaining access are stated under “Privacy Rights of Students.”

Educational records are maintained as follows:
DOCUMENTS OFFICE CONTACT
Academic Transcripts Office of the Registrar/Academic Records Ms. Susan McLacken
Admission (Applications) Office of Admission Ms. Michelle Cloutier
Alumni Relations Development Office Ms. Robin Warde
Athletics Chace Wellness and Athletic Center Mr. William Smith
Career Services/Placement Amica Center for Career Education Mr. Kevin Gaw
Counseling Counseling Services Ms. Noelle Harris
Disciplinary Records Student Affairs/                           Residence Life Dr. Inge-Lise Ameer
Tuition/Fees Bursar Ms. Michelle Murray
Financial Aid Financial Aid Office Mr. John Canning
Health Records Health Services Dr. Steven Hokeness
Housing Office of Residence Life Mr. John Denio
Immigration Intercultural Center Ms. Kaoru Paganelli
Library Services Douglas and Judith Krupp Library Ms. Laura Kohl
Public Safety Public Safety Office Mr. Stephen Bannon
Student Academic Records Office of the Registrar Ms. Susan McLacken
Student Advising Records Office of Undergraduate Advising Ms. Laurie Hazard
Registration Records Office of the Registrar Ms. Susan McLacken

Transcripts

A transcript is only released upon request of the student/ alumni/ae. You can order a transcript (official or unofficial) in three ways:

Option 1: On the internet.

The quickest and most convenient way to request a transcript is through the National Student Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse is available 24/7, offers secure transactions, and the ability to track your order.

  • To place an order for your academic transcript, simply log in to the  Clearinghouse secure site(studentclearinghouse.org). Once you place your order you will receive e-mail updates regarding the status of your request.  The processing time for transcripts is 3-5 business days.
  • The site will walk you through placing an order, including delivery options and fees.  You will be charged $5.00 per transcript along with the clearinghouse processing fees.
  • You may order transcripts using any major credit card.  Your card will only be charged after your order has been completed.
  • You may order as many transcripts as you like in a single session. The Clearinghouse will charge a fee per address.

Option 2:  In person.

  • You may complete a transcript request form located in the Office of the Registrar. The payment of $5.00 per copy may be made in cash, by check, or with a major credit card. Your transcript will be mailed within 3-5 days.
  • A Picture I.D. is required to order and pick up transcripts in person.

Option 3:  By mail.

  • You may request your transcript by sending a form/letter along with your $5.00 check or credit card number and expiration date to:

Bryant University – Office of the Registrar

1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917

  • Please identify yourself completely with your name, ID number, DOB, dates of attendance, and signature.

Please Note:

  • Students are required to clear all financial obligations due to the university and any other transcript “holds” before transcripts are mailed.
  • Official/unofficial transcripts will include all coursework completed at Bryant University.
  • Official/unofficial transcripts will also include Work-In-Progress (currently enrolled classes).
  • In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, records are not released without the written, signed authorization of the student.

Veterans Affairs

Certification of benefits is a service provided by the Veterans Benefit Coordinator in the Office of the Registrar. The office serves as a liaison between the University and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We advise student veterans concerning certain procedural requirements, and certify enrollment of student veterans to the Department of Veterans Affairs.