Grading FAQs

1. What do grades of "FE", "FAE", "NCE", "FNA", "FSA", "FANA", "FASA", "NCNA", and "NCSA" stand for?

Grades ending in "E" indicate the failing grade was earned. Grades ending in "NA" indicate the student never attended or participated in the class. Grades ending in "SA" indicate the student stopped attending or participating in the class.

2. Which grades require a last date of attendance/engagement?

FSA", "FASA", "NCSA", and "I" all require a last date of attendance to be entered.

3. Am I required to add a last date of attendance/engagement on a grade change?

Yes, if the grade is being changed to "FSA", "FASA", "NCSA", or "I" you will need to add the last known date of attendance/engagement in the comment box (DD/MM/YYYY).

4. Can I see courses in multiple terms when submitting grades through BearWeb?

Yes. Use the search box in the top right to search and filter by CRN or term (i.e. 202110).

5. Can I view the new grading portal on a phone or tablet?

Yes. Viewing in landscape mode will result in optimal performance.

6. If a student stops attending class but continues to submit assignments through the end of the term, which failing grade option is appropriate?

Since the student participated in the course for the full term, the final grade should be an "FE" to indicate an earned "F" grade.

7. If a student stops attending class but continues to submit assignments for a few more weeks but ultimately stops all participation prior to the end of the semester, which failing grade option is appropriate?

Since the student did not participate in the course for the full term, the final grade should be an "FSA" to indicate an "F" grade due to the student stopping attendance. The date to submit for the last date attended would be the date of the last academically related activity (e.g. the last date of assignment submission).

8. Do the new "F" grade values apply to all levels?

The "F" grade values will apply to Undergraduate, Graduate, Seminary, and Law courses. These new grade values will go in to effect beginning with the Spring 2021 semester grading period on 4/29/2021. Any grades submitted prior to that date will not utilize the additional "F" grade values.

9. If a student stops attending or participating in class prior to the end of the term, but the student already earned a passing grade, do I need to assign a failing grade (because the student stopped attending)?

No, you are not required to assign a failing grade. However, if stopping attendance leads to a failing grade, then you should choose the Failing-Stopped Attendance value and provide a last date of attendance/participation. If the student earned something other than a failing grade, then that grade should be assigned.

10. Are instructors required to assign plus and minus grades?

No. The use of plus and minus grades will be at the discretion of the instructor. Students should refer to individual course syllabi to determine how instructors intend to use the grading scale.

11. Will students be able to repeat courses in which they have made a C- without seeking permission?

Students having earned a C- or lower will be able to repeat the course without seeking permission from the appropriate academic dean.

12. May students seek permission to repeat a course in which they earned a "C+" or "B-"?

Students having earned a "C+" or "B-" may seek permission from the appropriate academic dean.

13. Does Baylor have a set standard that equates a percentage in a class to a specific letter grade?

No. Equating a percentage in a class to a specific letter grade will vary depending upon instructor, class, and/or college/school.

14. How do I appeal (or submit a complaint about) the grade I received in a class?

Procedures for academic appeals, including the appeal of a grade in a class, may be found here.