Grades and Scholastic Standing

Unofficial Transcript

Each student’s transcript is the cumulative record of courses elected and grades earned while enrolled at the University of Michigan.

Unless withheld for infringement of rules, an individual may obtain an official copy of their transcript from the University Office of the Registrar at no charge. An unofficial copy of the transcript may be obtained through Wolverine Access.

Grades

The term grade point average (GPA) and the cumulative GPA are computed for each student at the end of each term and become part of the academic record. The grades are valued per hour of credit as follows:

Letter GradesHonor Points
A+4.0
A (excellent)4.0
A-3.7
B+3.3
B (good)3.0
B-2.7
C+2.3
C (satisfactory)2.0
C-1.7
D+1.3
D1.0
D-0.7
E (not passed)0.0
ED (unofficial drop)0.0

These items do not affect grade point averages:

  • Pass/Fail
    • P (passed) credit, no honor points
    • F (failed) no credit, no honor points
  • Credit/No Credit
    • CR (credit) credit, no honor points
    • NC (no credit) no credit, no honor points
  • Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
    • S (satisfactory) credit, no honor points
    • U (unsatisfactory) no credit, no honor points
  • Withdrawal/Drop
    • W (official withdrawal) no credit, no honor points
    • ED (dropped unofficially) no credit, no honor points
      • A notation of ED for a graded election has the same effect on the grade point average as does an E.
  • Incomplete/Work in Progress, “Y” grading for approved courses only
    • I (incomplete) no credit, no honor points, a notation of “I,” if not replaced by an I plus the passing grade, lapses to “E” the last day of classes for the next full term and, for graded elections, is computed into the term and cumulative grade point average.
    • Y (work in progress for no credit, no honor points, project approved to extend for two successive terms)
      • “Y” can only be used with courses specially approved by the College of Engineering Curriculum Committee as “two-term” sequence courses.
  • Official Audit (VI)
    • VI (Visitor) no credit, no honor points
  • Miscellaneous Notation (NR)
    • NR (no report) no credit, no honor points
      • A notation of “NR” becomes an “ED” and has the same effect on the grade point average as does an “E.” In the remainder of this section of the Bulletin, the term “a grade” applies to any of the grades “A+” through “E.”

The grade point average is computed by dividing the grade points (Michigan Honor Points or MHP) by the graded hours attempted (Michigan Semester Hours or MSH).

Grades associated with transfer credit are neither recorded nor used in computing the cumulative average. The only exception to this rule is for courses elected on the Ann Arbor campus.

Pass/Fail Information

Pass/Fail Option (Elective)

Elective courses used to satisfy the Intellectual Breadth requirement or courses to be used as General Electives can be taken pass/fail. A maximum of fourteen (14) credit hours can be used toward CoE degree(s) requirements. Pass/fail course elections are limited to two courses per full term (Fall or Winter) or one course in a half term (Spring or Summer). Course elections exceeding the full/half term limits will be reverted to the grade earned. Course/credit limits will be calculated in academic term order of election. Any course that is offered only on a pass/fail basis will not be counted in the above totals.

  1. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the decision to elect a course on a pass/fail basis or on a graded basis may be requested up to the last day of classes for the term. 
  2. Instructors are not notified of pass/fail elections; they will report grades as usual, “A+” through “E.” The University of Michigan Registrar’s Office will then translate grades as follows:
    • A grade of “C-” through “A+” in a course elected on a pass/fail basis is considered passing and will be recorded as “P” (pass—for credit toward the degree and no effect on the grade point average).
    • A grade of “D+” or lower in a course elected on a pass/fail basis is considered unsatisfactory and will be recorded as “F” (fail, no credit and no effect on grade point average).
  3. To be eligible for the Dean’s Honor List, a minimum of 12 credit hours (6 for a half term) must be elected for letter grades, with a grade point average of 3.5 or better.
  4. To be eligible for Recognition on the Diploma, a minimum of 45 hours of credit with grades must be completed with a grade point average of 3.2 or better.
  5. If a student completes a course for pass/fail and subsequently changes the degree program of study to one in which the course comes into conflict with the stated constraints for pass/fail elections in the new program, the course will be accepted in the new program as follows:
    • A record of “P” (pass) is regarded as a satisfactory completion of the program requirement with the exception of a course with a minimum grade of “C” for an enforced prerequisite (See CoE Course Guide for these courses).
    • A record of “F” (fail) is regarded as unsatisfactory completion and the course must be repeated for grades.

Pass/Fail course elections are limited to the following combinations: 

Full time student 12-18 credits, NOT to exceed a total of TWO courses:

  1. Two courses in a full term (Fall or Winter)
  2. One course in a full term (Fall or Winter) AND one course in a 7-week period (First or Second) 
  3. One course in a 7-week period (First and Second)   

Full time student 12-18 credits, NOT to exceed a total of TWO courses:

  1. Two courses in a full term (Spring/Summer)
  2. One course in a full term (Spring/Summer) AND one course in a 7-week period (Spring or Summer)
  3. One course in a half term (Spring and Summer)

Full time student 6-9 credits, NOT to exceed a total of ONE course:

  1. One course in a half term (Spring or Summer)  

Part time student 1-11 credits in Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer, 1-5 credits in Spring or Summer NOT to exceed a total of ONE course:

  1. One course in a full term (Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer)
  2. One course in a 7-week period (First 7-wk or Second 7-wk, Spring or Summer)  

NOTE:  A course offered only on a mandatory pass/fail basis is not included in the elective pass/fail maximum of fourteen (14) credit hours.

Courses Offered on a Pass/Fail Basis Only (Mandatory)

A department or instructor may offer an undergraduate pass/fail course on the following basis:

  1. The instructor will report the grade as pass/fail for each student enrolled.
  2. The grade will be treated the same as when the student chooses to elect a course on a pass/fail basis if the following conditions are satisfied:
    • The course is not required for any program or department.
    • It is the type of course which might be considered appropriate to a pass/fail grading system. Examples of such courses may include: design, survey-type, individual directed research, laboratory, or undergraduate seminars.
  3. The pass/fail nature of the course is announced by the instructor at the beginning of the term, with the exception of individual instruction courses.  See the University Registrar’s Office Schedule of Classes website.

C- and D Grades

Credit is generally allowed for a course in which a grade of “C-” or “D” is earned while enrolled in the College of Engineering, but there are restrictions:

  • The “D” level of performance (“D+” or lower) is not considered satisfactory for a course that is a prerequisite for a later-elected course; in this case, the course must be repeated before electing the next course unless waived by the program advisor.
  • A grade of “D+” and lower is not acceptable in any program for Engineering 100, Engineering 101.
  • A grade of “C-” is not a satisfactory level of performance in some programs for any required course.
  • “C-” grades in math, science or introductory engineering courses may negatively impact a student’s eligibility to declare a degree program. Please consult the rules for declaring a major.
  • It is the student’s responsibility to review course performance with their advisor as soon as the grade is known in order to make any changes that may be necessary in future course elections.

Transfer credit will be granted for courses taken outside the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor campus, provided a grade of “C” or better is earned. Transfer credit will be granted for courses, other than math, science, engineering, or other prerequisites for admission into the College of Engineering, taken in any academic unit at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor campus, provided a grade of “C-” or better is earned.

Students should be aware that some programs limit the number of “C-” grades or require that courses completed with a “C-” or lower grade be repeated. Some programs may have a higher minimum grade requirement for some courses.

E Grades

Neither credit nor Michigan Honor Points are granted for a course in which a student earns the grade of “E.” A course required by the student’s program must be repeated as soon as possible.

“Y” Grades

The “Y” grade can be assigned only for an approved extended multi-term class. “Y” grades are used if there is enrollment in the class spanning two terms, such as year-long research or design courses. The student is assigned a grade of “Y” for the first term and then at the end of second term is assigned the same final grade for both semesters, which replaced the “Y” in the first term.

Incompletes

Incompletes (denoted on the transcript as “I”) may be reported to indicate that the course has not been completed.  Situations can include:

  • Student is unable to complete any assignment/exam assigned in the course (due to illness or cause beyond the student’s control)
  • Final grade is temporarily withheld by the instructor 

The “I” mark will not be used in computing either the term or cumulative grade point averages. Scholastic standing at the end of any term is determined on the basis of work graded as “A+” through “E,” or “ED.” 

Requests for Incompletes must meet both of the following criteria:

  • Request is made before the end of the term (last day of classes)   (Exceptions are possible for extenuating circumstances that occur after the last day of classes.) 
  • Student has already finished at least 70% of coursework

Instructors are not obligated to grant the request and should only give consideration if the above criteria is met and they are willing to support the student to completion of the requirements.

If an Incomplete is agreed upon, both the student and instructor should mutually understand the reasons for the “I” mark and methods and timelines for completion of work, using the Student-Instructor Incomplete Agreement Form, to be filed with the student’s academic advisor.

The required work may be completed and the grade submitted by the instructor whether or not the student is enrolled in the subsequent term. (Students do not need to re-enroll in the course to finish an Incomplete.  If the student chooses to retake the class in its entirety rather than finish the Incomplete, they are encouraged to submit a retroactive withdrawal petition).  

The student should plan to complete the work as soon as possible. To secure credit, the required work must be completed no later than the end of the first full term (not including Spring or Summer terms) in which the student is enrolled after the term in which the “I” mark was recorded. It is the student’s responsibility to remind the instructor to submit a grade report through the grading system in Wolverine Access when the work is completed.  

If the student does complete the work within the allowed period, the Registrar will post the final grade on the transcript, with an “I” remaining next to the grade. If the final grade is not reported by the last day of classes, the University Registrar will automatically change the “I” to an “ILE”, (Incomplete lapsed to an E), which factors into the grade point average as a failing grade and no credit is received. Incomplete extensions must be arranged with the instructor. Forms are available on the College of Engineering Registrar’s Office website.

Any grade changes made to the student record as a result of Incompletes either being completed or lapsed will result in re-evaluation of a student’s academic record by the Scholastic Standing Committee and may result in changes to their academic standing.**Graduation: If a student has an Incomplete the term they are expected to graduate, the student will need to complete the work by the degree conferral date. If the work is not complete and the grade posted, the student will need to reapply for the following degree conferral term.

Other Irregularities

Irregularities associated with a failure to submit changes in academic status are identified on the student’s transcript by an appropriate designation such as “ED” (unofficial drop) or “NR” (no report). “NR” (no reports) are automatically converted to “ED” when entered into the grading system in Wolverine Access. An unofficial drop will be considered the same as an “E” in computing the term and cumulative averages and will affect the scholastic standing.

Repeating Courses

Unless a course is designated as repeatable, a student CANNOT repeat a course for credit that they have already passed (A+ through C, P, CR or S grade was earned). In exceptional cases, this rule may be waived by submitting a Petition for an Exception to College Rules through the Scholastic Standing Committee. If waived, and the student received a grade of C or above, a NFC (Not For Credit) code will be applied to the second attempt, unless the course is approved for repetition. Students will have no MSH, CTP, MHP, or GPA. If a student receives an NFC code for a course, there will be no financial aid! 

For students with a grade of C- through D- letter grade, then the repetition of this course will receive a REP code. (No CTP, yes MSH, MHP). Grades of E, F, NC, or U will receive a REP code. (Yes CTP, MSH, MHP).

Grade Earned in Prior AttemptCode associated with repeat Will a repeat attempt count toward CTP? Will a repeat attempt count toward MSH & MHP? Will a repeat attempt count toward GPA? Will a repeat attempt count toward Financial Aid? 
A+ through C (may not be repeated unless approved) NFC (Not for Credit) NoNoNo No
C- through D- REP (Repeat)NoYesYes (P/F – No)Yes* 
E, F, NC, or U REP (Repeat)YesYes Yes (P/F – No)Yes* 
Repeatable course which has exceeded the credit limit rule (maximum number of times it can be taken)NDC (Not for degree credit) NoYesYesNo

*Please note: Financial Aid will cover one REP attempt of a course (not NDC or NFC), but not additional attempts beyond that. Please see details on Repeated Classes and Financial Aid. 

Grade Point Averages

The term grade point average (GPA) and the cumulative GPA are computed for each student at the end of each term and become part of the academic record.

The grade point average is computed by dividing the grade points (Michigan Honor Points or MHP) by the graded hours attempted (Michigan Semester hours or MSH).

Grades associated with transfer credit are neither recorded nor used in the cumulative average. The only exception to this rule is for courses elected on the Ann Arbor campus.

Honor Point Deficit Calculator

(Michigan Semester Hours x 2) – Michigan Honor Points = Honor Point Deficit

Use cumulative totals to calculate cumulative deficit; use term totals to calculate term deficit. The result reflects the number of “B” credits needed to raise cumulative or semester GPA above 2.0.

The GPA is figured by dividing Michigan Honor Points (MHP) by Michigan Semester Hours (MSH): 25.6 MHP / 16.00 MSH = 1.600 GPA.

The term honor point deficit is calculated by multiplying MSH by 2 and subtracting MHP: (16.00 MSH x 2 ) – 25.60 MHP = 6.4 honor point deficit.

Thus, this student needs 6.4 credits of “B” grades to raise their term GPA above 2.00.

Academic Honors and Awards

The Dean’s List (College of Engineering)

Students pursuing an undergraduate degree who elect courses and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours with grades (6 for a half Spring or Summer term) and earn a 3.50 GPA term average or better, attain the distinction of the Dean’s List for the term.

University Honors (University of Michigan)

Students who earn a minimum of 14 credits in courses which include 12 credits elected on a graded basis (“A” through “E”), and who earn a 3.5 grade point average are eligible for University Honors. This Honor will be awarded each full term of classes (Fall & Winter terms). This distinction is posted on a student’s transcript by the University of Michigan Registrar’s Office. Students who receive this honor for two consecutive terms will be invited to attend the annual Honors Convocation.

James B. Angell Scholars (University of Michigan)

James B. Angell Scholars are students who earn all “A+,” “A,” or “A-” grades for two or more consecutive terms based on a minimum of 14 credits earned in courses which include 12 credits earned on a graded (“A”-“E” basis elected each term); all other grades must be “P,” “S,” or “CR”. Terms of fewer than 14 credits completed with grades of “A+,” “A,” “A-,” “P,” “S,” or “CR” enable a student to maintain standing as an Angell Scholar. Any other grades earned during a full or half-term make a student ineligible for this honor. Angell Scholar Honors are posted on a student’s transcript by the University Office of the Registrar, and recipients of this honor are invited to attend the annual Honors Convocation. Angell Scholars are selected and honored annually.

William J. Branstrom Freshman Prize (University of Michigan)

Students in the top five percent of the freshman class are eligible for this honor, administered by the University Registrar’s Office, if they have earned at least 14 graded credits at Michigan. A book with an inscribed nameplate is presented to each student. Recipients of this award are invited to attend the annual Honors Convocation.

Special Awards (College of Engineering)

The College gives special recognition to students with high scholastic achievement, with records of service to the College and its student organizations, or with evidence of extraordinary potential for leadership. Information on qualification requirements can be obtained in the Office of Student Affairs, 143 Chrysler Center.

Society Recognition (College of Engineering)

Distinguished scholarship and service to the College are also recognized by election to a number of honor societies.

Recognition on Diploma (College of Engineering)

A student graduating with at least 45 hours of credit completed, with grades, while enrolled in this College will be recommended for a degree(s) with recognition on the diploma if the student qualifies according to the following:

Grade Point Average Distinction

3.20 – 3.499……… cum laude

3.50 – 3.749……… magna cum laude

3.75 – 4.00……… summa cum laude

Grievances Procedures

Grade Grievances Procedure

If there is justification to question the accuracy of an assigned grade, the student should first pursue the matter with the instructor. The responsibility for the assignment of grades is primarily that of the instructor and should be settled between the student and instructor whenever possible. Further pursuit of a grade grievance should be addressed with the instructor’s Department Chair. The final appeal at the College level is by petition to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education or the Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Education.

Student Grievances

The College of Engineering has a grievance procedure to address student complaints.

Undergraduate and graduate students should follow these steps until a resolution is achieved:

  1. Attempt to resolve the grievance directly with the individual involved (faculty member, staff member, or fellow student).
  2. If the matter is unresolved, and the grievance is with a faculty member or teaching assistant, discuss the grievance with the appropriate Department Chair.
  3. If the issue is still unresolved, undergraduate students should see the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education and graduate students should see the Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Education who are both located in the Robert H. Lurie Engineering Center.
  4. All students have the right to appeal to the Dean of the College if they feel their grievances have not been resolved satisfactorily by another dean.

Scholastic Standing Committee

Scholastic Standing Committee

273 Chrysler Center
Phone: (734) 764-4139
Fax: (734) 764-6056
[email protected]

The Scholastic Standing Committee (SSC) is comprised of faculty representatives and academic services staff members. Faculty members are appointed for a three-year term. The SSC studies problems related to, and defines criteria for, scholastic performance. The College of Engineering is committed to your success and our Scholastic Standing Academic Status Indicators are no exception. These notations and restrictions were created to ensure students get individually crafted support and instructions in developing a successful continuing educational experience.

In addition the SSC reviews all petitions within the College, including the Petition for Reinstatement, the Petition for Late Drop, the Petition for Exception to College Rules, and the Petition for Retroactive Term Withdrawal.

Standards Governing Scholastic Standing for Unsatisfactory Performance

All students will be in one of the following classifications:

  • Good Standing: 2.00 GPA or better for both the term and the cumulative average.
  • Probation: a deficiency of up to 10 MHP for the term or cumulative average.
  • Enrollment Withheld: a deficiency of 10 MHP* or above for the term or cumulative average; or the third or greater incidence of probation. Students will have to petition for reinstatement in order to continue taking courses.
  • Reinstated on Probation: Students who have been reinstated after being placed on Enrollment Withheld or Mandatory Leave. Enrollment Withheld Continued: Reinstated student who was given two or more semesters to meet conditions. Enrollment Withheld Continued will show on transcript until all conditions have been fulfilled.
  • Mandatory Leave: SSC decision requiring a leave from the College of Engineering based upon unsatisfactory academic performance.  Students will have to petition for reinstatement to return after their required leave has been fulfilled.
  • Dismissal: SSC decision based upon failure to meet the conditions of reinstatement. Student is no longer eligible to enroll in the College of Engineering or petition the Scholastic Standing Committee for reinstatement.

Scholastic standing actions are put in place in order to bring attention to students who may be experiencing academic difficulties, due to various reasons, with the intention of providing support and resources to help restore the student to good academic standing.  The various scholastic standing actions will be determined as follows:

Probation

When a student has a deficiency between 0 and 10 MHPs for either the term or cumulative GPA, the student is placed on probation. The notation “Probation” will be entered on the unofficial transcript.

A student on probation may continue enrollment, but is required to meet with a program advisor (undeclared students are required to meet with an advisor in the Engineering Advising Center) regarding course selection for the following term and to develop a plan for academic improvement . Failure to do so will result in an academic hold on their account, preventing enrollment in future terms. Probation is a warning that there is a need to improve scholastic performance or further enrollment may be jeopardized.

Enrollment Withheld

A student will have the notation “Enrollment Withheld” placed on their transcript and will not be allowed to enroll in classes if: a) on Probation for the third or more times; or, b) has a deficiency of 10 or more MHP in either the term or the cumulative GPA. Enrollment Withheld is a serious warning that the student’s continued academic progress is in jeopardy, and the student should seek out appropriate resources and support in order to continue.

When a student is on Enrollment Withheld, the student must submit a petition to the Scholastic Standing Committee (SSC, Petitions – Engineering Center for Academic Success) requesting reinstatement. The student must meet with their program advisor to discuss the petition (undeclared students must meet with their advisor in the Engineering Advising Center). The petition must document the reasons for the unsatisfactory performance, as well as offer sufficient and convincing evidence that another opportunity is warranted. If illness has been a factor, students must include supporting information, including a statement (with dates) from their physician. Documentation supporting other contributing factors must also be included.

Reinstatement petitions must be submitted to the Scholastic Standing Committee via the online petition system. Failure to petition the SSC in time and follow the correct procedure will result in a forfeiture of the right to petition for reinstatement for that term and disenrollment from the College.

Students who were enrolled in the previous term as well as those returning from time away from College must submit their reinstatement petitions in accordance with the reinstatement deadlines which can be found at Petitions – Engineering Center for Academic Success.

Reinstatement petitions will not be accepted after the deadline.

It is the policy of the College and the SSC not to reinstate students with 128 credit hours solely for the purpose of improving their grade point average or removing an honor point deficit to meet the 2.0 cumulative grade point average requirement for the baccalaureate (B.S.E.) degree requirements.

Petitions submitted by students seeking reinstatement will be reviewed by two members of the SSC. The Committee will either approve the student’s reinstatement, or require a permanent or temporary dismissal. When a student is reinstated, one is required to sign a contract that states the conditions necessary to meet in order to continue in future terms.

Reinstated students are not permitted to register for future terms unless they can demonstrate they have met their conditions of reinstatement. Students must wait until grades are posted or complete a progress report, before early registration, available on the ECAS Progress Report website. The progress report must be submitted to the SSC, 273 Chrysler Center, once completed.

Questions, appointments and petition forms are handled by the SSC Administrator, 273 Chrysler Center, (734) 764-4139. All petitions are available online at Petitions – Engineering Center for Academic Success. It is recommended that students submit petitions and documentation via the online petition tool.

Students who are not reinstated or choose not to submit a reinstatement petition by the deadline will be placed on suspension and disenrolled.

Mandatory Leaves: Two (2) Enrollment Withheld (EW) notations require a student to take a leave from the College of Engineering for one (1) full term (Fall or Winter).* Any time a student’s GPA falls below a 2.0 after having been placed on Enrollment Withheld, they are subject to the next level of negative academic standing. (A student may also be required to take a mandatory leave with less than two EW notations if they have a very large deficit and/or have issues that need immediate attention.)

If a student with two EW’s intends to return to the College after the required leave, that individual is required to petition the Scholastic Standing Committee for reinstatement. The deadlines for submitting reinstatement petitions can be found at Petitions – Engineering Center for Academic Success.

* Students receiving their second EW at the end of the Winter term will not be eligible to enroll in the Spring, Summer, Spring-Summer or Fall terms at the University of Michigan.

Dismissal

Permanent dismissal from the College of Engineering is a Scholastic Standing Committee decision, with the final decision made by the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, based upon a student’s failure to meet the conditions of reinstatement. Students are no longer eligible to enroll in or attend the College of Engineering. Students also lose the privilege of petitioning the Scholastic Standing Committee for reinstatement.