The first week of class all instructors should indicate in writing their standards and criteria for grading and should state clearly how the final grade is to be determined. Students should know how much their final grade is affected by attendance, class participation, examinations, and other assignments. Students should also be informed in writing of penalties for missed exams and policies concerning make-up exams and submission of late assignments. A clear, written explanation of grading policies discourages student complaints and will serve as documentation for the instructor in the event a student chooses to appeal a grade. All of this information should be included in your course syllabus.

All students active after the twelfth week of a regular semester (or the fifth week of a summer session) must be awarded grades of A, B, C, D, F, or I (Incomplete). For courses designated as credit-no credit courses, the symbols CR or NC will be used.

"Incomplete" grades can only be given with the prior approval of the dean of admissions and records and only when the student is able to show that illness, accident, emergency, or special circumstances beyond the student's control prevent the completion of immediate "end of semester" course requirements. The student, rather than the instructor, must initiate the incomplete form.

The "incomplete" grade is not to be used to extend deadlines that the student might reasonably be expected to meet. A student must make up an "incomplete" grade no later than one year from the time it was assigned. The instructor must indicate at the time the "incomplete" grade is given the conditions for removal of the "incomplete" and the grade to be assigned if those conditions are not met.

The California Educational Code requires that students be given the grade they earn based on accumulated points. It is against SMC policy to give a student a D or F if they have earned a higher grade (students will sometimes negotiate for a D or F if they have earned a C so that they can retake the course and try for a higher grade).

If a student has a grade complaint that you cannot resolve, send the student to see the department chair. Grade disputes that cannot be resolved by the chair are referred to Lucy Kluckhohn (Extension 4713), or Tina Feiger (Extension 3986) College Ombudspersons, who will endeavor to settle the dispute through informal discussion with the instructor and the student. If the problem cannot be resolved through her efforts, a more formal procedure is available to the student through the dean of admissions and records. Only the instructor may change a grade unless the student is able to convince a committee of faculty, students, and administrators to make a recommendation for an administrative grade change to the Superintendent/President. Recommendations for grade changes must be based upon provisions of the California Education Code that allow changes only in cases of (l) bad faith, (2) fraud, (3) incompetence, or (4) mistake.

Be sure to turn in your final grade rosters to the Admissions and Records Office by the published deadline (usually the last day of Final exams). Also give a copy of your final grade rosters to the department chair.