Grade Point Average (GPA)

• Credits

  	GRADE	QUALITY POINTS
  Outstanding Performance	A+	4.000
  	A	4.000
  	A-	3.667
  Good Performance	B+	3.333
  	B	3.000
  	B-	2.667
  Adequate Performance	C+	2.333
  	C	2.000
  	C-	1.667
  Marginal Performance	D+	1.333
  	D	1.000
  	D-	.667
  Failure	F	.000

   

• Calculation

   

  Class #1   A	4	4	16
  Class #2   C	2	4	8
  Class #3   B	3	(+)4	(+)12
  	12	36	36	= 3.0 GPA

   

• Probation

  Probation - If a student is making less than satisfactory progress toward graduation, he/she will be placed on probation.

  Satisfactory is defined as:

  1.67 - after 1st semester
  1.75 - after 2nd semester
  1.85 - after 3rd semester
  2.0 - anytime after 4th semester.

  2 or more semesters on probation will result in suspension from the university (involuntary withdrawal for at least 1 year.)

   

Types of Exams

• Objective - True or False, Multiple Choice - choose best answer, Identification - identify concept in a few sentences, Blank - fill in proper response. These can be deceptively "simple" but can in fact be more difficult than essay exams.
• Subjective - :"Essay" exams. These involve more than "facts". It requires organization of pertinent information and often development of an argument.
• Oral - Given on an individual basis.
• Open Book - Professors sometimes allow students to bring books. These exams are usually more demanding.
• Take Home - Students are given exams to complete at home and to turn in at a set time.
• Final - Cumulative exams for each course at the end of the semester. Generally worth a significant portion of the course=s final grade.

Tips

• It is not possible to wait until the middle of the semester to begin your work. Try to keep up with the daily work and pay careful attention to deadlines for exams on the syllabus.
• Attendance is required at all classes. This is taken very seriously at Wittenberg and sometimes affects your grade. If you miss a class due to illness, be sure to contact the instructor, before class if possible. You are responsible for the material you miss.
• Punctuality - classes will begin at the stated time. Many professors consider it very rude when students come to class late.
• Pay careful attention to the syllabus. This is a "tour guide" and will give you information on exams and paper assignments. It also will tell you about each professor's expectations in general.
• Professors expect students to participate in class. Don't be afraid to ask questions or challenge. It is seen as a sign of interest.
• If you are having any problems, see your professor right away. All professors have office hours for this purpose.
• Ask for help - Professors, Advisors, Tutors, Writer's and Math Workshops.
• Take careful notes in class and rewriting notes after class is a good means to review.
• Outline reading assignments. As you read assignments, prepare a list of questions for class and then ask them!
• Plagiarism - representing someone else's words or ideas (intentionally or unintentionally) as your own is regarded as a serious offense in US institutions. it can result in automatic failure for a course or suspension from the university. If you do not know how to document sources properly, please ask for help.