 | TL;DR: Evaluation depends on overall student performance. While the particulars of evaluation might differ between classes, it will usually depend on the successful completion of all requirements and student engagement. |
Some requirements are weighed heavier in evaluation, but all are essential to successful completion of a class. I attempt to employ a holistic form of grading that allows for student failure and improvement throughout the semester.
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For example, a student might do well on a final exam, but unsuccessfully pass the majority of reading quizzes. While a final tally of points might show this student was successful, in reality he has not passed all requirements, so may still fail the course.
Grades
Letter grades are based upon a traditional ten-point scale and the holistic, qualitative evaluation of me, the professor.[1] See individual course descriptions for specific requirements.
Grades are your responsibility, so check them regularly . If there’s ever a question concerning your grades or my evaluation process, please ask me. Also, if you ever see an error in your reported grades, please bring it to my attention as quickly as possible. Finally, if you have an issue with a final grade received in a course, please contact me before initiating a formal grievance. If there was an error, we can likely work it out.
Quantitative
Numerical grades are based on a point system. Each assignment will have a point value; the number of points will be added together at the end of the semester to see the maximum point value of the class. Your points will be divided by the maximum to get your final percentage.
Example of Point System: If the maximum value of all the points in a course is 200, and your points add up to 150, your final numerical grade will be a 75%, or a “C” (150 ÷ 200 = .75).
Grades have the following breakdown:
| A | 90–100% | Exceptional, goes beyond assignment requirements |
|---|---|---|
| B | 80–89% | Good, goes beyond assignment requirements, but has room for improvement |
| C | 70–79% | Average, meets assignment requirements but has more room for improvement |
| D | 60–69% | Below average, but meets most requirements; usually some issue keeps it from being satisfactory |
| F | 0–59% | Unacceptable |
Qualitative
Numerical grades are only part of the picture. I may also supply a holistic, qualitative evaluation based on a student’s progress in the course. For example, a student’s final numerical grade might total a 78%, but her progress, attendance, enthusiasm, engagement, and overall contentiousness show a performance not reflected in the numbers.[2] It is my prerogative, in this instance, to consider these extra factors in assessment. A quantitative evaluation will only result in an improved grade and is never used as a punitive measure.
Checking Your Grades
The best way to find out how you’re doing in the course is to discuss your progress with me, but I know this is not always possible or convenient, especially for online courses. I have no problem apprising you of your current standing in class, but I prefer to discuss grades in-person.
That said, you may request an overview of your standing via email, and I can send you a progress report at any time. You should contact me if you think there’s an error in your grade, or if I have overlooked something. Please be as specific as possible. Also, you might want to check my expectations for written work and how those expectations correspond to letter grades.
 | Never ask about or discuss grades in a public forum, like Wikipedia. Because of FERPA, I cannot answer questions this way and will direct you to communicate with me privately. |
Students may meet with me via Zoom to discuss grades. Before panicking or getting upset about any “harsh” evaluation, it’s always a good idea just to ask me about it.
Incompletes
This course will strictly abide by University and departmental policies regarding incompletes:
| “ | An I stands for an Incomplete and indicates that the student for non-academic reasons was unable to complete the requirements for a course. The instructor of the course and the student are to arrange for the course’s completion before the midterm of the next semester the student is enrolled or by the end of one calendar year if the student is not enrolled. If the I is not removed in the defined time period, a grade of F is assigned to the course. | ” |
An incomplete can only be given if a small portion of the course work is missing and if you’re doing otherwise satisfactory work. “I” grades are not assigned automatically, but only upon consultation with me. You have one semester to remove an “I” grade; otherwise it automatically becomes an “F.”
Faculty Evaluations
Student evaluations of faculty are administered online at the end of each term/session for all courses with five or more students. Students will receive an email containing a link to a survey for each course in which they are enrolled. All responses are anonymous.
Notes
- ↑ For a more detailed explanation of grades, see “Letter Grade Descriptions.”
- ↑ See “How to Do Well in My Class” and “Student Behavior” for ways to help with a qualitative assessment.
