Grades reflect how well you have understood the course topics relative to the professor's expectations and learning outcomes.
It is important to remember that grades are not based on how much time you spend studying or how other students in the class perform. It is possible to spend a lot of time on a subject and still struggle to grasp it. Conversely, if many students achieve the expected learning outcomes, many can receive high grades.
Although professors announce grades, they are not official until approved by the Faculty. Sometimes, a professor may be asked to justify or adjust the grade distribution before final approval.
At 91ÑÇÉ«, you can view your grades in two ways: through your online grade report or by requesting an from the Registrar’s Office.
Understanding the Grading System
Grading System
| Grade | Grade Point | Per Cent Range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 9 | 90-100 | Exceptional |
| A | 8 | 80-89 | Excellent |
| B+ | 7 | 75-79 | Very Good |
| B | 6 | 70-74 | Good |
| C+ | 5 | 65-69 | Competent |
| C | 4 | 60-64 | Fairly Competent |
| D+ | 3 | 55-59 | Passing |
| D | 2 | 50-54 | Marginally Passing |
| E | 1 | 40-49 | Marginally Failing |
| F | 0 | 0-39 | Failing |
Note: only courses taken at 91ÑÇÉ« are included in the grade point averages (in other words, transfer credits does not count towards the GPA). The percentages indicated are not part of the official grading scheme and are meant only to be used as guidelines. The letter-grade system is the fundamental system of assessment of performance in undergraduate programs at 91ÑÇÉ«.
Note: all of the above-noted grades are used to calculate averages and credits.
Definitions of Pass and Fail
Passed courses
- A course is considered passed when a student earns a grade of D or better
- A passing grade means the course can count toward degree requirements.
- A passed course can also be used to meet prerequisites for future courses.
Failed courses
There are two failing grades in the undergraduate grading scheme:
- E – Marginal Failure
- F – Failure
Both E and F are failing grades, which means:
- The course does not count toward degree requirements
- The course does not satisfy prerequisites, even if the grade is close to passing
- Students may be required to repeat the course if it is needed for their program or as a prerequisite for a higher‑level course
Pass/Fail Grading Option
A Pass/Fail grading option is available to Faculty of Science undergraduate students under specific conditions.
Grading Options & Course Repeats
Repeated Courses
- Students may repeat a passed or failed course up to two times, for a maximum of three attempts at any course.
- Only the latest attempt will count for degree or certificate credit.
- All repeats are subject to the University’s .
Petition Options Related to Course Repeats
If a student cannot successfully complete all three allowed attempts of a course due to serious, documented extenuating circumstances, they may submit a petition requesting an exception. Common petition options include:
1. Repeat a Course for Degree Credit
Used when a student has already reached the maximum number of attempts.
2. Drop Course(s) Past the Published Deadline (Late Withdrawal)
A student may request to have earlier attempts removed from credit/GPA consideration due to exceptional circumstances. Approval is not guaranteed.
Approval for any petition is not guaranteed. Find full details on required documentation and processes under petitions.
GPA Requirements & Excellence
Academic Standards (Continuing GPA Requirements) for Bachelor and Honours Programs
Recognition of Excellence
Member of the Dean’s Honour Roll: A sessional credit-weighted grade point average of 7.50 or higher on a minimum of 24 credits, or, in the final year of study, a minimum of 18 credits.
First-Class Degrees: The Faculty of Science rewards exceptional students by designating their degrees "first class" or "first class with distinction".
| First-Class Degrees | GPA requirement |
|---|---|
| First-Class Standing | 7.50+ cumulative overall credit-weighted GPA |
| First Class with Distinction | Cumulative grade point average is 8.00+ (A) overall. |
Academic Resources
- Online grade report
- Grade Reappraisal: If you believe your work was marked incorrectly, act quickly before strict department deadlines pass.
- Academic decisions
- Academic Honesty: Refer to the 91ÑÇÉ« Senate regulations regarding academic honesty in the University Policies and Regulations section. For further information contact the Office of Science Academic Services.
Note: students cannot drop any courses in which they have been penalized for a breach of academic honesty. - : You can order your official university transcript online through the are able to at the .
Who to Contact for Grades Advice
1. Contact Professor
Your first source of information concerning grades is the professor of the course.
2. Contact Department
Second to this is the department responsible for offering the course. The Department will have advice and procedures to follow concerning grade reappraisals, for example.
3. Science Academic Services (SAS)
For concerns and issues arising from decisions related to your cumulative GPA, please contact Science Academic Services (SAS).
Need Help?
If you're looking for assistance with navigating your Grading and Evaluation, our team of academic advisors will be happy to help you!