Grades at UT Permian Basin distinguish between levels of student achievement. They represent, in abbreviated form, the instructor's judgment of the student's academic performance. In addition, they provide a basis for certifying completion of all degree requirements. They may serve as predictors of future performance in graduate and professional study. The grades approved for use at UT Permian Basin are as follows:
| A = Superior achievement |
S = Satisfactory |
| B = High achievement |
U = Unsatisfactory |
| C = Average achievement |
I = Incomplete (not available for SPI courses) |
| D = Minimal achievement |
Z = Acceptable progress (SPI only) |
| F = Failure to achieve minimal standard |
PR = Work in Progress (masters thesis/project) |
| + = High grade |
W = Dropped class or withdrawal from the University |
| - = Low grade |
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Only grades of A, B, C, D, U and F are included in computing grade point average (GPA): A = 4; B = 3; C = 2; D = 1; F = 0; U = 0. Pluses and minuses are awarded at the instructor's discretion but are not computed in GPA. The grades of I, W, S, Z, and PR are not computed in GPA. The grade of U is calculated as an F grade. Grades of Q, QP, and QF were used to denote courses dropped, dropped/passing, and dropped/failing from 1973 through summer semester 1985. The grades of Q and QP were not computed in the GPA. The grade of QF calculated as an F grade.
Incomplete "I" Grade
An "I" grade or Incomplete grade is reported when students have not met all requirements of a course by the end of the semester and the instructor considers the allowance of additional time to complete course requirements. When reporting an "I" grade, the instructor must complete an 'Incomplete Report or contract specifying: (1) the deficiency or the additional work to be done; (2) the length of time allowed to complete the work (no later than the last class day of the subsequent semester, summer excluded); and (3) the grade that would have been earned "as is" at the time the course ended. If a grade of "I" is to be assigned to a student the incomplete contract requires both the signature of the student and the instructor. Failure to have this document completed and signed by the appropriate individuals will void the contract. In addition, a punitive grade of "F" will be assigned per administrative function of the Registrar (1) if an incomplete contract has no "as is" grade given and contract has expired; or (2) the Official time allotted for the contact has expired. If a student is in contract for a specific course, the student cannot register for the same course. If the contract has expired or the student has been assigned an administrative "F," then they will be allowed to register for the course.
Self‑Paced Instructed Grade (Z Grade)
A “Z” grade is assigned exclusively to designated Self‑Paced Instructed (SPI) courses. This grade indicates that a student has not completed all required coursework necessary for a final grade. The “Z” grade is not a standard grading option and must not be used for any course type other than SPI.
The “Z” grade is non‑punitive and does not impact a student’s GPA. Students who receive a “Z” may re‑enroll in the same course to complete the remaining requirements; however, grade replacement does not apply to “Z” grades.
Although the “Z” grade carries no academic penalty, excessive Z grades may indicate poor academic or schedule management. In accordance with federal and state regulations, “Z” grades remain a permanent part of the student’s official academic record and will appear on the transcript.
Access to Grades
Students can view their semester grades, as well as their unofficial transcript, through their student portal. Final grades for classes may be viewed as soon as it is posted to the transcript, unless the student has a financial or disciplinary hold on their account. These type holds must be cleared before students have access to their grades.
Grade Appeal
A student who wishes to dispute an assigned grade should first submit a written appeal to the instructor and seek resolution via a conference either in person, by telephone, or virtually with the instructor.
The student should consult with the Student Rights Advocate and may consult with the advocate throughout the duration of the appeal process. The Student Rights Advocate is appointed by the Dean of Students:
- If, within five (5) working days of the conference with the instructor, the student believes that the issue has not been addressed or disagrees with the outcome of conference, the student should initiate and register a formal written complaint through the University Complaint Resolution Portal. The written complaint will be routed to the relevant Department Chair or supervisor (if the instructor does not have a Chair or if the instructor is the Chair) who will schedule a conference either in person, by phone, or virtually with the student.
- If, within ten (10) working days after the meeting with the Department Chair or supervisor, the student believes the grade appeal has not been addressed or disagrees with the outcome of the conference with the Department Chair or supervisor, the student should file a written appeal directly (not via the University Complaint Form Portal) with the appropriate academic Dean and seek an appointment either in person, by telephone, or virtually with them.
Upon receipt of the written appeal, the Dean will schedule a meeting in person, by telephone, or virtually with the student. Following the appointment with the student, the Dean will investigate the matter. The Dean shall respond to the appeal within (10) working days of the meeting with the student unless an investigation requires additional time in which case the circumstances should be documented. The decision of the Dean shall be final.
Course Credit Load
Each semester credit hour at The University of Texas Permian Basin represents a defined academic workload, consisting of one hour of class attendance (or equivalent instruction) and approximately three hours of out‑of‑class academic preparation per week. For example, enrollment in a three‑semester‑credit‑hour course requires an estimated twelve hours of academic work per week. Students are encouraged to carefully consider these time expectations when planning their academic schedules. Students with employment or family responsibilities are strongly advised to consult with their academic advisors when determining an appropriate course load.
For undergraduate students without substantial work or family obligations, a normal course load during the fall and spring semesters is 15 semester credit hours. Students who are making satisfactory academic progress may enroll in up to 18 semester credit hours without additional approval. Enrollment beyond 18 semester credit hours requires approval from the appropriate academic authority, and enrollment in excess of 21 semester credit hours during a fall or spring semester is permitted only in exceptional circumstances with written authorization. The maximum course load during summer sessions is 18 semester credit hours.
The foregoing policies apply to conventionally taught courses. In courses offered on a self‑paced instructional basis, additional credit hours may be allowed, particularly when a portion of the coursework has been completed prior to registration. Enrollment in such cases requires approval of both the student’s academic advisor and their Dean.
International Students
International students are required to maintain full‑time enrollment during the fall and spring semesters to remain in compliance with federal immigration regulations. Full‑time enrollment is defined as a minimum of 12 semester credit hours for undergraduate students and 9 semester credit hours for graduate students. International students are not required to enroll during summer terms. Students may not drop or withdraw from courses during fall or spring semesters if doing so would result in enrollment below full‑time status. International students in the United States on an F‑1 visa may count no more than three semester credit hours of online coursework toward the full‑time enrollment requirement.