17 CONVERSION OF DEGREE AND CUMULATIVE GPAS
There will be a conversion method applied to the Degree GPA and Cumulative GPA values carried forward by continuing undergraduate students from the previous grading policy, in order to derive an appropriate GPA for each student under the new 2014/2015 Grading Policy. The guidelines of the 2014/2015 Grading Policy and adjustments (as per the respective dates of effect) will then be in effect for all future courses of study.
The Degree GPA is used to determine your class of degree awarded at the end of your programme of study. It is based on grades earned at the advanced level of study (Level II, III, etc.). Exceptions are undergraduate programmes where computation is based on grades earned at all levels of study.
The Cumulative GPA represents your overall performance in your programme of study, taking into account grades earned at all levels (I, II, III, etc.) of study.
18WHY THE CONVERSION IS NECESSARY
Due to the changes in the grade bands, quality points and associated percentage marks, and the passing mark under the 2014/2015 Grading Policy and subsequent adjustments, grades earned under this policy would not equate with grades earned under the previous grading policy. To bring the results of the two grading policies into equivalency for computation of GPAs, two options were extensively researched by the University:
- conversion of students' academic history at the course level for all courses taken prior to academic year 2014/2015
- conversion at the degree and cumulative GPA level
The findings of our research indicated that Option 2 was the best solution to implement, as it would ensure the following:
- maintaining of the integrity of the grading information for courses completed under the previous grading policy
- maintaining of the comparability of grading standards under the 2014/2015 grading policy and the previous grading policy
- promotion of transparency through application of formulae that are theoretically and mathematically sound
- preservation of the University's reputation as a premier tertiary education institution
19STUDENTS IMPACTED BY BOTH THE 2014/2015 GRADING POLICY AND THE CONVERSION
The majority of continuing undergraduate students enrolled in programmes governed by GPA regulations will be impacted by both the 2014/2015 grading policy and the conversion. However, the University wishes to draw your attention to a few unique programmes that are time specific and that are also impacted by both the 2014/2015 grading policy and the conversion. These programmes are:
Mona Campus:
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy for students enrolled prior to academic year 2008/2009
- Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Imaging (Radiography) for students enrolled prior to academic year 2008/2009
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing for students enrolled prior to academic year 2009/2010
St. Augustine Campus:
- Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy for student enrolled prior to academic year 2011/2012
Continuing students impacted by both the 2014/2015 grading policy and the conversion, and whose academic standing as of the end of academic year 2013/2014 is 'Warning' will be granted an academic probation amnesty. Effective Semester I 2014/2015, the academic status of these students will be changed to 'Good Standing'.
20STUDENTS IMPACTED BY ONLY THE 2014/2015 GRADING POLICY (I.E. NO CONVERSION REQUIRED)
Continuing undergraduate students enrolled in programmes governed by GPA regulations that have a pass mark of 50% under the 2003/2004
to 2013/2014 grading policy will be required to move to the new grading system only. The conversion will not be applied to the degree and cumulative GPAs of these students. Progammes that fall under this category are:
Cave Hill Campus:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Mona Campus:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery for students enrolled prior to academic year 2008/2009
- Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Imaging (Radiography) for students enrolled prior to academic year 2008/2009
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing for students enrolled prior to academic year 2009/2010
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
- Doctor of Dental Surgery
St. Augustine Campus:
- Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy for students enrolled during the academic period 2011/2012 to 2013/2014
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine for students enrolled during the academic period 2011/2012 to 2013/2014
21STUDENTS NOT IMPACTED BY THE 2014/2015 GRADING POLICY AND THE CONVERSION
Continuing undergraduate students enrolled in programmes that are not impacted by the 2014/2015 Grading Policy and the conversion are:
Mona Campus:
- Engineering students enrolled prior to academic year 2014/2015
St. Augustine Campus:
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students enrolled prior to academic year 2011/2012
- Engineering students enrolled prior to academic year 2014/2015
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
- Doctor of Dental Surgery
