Explanation of the Grading Policy

New College uses narrative evaluations to provide students with rich, contextualized, individualized feedback on their strengths and weaknesses. Narratives should provide detailed information on the assignments and requirements of every course and on all aspects of course performance. The best narratives go beyond mere evaluation to offer feedback that will benefit the student in future activities. 

In addition, unless a student has elected the Pass/Fail option, noted below, the Instructor of Record must designate each student’s performance in the course as:
     (a) “strong satisfactory” (Sat+);
     (b) “satisfactory” (Sat);
     (c) “marginal satisfactory” (Sat-);
     (d) “unsatisfactory” (Unsat); or
     (e) “incomplete” (I)

Grading System
A student’s measure of academic achievement is recorded on the academic record based on the following grading system:

* The "P" grade is equivalent to a Marginal Satisfactory (C) or higher and the "FNC" grade is equal to an Unsatisfactory (Unsat). The P/FNC grades for courses are not used in GPA calculations.
** Grade not included when computing the GPA
*** The "I" grade will be treated as an F for GPA calculations until resolved with a final grade, at which time the GP A will be updated accordingly.
There is no official policy on the relation between the designation (i.e., Sat+, Sat, Sat-) and the percentage grade. Instructors of Record must clearly note the grading policy on the course syllabus.
Passing grades are Strong Satisfactory (A) through Marginal Satisfactory (C). Failing grades are Unsatisfactory (F) and Fail/No Credit (FNC). 
Pass/Fail Grade option
Subject to College degree program guidelines, students can take elective coursework and earn grades of P (Pass) or FNC (Fail/No Credit). A grade of P is equal to a C (2.0) or better. Grades earned under the P/FNC option do not carry grade point values and are not computed in the New College grade point average. Courses with a grade of P will count as credits earned in a degree program. Such grades are included in the student’s permanent academic record and are reflected on the transcript. The P/FNC grading option must be indicated at the time of registration and may not be changed after the Add/Drop period. After the P/FNC option is approved, the grade cannot revert to a letter grade. Students should therefore be advised accordingly when considering this option, as certain graduate programs may require letter grades in specific courses.

If a student chooses the P/F option they must be in good standing and not on academic probation. To elect the P/F option, students must obtain the approvals indicated on the form. Students can elect the P/F option for one course only each term; this option is in addition to courses that are only taught on an P/F basis. Courses taken to fulfill the general education requirements cannot be taken P/F.