Grading

Instructors determine the grades that each student will receive for work done under their instruction. Final grades must be submited online at alvin.newschool.edu.

See also:

"Why is Grading Important?"

"Resources" for information about using ALVIN, including grading instructions.

Grading Criteria
Each instructor has the right and responsibility to devise an equitable method for awarding grades. Depending on the character of the class, final grades should reflect some or all of the following elements: concept, technical facility, execution and individual progress. Some consideration should be given to the credit value awarded to the course and its place in the curriculum; freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior level courses each have unique criteria.

Clearly written grading criteria should be included in the syllabus and instructors should indicate clearly to the class at the start of the semester what method of evaluating work and awarding grades will be used.

Grade Descriptions
Grade descriptions are available in the Parsons Student Handbook, and can also be found online at the links below:

• Undergraduate
• Graduate

Mid-Semester Evaluations
In most departments, progress is reviewed in the middle of each semester. Faculty notify students of their current academic standing in a class by issuing mid-semester evaluations. Copies are kept in departmental files, but the evaluations do not become part of the permanent academic record.

Failing Grades
Failing grades are given for required work that is not submitted, for incomplete final projects or for examinations that are not taken (without prior notification and approval). Final semester grades are determined by averaging grades received throughout the semester. Make-up work or completion of missed examinations may be permitted only with the approval of the instructor and the major department Chair.

Incompletes
A grade of I (Incomplete), signifying a temporary deferment of a regular grade, may be assigned when coursework has been delayed at the end of the semester for unavoidable and legitimate reasons. Incomplete grades are given only with the written approval of the instructor and the major department Chair. The Request for an Incomplete Grade form must be filled out by the student and instructor prior to the end of the semester.

For undergraduate students, if a grade of incomplete is approved, outstanding work must be submitted by the seventh week of the following Fall semester (for Spring and Summer courses) or by the seventh week of the following Spring semester (for Fall courses). Otherwise, a grade of I will automatically convert to a permanent unofficial withdrawal (WF) after a period of four weeks. For graduate students, the maximum deadline for completion of an incomplete is one year though a shorter period may be imposed at the discretion of the instructor.

Instructors may not post an Incomplete ("I") in ALVIN unless they have first completed the incomplete approval process. Please contact your department for complete instructions and approval forms for awarding an incomplete. Students who have not been attending your class should have already been reported to your department. If a possible violation of the academic integrity policy comes to your attention at the end of term, and the required discussion with the student is therefore post-poned, a temporary grade of Incomplete ("I") may be entered.

Changes of Grade
Errors on final grades may be revised by the instructor with the approval of the major department Chair up to one semester following completion of the course. After that semester has elapsed, all grades become a permanent part of the academic record and no changes will be allowed unless authorized by a Dean. Faculty can not submit a change of grade through ALVIN.

Download change of grade forms at ALVIN.

Grade Appeals
Students may petition for an academic grade review by following the procedure outlined below within sixty days after the grade was issued. Before deciding to appeal for a grade change, the student should request a verbal explanation of the basis of the grade from the instructor. If the instructor is unavailable by phone, or for an appointment, the explanation may be requested and provided by email.

If the student is not satisfied with the explanation, the student may appeal the grade as follows:

• The student submits a letter (hard copy, not email) outlining any questions and/or objections to the faculty member, with a copy to the department Chair or Director. If the faculty member is also the Chair or Director, the copy will be sent to the Assistant Dean.
• The instructor submits a written response to the student’s letter within one month of receipt, with a copy to the department Chair, or the Assistant Dean if the faculty member is also the Chair or Director.

If the student is still unsatisfied after the faculty member’s written response, the department Chair will review both letters, clarify any outstanding questions or issues and make a determination about the grade. Some cases may also be reviewed and evaluated by the Assistant Dean, whose decision will be final. The review will test the fairness and effectiveness of the grading procedure used. Actual coursework will not, under normal circumstances, be re-evaluated by the Assistant Dean.

Grade Point Average
For information on grade point average (GPA) and the numerical value of each grade, see the Office of the New School University Registrar page of the New School web site.

Final Grades Must Be Submitted Within One (1) Week of the Last Class
All faculty are required and responsible for grading all students within one week of the last day of class. To ease the process of reporting grades, all grading will be done on-line at http://alvin.newschool.edu/. Parsons administration will make every effort to help you comply with grading deadlines.

All students must receive a grade. If you are not prepared to grade a student on your list- or a student’s name appears on your list in error- please assign that student a “WF” (“unofficial withdrawal/withdrawal failing”).

If a faculty member fails to post grades within one week of the last day of class, he or she will receive a written warning from the Office of Academic Development and Planning. If a faculty member receives a second warning he or she will be ineligible to teach in any department at Parsons for one semester. A faculty member failing to post grades within a week for a third time will be ineligible for teaching at Parsons for an entire academic year.

Faculty Responsibilities (see above for details)

• Include clearly written grading criteria in your syllabus at the beginning of the semester.
• Discuss your grading criteria and policy with your students during your first class meeting.
• Read the Parsons Grade Descriptions and assign grades accordingly.
• Submit final grades for all students within one week of the last class via ALVIN.