Evaluation and Grades
Every student receives a criteria sheet in every course that contains midterm and final grades and comments by the instructor about the student’s performance.
Grading System The academic divisions regularly use a letter grading system, although in some instances a pass/fail option may be requested. Students must submit a request before the end of the drop/add period to take a course pass/fail. Professors may accommodate requests at their own discretion. An honors grade (H) in the Arts Division is the equivalent of an A. Unless the instructor of a course specifies otherwise, letter grades (and their grade-point equivalents) are defined as follows. (The grades A+, D+, and D- are not used at Bard.) - A, A– (4.0, 3.7) Excellent work
- B+, B, B– (3.3, 3.0, 2.7) Work that is more than satisfactory
- C+, C (2.3, 2.0) Competent work
- C–, D (1.7, 1.0) Performance that is poor, but deserving of credit
- F Failure to reach the standard required in the course for credit
Incomplete (I) Status All work for a course must be submitted no later than the date of the last class of the semester, except in extenuating medical or personal circumstances beyond a student’s control. In such situations, and only in such situations, a designation of Incomplete (I) may be granted by the professor at the end of the semester to allow a student extra time to complete the work of the course. It is recommended that an incomplete status not be maintained for more than one semester, but a professor may specify any date for the completion of the work. In the absence of specification, the registrar will assume that the deadline is the end of the semester after the one in which the course was taken. At the end of the time assigned, the I will be changed to a grade of F unless another default grade has been specified. Requests for grade changes at later dates may always be submitted to the Faculty Executive Committee.
Withdrawal (W) from Courses After the drop/add deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with the written consent of the instructor (using the proper form, available in the Office of the Registrar). Withdrawal from a course after the withdrawal deadline requires permission from the Faculty Executive Committee. In all cases of withdrawal, the course appears on the student’s criteria sheet and grade transcript with the designation of W.
Registration (R) Credit Students who wish to explore an area of interest may register for an R credit course (in addition to their regular credit courses), which will be entered on their record but does not earn credits toward graduation. To receive the R credit, a student’s attendance must meet the requirements of the instructor.
Procedures for Appealing Moderation and Grade Decisions In appealing a Moderation or grade decision, the following procedures should be undertaken by a student before he or she brings a complaint to the Grievance Committee.
The procedure for appealing moderation is:
1. The student appeals to the Moderation board with the divisional chair present.
2. If not satisfied, the student appeals to the Dean of Studies. The Dean prepares a case for the student and presents this case at the next Faculty Executive Committee meeting. The Faculty Executive Committee makes a recommendation on the case, which is transmitted in writing to the student by the Dean.
3. If not satisfied with that recommendation, the student appeals in writing, outlining the reasons for the appeal, to the Grievance Committee. The student must present proof of prejudicial or capricious academic evaluation by the Moderation board. Otherwise, the committee has no obligation to hear the case.
4. The committee holds a hearing on the case under the guidelines outlined under Hearing of Appeals. The student, the Moderation board members, and any other witnesses must be present at the hearing.
5. The committee meets in executive session and reaches its decision. The decision is limited to acceptance of the Moderation board’s decision, deferral when possible, or re-Moderation. This decision is binding and is transmitted in writing to the Dean of Studies.
6. The Dean of Studies formally notifies the student of the outcome.
The procedure for appealing a grade is:
1. The student appeals the grade to the faculty member.
2. If not satisfied, the student appeals to the divisional chair.
3. If not satisfied, the student appeals to the Faculty Executive Committee.
4. If not satisfied, the student appeals in writing, outlining the reasons for the appeal, to the Grievance Committee. The student must present proof of prejudice or capricious academic evaluation by the faculty member. Otherwise the committee has no obligation to hear the case.
5. The Committee will meet with the student and faculty member concerned and reach its decision. This decision is binding and is transmitted in writing to the Dean of Studies.
6. The Dean of Studies formally notifies the student of the outcome.
This policy is subject to change and revision during the year upon approval of faculty, students, and administration.
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