Grading Policies
Faculty Initiated Withdrawals
A faculty member may withdraw a student who is excessively absent up to the 70th percent point of the term. After the 70th percent point, neither the faculty member nor the student can process a withdrawal and a final grade may be assigned. The faculty member will withdraw a student who has not attended a class meeting during the first week. The faculty member may assign a grade of Early F to a student who is excessively absent.
Early F Grade Assignment
The faculty member will be permitted to assign an Early F to a student who meets any of the following criteria:
1. A student who has stopped attending a class in which the faculty member does not process withdrawals;
2. A student who stops attending a class after the 70th percent point of the class;
3. A student who stops attending a course being attempted for the third time;
4. A student who has been determined to be cheating on any assignment or examination; or
5. A student who has plagiarized any written assignment.
A student who has been assigned the Early F for non-attendance will be provided an opportunity to adjust the F to a W (student withdrawal). The F must remain in third-attempt courses, in cases where the student does not request the adjustment prior to the established withdrawal deadline, and in cases where the F is assigned for cheating or plagiarism. If the adjustment is processed, the last date of attendance as reported by the faculty member of record will remain. A student who has been assigned an F as a result of cheating or plagiarism does not have the option of requesting an adjustment to W but may dispute the grade assigned by following the grade grievance process.
Under extenuating circumstances, a student will have an opportunity to appeal for late withdrawal after the 70th percent point of the class. The Student Academic Appeals Committee will review these appeals. Information regarding the appeal process may be obtained in any registration office.
Reinstatement
A student who is withdrawn for excessive absences or assigned the Early F may discuss the option for reinstatement with the faculty member. A student who does not attend the first week of class and is withdrawn in accordance with the No-Show procedure may discuss the option for reinstatement with the faculty member. If the faculty member does not agree to the request for continued enrollment in the class, the student may petition the Student Academic Appeals Committee for reinstatement.
Change of Grade
Grade changes shall not be made after one year following the end of the term in which the course was taken, except in cases of College error or administrative approval.
Students Receiving Veterans Benefits
A student receiving benefits from the Veterans Administration is required to abide by the College Attendance Policy. If the student exceeds the number of absences permitted and does not have the faculty member’s approval, certification will be terminated.
College Trips
A student who is representing the College on official business, including field trips, will not be counted absent provided a prior notice is given to the faculty member and any missed work is completed.
Special Programs
In certain specialized programs, such as the health-related programs, licensure, certification, or accreditation requirements mandate fewer absences than the College normally permits. A student enrolled in one of these programs is informed of these externally imposed attendance requirements. If these requirements are exceeded, the student will not be withdrawn from academic courses but may be withdrawn from the specific program.
Academic Grade Amnesty
A credit student with previous coursework that is ten (10) years of age or older may seek Academic Grade Amnesty (AGA), which will remove the effect of those credits on the cumulative grade point average.
AGA may be granted only once in a student’s academic career. If granted, AGA applies to all credits and grades that are ten or more years of age. The student may not select specific terms, specific courses, or specific grades for amnesty. AGA will apply to all coursework that is ten years of age and older from the date AGA is granted.
If a student has already earned a degree or certificate, Academic Grade Amnesty will not be permitted if it results in the forgiveness of courses used for the previously earned degree or certificate.
All courses and grades affected by AGA will remain on the official Pensacola State College transcript, even though the grades are not used in calculating the cumulative grade point average. A notation of the Academic Grade Amnesty will be posted to the student’s record and will appear on the official transcript.
AGA granted at Pensacola State College may not be honored in the transfer process. Other institutions may consider the older credits and grades when evaluating a student’s Pensacola State College transcript. A student seeking AGA is encouraged to discuss the matter with representatives of the institution to which transfer is planned.
AGA has no effect on federal and state student financial aid standards of academic progress.
Any student requesting AGA is required to meet with an advisor before submitting the request for AGA.
Final Exams
Final examinations are administered during the final examination week at the end of each term at the dates and times published on the Pensacola State College website as well as at the designated date and time during the mini-sessions. It is each student’s responsibility to know when and where the final examination is scheduled and to be present and on time with all required materials. The administration of a final examination at any time other than the published final examination period is a violation of College procedure. However, a change to the published examination date and time may be made by the course faculty member, with department head approval, during the scheduled examination week if an examination is scheduled on a non-class day or if simultaneous examinations are scheduled. A student may not attempt a final examination twice for a single class. Any examination in a distance learning course must be scheduled in a way that will not hinder any student’s participation in traditionally delivered courses or examinations.
Late Examinations
In the event of an individual student’s absence for a final examination in any class due to illness, or other reason approved by the course faculty member prior to the exam, a grade of I (incomplete) may be assigned by the instructor of record and a deferred examination may be given.