GRADES & GRADE APPEALS

---

The University of California, Berkeley, uses a plus and minus letter grade system on a four point scale. To determine your grade point average, use the following list of grades and grade point values:

1 unit of	A+ or A	4.0	C	2.0
	A-	3.7	C-	1.7
	B+	3.3	D+	1.3
	B	3.0	D	1.0
	B-	2.7	D-	0.7
	C+	2.3	F	0.0

Units for grades below C- cannot be counted toward the unit requirement for the MSW degree. The grade, however, is counted in the GPA.

Candidates for the MSW degree can take up to one-third of their total units on a non-letter grade basis. Currently two non-letter grade systems are in use at Berkeley: Pass/Not Pass and Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. Graduates may choose to enroll in any course on an S/U basis, "S" being equivalent to a letter grade of "B-" or better.

The one-third limitation applies only to your academic courses taken at Berkeley--your field work (which is graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) is not subject to this regulation. The one-third must be rounded down to the nearest whole number. For example, if you complete 29 units in 100 and 200 series classes, one-third rounded down to the nearest whole number provides 9 units maximum on a non-letter graded basis. Grade points are not awarded for a grade of Satisfactory but unit credit is given.

Grades will be posted by the Office of the Registrar shortly after the close of the semester. You may call Info-BEARS (642-9400) for access to your final grades after this posting period or access BEAR LINK at http://bearlink.berkeley.edu. Individual grades will not be given out by the School of Social Welfare or read over the telephone. If you wish, you may leave a stamped, self-addressed postcard with each instructor who will then mail your grade to you. Instructors return papers to students through the receptionist in 120 Haviland Hall.

Informal Grade Appeals

When a student receives a grade he or she believes unfair, the student can appeal as follows:

1. The student should first meet with the instructor to clarify reasons for the grade assignment and to appeal the grade if this is deemed appropriate.
   
   
2. If the appeal does not result in satisfactory action, the School's Dean, James Midgley, will mediate the dispute. The Dean, however, does not have the authority to require an instructor to change a grade.
   
   
3. If the result remains unsatisfactory, the student should speak with the Campus Ombudsperson (see the Campus Resources section of this Handbook).
   
   
4. If the Ombudsperson cannot resolve the appeal, the student may then submit a formal appeal to the Dean of the School of Social Welfare, subject to the conditions below.

Formal Grade Appeals

The only formal challenge of a grade permitted by University policy is when an instructor assigns a grade utilizing non-academic criteria (such as considerations of race, politics, religion, sex, or other factors not directly reflective of performance related to course requirements) or when sexual harassment or improper academic procedures unfairly affect a student's grade.

Formal appeals must be directed to the Dean of the School of Social Welfare, 120 Haviland Hall. The appeal must be accompanied by a written statement indicating the action being appealed, the grounds upon which the appeal is based, the relief requested, and any background information that the student deems pertinent to his or her case. The appeal must be filed with the Dean within two semesters of the alleged offense.

Further information on grade appeals can be found in the Academic Senate Regulations of the Berkeley Division, Section A207, available from Barbara Haden, or on the web at http://Amber.berkeley.edu:4205/docs/coci/appeals.html.

For information about student grievances and complaints not concerning grades, please see Appendix C.

Incomplete Grades

Occasionally circumstances beyond a student's control occur which prevent the completion of work in one or more courses. If this happens, you should discuss the possibility for an "Incomplete" with the instructor(s). An "Incomplete" may be assigned when a student's work has been of passing quality but is unfinished due to circumstances beyond their control. When the work is completed, the final grade is then posted.

The University only permits an Incomplete to be awarded when events beyond a student's control prevent course work from being completed. Illness, accidents and family emergencies are the usual causes. To request an "I" you must consult with the instructor concerning your circumstances prior to the date of the final exam or final course requirement. An Incomplete will not be assigned simply because a student needs additional time to complete course requirements.

When instructors agree to assign an Incomplete, they must report to the Associate Dean the reasons for the grade, the percentage of course work remaining to be done, and the plan and timetable for completing the course. This memorandum must be filed with Barbara Haden when grade sheets are turned in; a summary of the information must be inserted in the memorandum column of the grade sheet itself.

When course work is completed, students must obtain a petition to remove the Incomplete from Barbara Haden. Complete Section I of the petition and pay the $5.00 fee to the Cashier Station in 123 Sproul Hall. The School of Social Welfare will only accept petitions that bear the stamp of the University cashier. Return the petition to Barbara Haden, who will then secure the instructor's signature and the grade necessary to complete Section II. The petition will then be sent to the Office of the Registrar for processing. You will receive a copy of the completed petition in your mailbox.

School policy cautions that a student may not accumulate an excess number of Incompletes. In such situations, the Dean may recommend to the Graduate Division that a student be placed on academic probation subject to dismissal.