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Letter grades corresponding to the level of achievement in each course are assigned based on the results of examinations, required coursework, and, as applicable, other criteria established for each course as follows. Individual faculty have the prerogative to use a plus/minus letter grading system or a whole letter grading system.
Courses are recorded in terms of quarter hour(s) of credit. Multiplication of the credits for a course by the numeric value for the grade awarded gives the number of quality points earned for a course. Dividing the total number of quality points earned in courses by the total number of credits in those courses gives the grade point average.
Grades reported as "W" and "P" are recorded on a student's permanent record but are not used in the calculation of a student's grade point average. Similarly, a grade of "I" or "IP" may be assigned and is used only when special/extenuating circumstances exist (e.g., prolonged illness, family crisis, etc.), which prevent a student from completing the necessary course requirements on time in order to receive a grade.
If a student receives an "F" grade in a course, that grade will be recorded on the student's transcript. This deficiency may be corrected as recommended by the Student Promotion and Graduation Committee by repeating the failed course. When a course is repeated, the student may earn a maximum grade of "C". Following successful repetition of the course, the permanent record of the student will be updated to indicate that the failed course has been successfully repeated.
If a student is required or recommended, by the Student Promotion Graduation Committee, to retake a course that was previously passed, the grade earned each time is recorded, but only the most recent grade is used in the computation of the student's cumulative grade point average.
Grade and Quality Point Scale
| Grade | Quality Points (per credit) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| A | 4.000 | - |
| A- | 3.670 | - |
| B+ | 3.330 | - |
| B | 3.000 | - |
| B- | 2.670 | - |
| C+ | 2.330 | - |
| C | 2.000 | - |
| F | 0.000 | - |
| I | 0.000 | An Incomplete (I) grade may be assigned by an instructor when a student's work is of passing quality but incomplete, or if a student qualifies for re-examination. It is the responsibility of the student to request an extension from the course instructor. By assigning an "I" grade, it is implied that an instructor agrees that the student has a valid reason and should be given additional time to complete required coursework. All incomplete (I) grades will be resolved within 10 calendar days from the end of final exams for the quarter. In the case of courses ending prior to final exam week, it is the obligation of the course director to monitor the use and resolution of the incomplete grade with notice to the Registrar. |
| IP | 0.000 | An In-Progress (IP) grade may be assigned when extenuating circumstances make it necessary to extend the grade completion period past 10 calendar days (e.g. illness, family death). Authorization by the Dean is required, and the completion period should not typically exceed one quarter. |
| P | 0.000 | Pass (for a pass/fail course); designation indicates that the student has made satisfactory progress or completed required coursework satisfactorily. Grade of "P" is counted toward credit hour accruals for graduation but does not affect GPA calculations. |
| F | 0.000 | Fail (for a pass/fail course); designation indicates that the student has not made satisfactory progress or completed required coursework satisfactorily. Grade of "F" is counted toward credit hour accruals as attempted but not completed. Grade of "F" is calculated into the GPA (quality points are lowered due to unsuccessful course completion). |
| W | 0.000 | Withdrawal is given if the work completed up to the time of withdrawal was satisfactory. This grade is not counted in any GPA calculation and is not counted in credit hour accruals for graduation |
| WF | 0.000 | Withdrawal/Failing is given if the work completed up to the time of withdrawal is below the passing grade level for the Program/School. This grade is not counted in any GPA calculation and is not counted in credit hour accruals for graduation. "WF" may be considered as a failure by a Student Academic Review Committee. Multiple "F's" and "WF's" can be grounds for dismissal. |
| AU | 0.000 | This designation indicates an audited course in which a student is registered with the understanding that neither academic credit nor a grade is earned. The status of the course cannot be changed from audit to full credit after the start of the quarter. The designation AU is not counted in the GPA calculation. |
| AP | This designation indicates the decision of a college to award academic credit that precludes a student from taking required course work. The designation of Advanced Placement (AP) is applied toward credit hour accruals, but is not counted in the GPA calculation. |
Graduation Honors
Graduation honors are awarded to graduating students who have distinguished themselves by virtue of high academic achievement while enrolled in the professional program at Midwestern University Chicago College of Optometry. Only grades from the academic courses taken at the University will be included in determining graduation honors. Grades in OPTOD 1770, 1771, 1772, 1773, 1800, 1810, 1820, and 1830 are not included in the calculation of the didactic course grade point average for graduation honors. Students who receive a failing grade in any course will not be eligible for graduation honors regardless of GPA.
| Grade Point Average for Didactic Courses | Graduation Honor |
|---|---|
| >3.90 | Summa cum laude |
| 3.75 - 3.89 | Magna cum laude |
| 3.50 – 3.74 | Cum laude |
Grade Appeals
A student whose academic progress will be subject to review by the Student Promotion and Graduation Committee and who wishes to appeal a grade must do so in an expedited manner prior to the scheduled meeting of the committee. In this case, an appeal of a didactic course grade must be submitted within one business day following posting of the grade and must be based on one of the following premises:
- Factual errors in course assessment tools
- Mathematical error in calculating the final grade
- Bias
The course director must act on this appeal within one business day. If the appeal is denied, the student has the right to appeal the decision to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs should notify the student of the Associate Dean's decision within one business day following receipt of the student's reappeal. The decision of the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs is final.
An appeal of a failing clinical clerkship or rotation grade must be submitted within two business days after a grade for rotation is posted. The course director must act on this appeal within two business days. If the appeal is denied, the student has the right to appeal the decision to the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs. The Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs should notify the student of the Associate Dean's decision within one business day following receipt of the student's reappeal. The decision of the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs is final.
Any extension of the time for student appeal or course director's decision must be approved by the College Dean. All appeals and decisions must be communicated in written form.
Technology
Students must have a laptop computer that has internet capability to use in various learning activities. It is required that students bring their laptops to orientation for verification, and to download software needed to complete certain in-class and laboratory assignments.