Standards of Progress

Grading Rubric

Graduate students are graded in each course at the end of each semester as follows:

 

Grade Definition Numerical Equivalent

Conditional Grades And Pre-Fix Symbols:

• IN (Incomplete). May be assigned at the discretion of an instructor who believes that an extension of time is warranted for a student whose work is incomplete at the end of the semester.
• NG (No Grade). The NG grade is assigned by the Office of the Registrar. It is used when either the faculty member has left the grade blank or the student is credited with a blank grade because of a computer error. If a student who receives an NG grade fails to clear up the problem within the following semester, the NG grade will convert to an F, and the student's cumulative grade-point average will be recalculated accordingly
• P/NC (Pass/No Credit). Graduate programs may offer courses on a Pass/No Credit basis. A nonnumeric grade of Pass or No Credit is assigned to any student who has registered for his or her course on this basis.
• S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory). Used for 700-level courses of research carrying credit or in regular courses taken not-for-credit. 
• W (Withdrawal). Used when a student has withdrawn with permission of the proper authority.

The Graduate School-Newark requires that all students maintain a minimum cumulative B or better average during each semester of study in order to remain enrolled. If a student's academic performance falls below the expected standard, the program or the school may review the record and make recommendations concerning that student's future registration in the Graduate School-Newark. Failure to maintain the minimum cumulative average may result in academic dismissal.

Students may be required to terminate their graduate studies and withdraw from the Graduate School-Newark if they fail to meet the minimum requirements of the program or the school. Each student must satisfy conditional requirements established at the time of his or her admission. Failure to make continuous progress toward the attainment of the degree may constitute a basis for termination. In addition, nonadherence to the schedule of time limits for degrees may constitute a basis for termination.

When such problems occur, the program notifies the student in writing of the program's concern about his or her performance. Such a warning specifies the source of concern, the applicable program or graduate school rules at issue, and proposed actions to resolve the problem. Warnings specify when and on what basis the faculty is considering a recommendation for academic dismissal. A probationary period of one semester would be normal.

Following the probationary period, a student who fails to meet the provisions of the warning should be considered by the program faculty for dismissal. The student may be asked or may request to speak on his or her behalf at a meeting of the program faculty for that purpose. A member of the university community may assist the student in preparing his or her presentation. If the program faculty decides to dismiss the student, this decision must be issued in writing and must explain the reasons for the decision and list all warnings communicated to the student.

A student may appeal a dismissal notice to the Dean of the Graduate School-Newark. Anyone wishing to appeal a dismissal must submit that appeal in writing within 10 school days of receipt of the program faculty's decision.

(3) extenuating circumstances