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Lower Columbia College’s grading system provides a method to indicate a student’s performance and achievement in a variety of skills and programs.  The system provides for permanent record of grade evaluations, which reflect successful course and program completion.  The College operates on a quarter system.  The quarter hour of credit equals one unit of instruction.

 Instructors shall distribute a written course grading plan to all enrolled students at the beginning of each quarter.  Instructors are not obligated to use grading options, such as + or – in any specific course.

 Grades at Lower Columbia College are reported in numerical fractions to the nearest tenth. The numerical grades are based on the letter grade system and general equivalents are as follows:

Numeric Grade	Letter Grade Equivalent
4.0	A
3.7	A-
3.3	B+
3.0	B
2.7	B-
2.3	C+
2.0	C
1.7	C-
1.3	D+
1.0	D
0.0	F
0.0	I
0.0	N
0.0	P
0.0	W

Grade Symbols:

• I (Incomplete): 0 grade points/no credit. Incomplete grades may be issued only to those students whose work to date is passing, but not completed, at the end of the quarter. An instructor may submit a replacement grade up to one year from the date an incomplete grade was issued.
• N (Audit): 0 grade points/no credit. A student may enroll for no credit in any course as an auditor upon registration and payment of the regular fees. During the course of a quarter, a student may also change to audit status observing all of the required procedures for a change of registration. Auditors are exempt from taking examinations but may participate in course work.
• Passing or Failing
  • P = 0.0 grade points for satisfactory completion of a course numbered 50 or below, or a passing grade for a designated pass/fail course. Satisfactory grade is defined as "D letter grade or higher.
  • F = 0.0 grade points for failing a course.
• W (Withdrawal): 0 grade points/no credit. Students may initiate an official withdrawal prior to the date at which sixty percent of the quarter has passed and as published in the quarterly class schedule. Official withdrawals are the sole responsibility and prerogative of the student and must be initiated by the student.

310.1 Academic Suspension

These standards are used to identify students who experience academic difficulty and to provide additional support and assistance to improve academic standing. The policy also determines academic suspension in cases where students are unable to achieve satisfactory performance. 

 Students must obtain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better to earn degrees and certificates at Lower Columbia College. Students who fall below required quarterly and/or cumulative GPA requirements will be alerted at the end of the quarter regarding their academic standing. As necessary, additional information about resources and support for improving academic standing will be provided. If a student is academically suspended, they will receive information about academic reinstatement.

• Good Standing: Quarterly and cumulative GPA above 2.0
• Academic Warning: First quarter of a quarterly GPA below 2.0 and/or cumulative GPA below 2.0
• Academic Probation: Second consecutive quarterly GPA below 2.0 and/or cumulative GPA below 2.0
• Academic Probation (continued): Third consecutive quarterly GPA below 2.0 and/or cumulative GPA below 2.0
• Academic Suspension: Fourth consecutive quarterly GPA below 2.0 and/or cumulative GPA below 2.0

Students not in good academic standing may be required by the college to enroll in College Success or other courses as determined by the college to assist with academic success.

Students on academic suspension shall not be allowed to enroll in credit-bearing courses at the college for two consecutive quarters. Students who are academically suspended must petition for reinstatement to the Vice President of Student Services at least six weeks prior to the quarter the student is eligible to re-enter the college. Students returning from academic suspension will be placed on academic probation and will follow the academic standing policy upon their return. 

NOTE: Individual college programs and services, including but not limited to high school completion, financial aid, veteran programs, Transitional Studies, Running Start, and certain professional/technical programs may have different academic stan­dard requirements and appeal procedures. Students in these programs should contact their program advisor or specific department for information regarding those requirements.

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Historic Information

• 3/4/20 – Reviewed by Executive Leadership Team (ELT)
• 6/29/16 - Amended by ELT per SBCTC Policy (removed “V” Grade)
• Revised by Leadership Team on 11/30/15
• Adopted 11/25/13 by Leadership Team
• Adopted 2/23/09 (Replaces policies 403-403.4 approved 7/89
  • Replaces policies 403-403.4 approved July 1989

 

Resource/Reference/Procedure	Title	Unit Responsibility
LCC Catalog		VP Instruction
Academic Standards Committee Guidelines		VP Student Services