Cuesta College courses shall be graded using the grading symbols established by Title V based on a 4.0 grade point scale. Plus/minus grading was implemented in Fall 2008.

Grades are available for viewing in myCuesta, approximately four weeks after the last day of the term. Grades are not sent to students and may be viewed in myCuesta under the "View Grades" or "View Unofficial Transcripts" link on the Student tab and Steps to Success channel.

Grades, which carry a point value, are used in determining the grade point average (GPA) as follows:

Symbol Definition Grade Point4 Point Scale)
A Excellent 4.0 grade points
A-   3.7 grade points
B+   3.3 grade points
B Good 3.0 grade points
B-   2.7 grade points
C+   2.3 grade points
C Satisfactory 2.0 grade points
D+ Less than Satisfactory 1.3 grade points
D   1.0 grade point
D-   0.7 grade point
F Failing 0.0 grade point

 

In calculating students’ degree-applicable grade point averages, grades earned in nondegree applicable credit courses shall not be included. Grades earned in degree applicable credit courses from both native (Cuesta) and non-native regionally accredited institutions shall be included as they were awarded at that institution, including the grade of C- (1.7), and converted to semester unit values as needed.  Students may earn a C- (1.7) grade point average.

The following grades/symbols are not part of the GPA calculation:

Symbol Definition Description
P Passing  At least satisfactory C or 2.0.  Credits awarded not counted in GPA.  Prior to Fall 2008, this was a "CR" symbol for credit.
NP No Pass  Less than satisfacotry C or 2.0.  Credits not counted in GPA.  Prior to Fall 2008, this was a "NC" symbol for no credit.
I Incomplete  Incomplete - Incomplete academic work for unforeseeable, emergency and justifiable reasons at the end of the term may result in an “I” symbol being entered in the student’s record. The condition for removal of the “I” shall be stated by the instructor in a written contract. The incomplete contract shall contain the conditions for removal of the “I” and the grade assigned in lieu of its removal. A copy of the incomplete contract must be given to the student with a copy on file with the registrar. The contract remains on file until the assigned work has been completed and evaluated, or when the time limit for the completing the work has passed. The “I” must be made up before the end of the following regular semester or it will be considered as an “F” grade. The “I” symbol shall not be used in calculating units attempted nor for grade points. Students may appeal for an extension of time due to extenuating circumstances.
IP In Progress In Progress - The “IP” symbol shall be used to denote that the class extends beyond the normal end of an academic term. “IP” shall not be used in calculating grade point average. The "IP" symbol shall remain on the student’s permanent record in order to satisfy enrollment documentation. The appropriate evaluative symbol (grade) and unit credit shall be assigned and appear on the student’s record for the term in which the course is completed. If a student enrolled in an open-entry open-exit course is assigned an "IP" at the end of the term and does not re-enroll in that course during the subsequent term, the appropriate faculty will assign an evaluative symbol (grade).
RD Report Delayed Report Delayed - This symbol is assigned by the Director of Admissions and Records only. It is used when there is a delay in reporting grades due to circumstances beyond the control of the student. This is a temporary notation and is not used in calculating GPA.
W Withdrawal Withdrawal - The "W" symbol is assigned when a student officially withdraws between the beginning of the third and end of the twelfth week of instruction for full-semester courses. For courses less than 18-weeks in length, withdrawal must be made during the first 60 percent of the course. Students who withdraw prior to the second week of instruction for full-semester courses or within 20 percent of  a short course, shall have no notation ("W" or any other) on their record. The academic record of a student who remains in a class beyond the twelfth week or 60 percent of a short term course must reflect a symbol other than "W."
MW

Military Withdrawal

 Military Withdrawal - The "MW" symbol is assigned when a student who is a member of an active or reserve United States military service receives orders compelling a withdrawal from courses. Upon verification of such orders, an "MW" may be assigned at any time after the twelfth week for dropping classes. Military withdrawals shall not be counted in progress probation and dismissal calculations.
EW

Excused
Withdrawal

An “EW” is acceptable when a student withdraws from a course(s) due to reasons beyond their control, and includes verifiable documentation which may include but are not limited to, the following:

  1. job transfer outside of the geographical region;
  2. Illness in the family where the student is the primary caregiver;
  3. a student who is a member of an active or reserve United States military service receives orders compelling a withdrawal from courses;
  4. an incarcerated student in a California State Prison or County Jail is released from custody or involuntarily transferred before the end of the term (in the case of an incarcerated student, an excused withdrawal cannot be applied if the failure to complete the course(s) was the result of a student’s behavioral violation or if the student requested and was granted a mid-semester transfer-instructor of the course will determine applicability of EW for incarcerated students);
  5. the student is the subject of an immigration action;
  6. death of an immediate family member;
  7. Chronic or acute illness;
  8. accidents; or
  9. natural disasters directly affecting the student.

These withdrawals shall not be counted in progress probation and dismissal calculations. Nor shall it be counted towards the permitted number of withdrawals or counted as an enrollment attempt. A student may request an EW for only one course or all courses in a term depending on the reason for the request.