Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grading
The College Curriculum Committee may determine that traditional letter grading is inappropriate for a particular credit course. If so, the course will be designated S/U grading and will be described in the NWIC College Catalog. This grading mode is not appropriate in courses applied to the general education requirements or to courses in the student’s major area of concentration. Students are also cautioned that overuse of the S/U system may cause concern by employers and other four-year colleges.
Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory grading (S/U) is an option for students to pursue. If a student wishes to earn an S grade (this would be considered satisfactory and equivalent to a C- or above) or a U grade (D or below grade) the student can pursue this option and request this with their faculty. To designate a course as S/U students must request this with their Instructor for the course through the last day of the quarter. Once a student has earned S/U grades in courses totaling 15 credits*, they may no longer request grades under the S/U option. Faculty have the choice to offer S/U grading for their individual class or students.
Below is more information regarding S/U Grading:
GPA Impact: The S/U grade does not have any GPA weight or calculation on cumulative or quarterly GPA. S/U grading would not be factored in for Honors status during the quarter.
Credits Earned: A grade of S will result in an earned credit for the class and count towards graduation requirements. A grade of U will not count towards any earned credit and may need to be repeated.
Final Grading: All grades submitted are considered final. Grades will not be changed unless they adhere to our grade change policy.
*This excludes courses that are already designated as S/U grading as approved through the curriculum committee and courses approved for S/U grading through the course challenge process.
*Developmental Education courses (courses below 100 level) would be included in the 15 credit limit if they are regular graded courses.
* Effective beginning July 1, 2025. Any previous S/U grades earned prior to the effective date will not be included in the 15 credit limit.
Students can complete the request form and submit it to their instructor for approval. Once approved, the instructor will forward the request to Enrollment Services.
Students should be aware of their financial aid award and the impact this grading option will have on their eligibility. Students can contact financial aid for more information.