Please note:
To view the current Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar.html.
Undergraduate Grading Systems and Policies
Grades
The following three grading systems are used at Simon Fraser University.
1. Standard Grade System
| Letter Grade | Numerical Equivalent | Definition |
A+ A A- |
4.33 4.00 3.67 |
excellent performance |
B+ B B- |
3.33 3.00 2.67 |
good performance |
C+ C |
2.33 2.00 |
satisfactory performance |
C- D |
1.67 1.00 |
marginal performance |
| F | 0.00 | fail (unsatisfactory performance) |
| FD | 0.00 | fail (academic discipline) |
| N | 0.00 | did not write final exam or otherwise complete course |
Explanation of Standard Grades
FD Grades
The letter grade FD (fail, academic discipline) is given by the chair of the department when a student has committed academic dishonesty (see S10.01 Student Academic Integrity Policy). The grade will remain on a student’s transcript until two years following graduation at which time it will convert to F.
N Grades
Letter grade N (incomplete) is given when a student has enrolled for a course, but did not write the final examination or otherwise failed to complete the course work, and did not withdraw before the deadline date. An N is considered an F for purposes of scholastic standing.
To achieve a different evaluation, and subject to the repeat policy, a student who receives a grade of N must normally repeat the course for credit.
2. Competency Based Grades
This grading system is based on satisfactory acquisition of defined skills or successful completion of the course learning outcomes.
| Letter Grade |
Numerical Equivalent |
Definition |
| P |
no equivalent |
satisfactory performance or better (pass, ungraded) |
| F |
0.00 |
fail (unsatisfactory performance) |
| FD |
0.00 | fail (academic discipline) |
| W |
no equivalent | withdrawn |
Explanation of Competency Based Grades
P Grades
The designation P (pass) will be given when a student successfully completes a course graded on a pass (P) or withdrawn (W) basis. This grade has no numerical equivalent and does not affect the term grade point average or the cumulative GPA.
W Grades
The designation W (withdrawn) will be given when a student is withdrawn after the course drop period for a course graded on a pass (P) or withdrawn (W) basis. The grade of W has no numerical equivalent and does not affect either the term grade point average or the cumulative grade point average.
Practicum Grades Explanation
P Grades
The designation P (pass) will be given when a student successfully completes a course graded on a pass (P) or withdrawn (W) basis. This grade has no numerical equivalent and does not affect the term grade point average or the cumulative GPA.
W Grades
The designation W (withdrawn) will be given when a student is withdrawn after the course drop period for a course graded on a pass (P) or withdrawn (W) basis. The grade of W has no numerical equivalent and does not affect either the term grade point average or the cumulative grade point average.
| Letter Grade |
Numerical Equivalent |
Definition |
| AE |
no equivalent |
aegrotat standing, compassionate pass |
| AU |
no equivalent | audit |
| CC |
no equivalent | course challenge |
| CF |
no equivalent | course challenge fail |
| CN |
no equivalent | did not complete challenge |
| CR |
no equivalent | credit without grade |
| FX |
no equivalent | formal exchange |
| WD |
no equivalent | withdrawal |
| WE |
no equivalent | withdrawal under extenuating circumstances |
Explanation of Student Record and Transcript Notations
AE Grades
Aegrotat standing (AE) may be awarded in an incomplete course on medical or compassionate grounds by the registrar acting on the recommendation of the instructor or department chair. Written evidence must substantiate such a request, given that the course requirements have been substantially fulfilled. This evidence normally must be received by the registrar or department within 96 hours of a scheduled final exam or within 96 hours of the last day of term lectures for which such standing is requested. Courses for which aegrotat standing is awarded are not included in the GPA calculation.
AU Notation
Audit is an AU notation that is recorded when a student has approval from the department not to complete the course for credit. The last day to audit a course is the end of week one of the term. Audited courses will not count toward degree requirements.
CC Grades
Course Challenge Completed is a grade for a student who has been enrolled for a course challenge, subject to an assessment equivalent to the course’s final exam and an interview which may include an oral and/or practical exam, all to be arranged and approved by the department chair. Departments may hold course challenge exams at any time after the term’s start. A performance equivalent to a C grade or higher is required for a successful course challenge.
The department concerned must submit a report to the registrar on or before the last day for regular grades submission for that term indicating the final disposition for the course challenge in the term. There is no provision for extension or deferral. Results will be recorded by departments as successful, unsuccessful or unattempted. Successful results will appear on transcripts and statements of standing with the entry CC in the grade column and with units shown. The CC grade has no numerical equivalent and is not included in the grade point average. The grade of CC may not be applied in any way toward application for scholarships, bursaries or loans.
CF Grades
The Challenge Failed grade of CF is given for unsuccessful course challenge when a student performs unsatisfactorily and fails a course challenge. The grade has no numerical equivalent and is not included in the calculation of the grade point average.
CN Grades
The Challenge Not Completed grade of CN is given for unattempted course challenge when a student is enrolled for a course challenge but never attended the course and did not withdraw before the deadline date. The grade has no numerical equivalent and is not included in the calculation of grade point average.
CR Grades
The Credit Granted notation is to recognize course work completed at another institution that is also being granted credit towards a Simon Fraser University degree program. The CR grade, which has no numerical equivalent and is not included in the grade point average calculation, may only be assigned by the Office of the Registrar and is typically used for dual degree programs.
FX Grades
The Formal Exchange/Dual Degree grade of FX is assigned for formal exchange and dual degree courses only. The grade has no numerical equivalent and is not included in the GPA calculation.
WD Notation
The Withdrawal notation of WD identifies a course freely dropped by the student. The notation WD is not a grade and does not affect the grade point average. Different time periods are in effect for intersession and summer session. For term specific dates, refer to www.sfu.ca/students/deadlines.
WE Notations
The notation Withdrawal Under Extenuating Circumstances (WE) is not a grade and does not affect the grade point average.
At the start of the ninth week to the last day of classes a course(s) may be dropped only in extenuating circumstances. Different dates are in effect for intersession and summer session. For term specific dates, refer to www.sfu.ca/students/deadlines.
If approved, there will be a WE notation on the student’s academic record for specific courses dropped. Please submit applications to Student Services. Requests arising after the last day of classes, or requests relating to courses completed in a previous term, are referred to as ‘retroactive’ and follow the same procedures as above but may take longer to adjudicate.
Note: The university has the sole discretion to approve WE applications. Normally, applications will be denied for students who apply more than once for the same reason, apply for a retroactive WE more than five years from the date of application or have an academic dishonesty incident report filed for the course. Extenuating circumstances are defined as unusual circumstances beyond the student’s control which make it impossible for the student to complete the course. If a course drop is being considered after the last day of classes, it is recommended that students seek advice from Academic Advising and Student Success or their department advisor.
Temporary Grades
Temporary grades are assigned for specific circumstances and will convert to a final grade according to the grading system used in the course. Note that temporary grades revert to one of the standard, competency or notations as shown above.
| Letter Grade |
Numerical Equivalent |
Definition |
| DE |
no equivalent |
deferred grade |
| GN |
no equivalent | grade not reported |
| IP |
no equivalent | in progress |
Explanation of Temporary Grades
DE Grades
A deferred grade is a temporary grade assigned at the end of the term for incomplete course work. A deferred grade will revert to a letter grade or notation. The DE notation can be issued in two circumstances.
- A student must request a DE within 24 hours after the final examination date or final course work is submitted on the basis of documented medical or compassionate grounds. Within four days the student must also submit a physician’s certificate or other document substantiating the request for deferral. Failure to submit supporting documents may result in an F grade.
- The course instructor decides to defer submitting a final grade pending completion of further work by a student or students.
All unchanged DE notations will be converted automatically to N after the end of the first week in the following term. In exceptional cases, an extension may be granted by the instructor and must be approved by the department chair and submitted in writing to the Office of the Registrar with a final deferral date. Normally, the maximum extension allowed is the end of the term following the original deferral.
GN Notation
The Grade Not Reported notation may be used if circumstances beyond the instructor’s or university’s control make it impossible for grades to be assigned for the entire class. The notation has no numerical equivalent and does not affect either the term grade point average or cumulative grade point average. The dean of the faculty responsible advises the registrar, in writing, that the notation GN is required for a course until grades can be submitted. GN is a temporary grade that will revert to a letter grade or notation.
IP Grades
In Progress (IP) is a notation assigned i) in the first term of a two term thesis course, ii) in the first term(s) of a multi-term course or iii) to Education 404, (course work semester). The notation has no numerical equivalent and is not included in the grade point average.
Credit for the Term
All credit earned for the term will be granted regardless of the term’s grade point average (GPA). Credit is earned when a course is passed with a grade of D or above. Credit may be granted for a specific course/topic once only. See Repeated Simon Fraser University Courses.
Statement of Grades
At the end of each term, grades for that term are made available to students on the student information system. Students who are not in good academic standing will be notified by Student Services via email. Grade changes will be processed as soon as possible. Information concerning grades is not released to unauthorized persons without written consent of the student.
Grade Point Average
The grade point average (GPA) is a method of expressing the student’s performance as a numerical average. Each letter grade is assigned a numerical equivalent, which is then multiplied by the unit value assigned to the course to produce the grade point. Grades without a numerical equivalent are not included in the calculation of the grade point average.
Term grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the total grade points earned by the total units completed in the term to the second decimal place.
Letter Grade |
Numeric Value |
Units |
Grade Point |
|
course 1 |
A |
4.00 |
3 |
12.00 |
course 2 |
A+ |
4.33 |
3 |
12.99 |
course 3 |
B- |
2.67 |
3 |
8.01 |
course 4 |
C |
2.00 |
3 |
6.00 |
course 5 |
F |
0.00 |
4 |
0.00 |
Total |
16 |
39.00 |
||
term grade point average: 39/16 = 2.44 |
||||
The cumulative grade point average (CGPA) expresses performance as a numerical average for all terms completed and is closed in the term in which a degree or diploma is awarded by Senate. A new CGPA begins when a student returns for further studies following the awarding of a degree or diploma.
The CGPA is calculated by dividing the total grade points earned to date by the total units undertaken to date to the second decimal place. The CGPA calculated for terms completed prior to the fall term 1979 includes repeated courses.
The upper division grade point average (UDGPA) is calculated by dividing the total grade points earned in upper division courses by the total units assigned for those courses, counting only the higher grade in courses that have been repeated.
Academic Standing and Continuance
Dean's Honour Roll
A limited number of students will be admitted each term to the Dean's Honour Roll, mainly on the basis of excellent work completed in the previous term. This award will be shown on the student's permanent academic record. Admission to the Honour Roll requires that the student meet all of the following criteria:
- must have completed a minimum of 30 units* at Simon Fraser University by the end of the term being evaluated
- must have completed at least 12 units which are counted toward the grade point average (GPA) in the term being evaluated
- must achieve a minimum term grade point average (TGPA) of 3.50 in the term being evaluated
- must not have received a grade of FD (failed, academic discipline) in any course in the term being evaluated.
Students who take fewer than 12 units counted towards the grade point average (GPA) in each term over the course of an academic year (Fall - Summer) will be admitted to the Honour Roll on an annual basis** provided the student has met all of the following criteria:
- must have completed a minimum of 30 units* at Simon Fraser University by the end of the academic year being evaluated
- must have completed at least 12 units which are counted toward the grade point average (GPA) in the academic year being evaluated
- must not have completed more than 11 units which are counted toward the grade point average (GPA) in any given term in the academic year being evaluated
- must achieve a minimum term grade point average (TGPA) of 3.50 in each term courses were completed in the academic year being evaluated
- must not have received a grade of FD (failed, academic discipline) in any course in the academic year being evaluated
Students need not apply for admission to the Honour Roll. Admission is automatic for any student meeting all of these criteria. Faculty of Education students enrolled in the Professional Development Program (PDP) or the Professional Linking Program (PLP) and completing coursework to meet EDUC 404 requirements are not eligible for the Dean's Honour Roll program.
*Courses where a student has received a P or CR grade will have those course units counted towards the completion of the minimum of 30 units at SFU.
**Effective 2023-2024 academic year. Honour Roll designations will begin appearing on official transcripts in Fall 2025.
President's Honour Roll
A limited number of students will be admitted each term to the President's Honour Roll, mainly on the basis of excellent work completed in the previous term. This award will be shown on the student's permanent academic record. Admission to the Honour Roll requires that the student meet all of the following criteria:
- must have completed a minimum of 30 units* at Simon Fraser University by the end of the term being evaluated
- must have completed at least 12 units which are counted toward the grade point average (GPA) in the term being evaluated
- must achieve a minimum term grade point average (TGPA) of 4.00 in the term being evaluated
- must not have received a grade of FD (failed, academic discipline) in any course in the term being evaluated
Students who take fewer than 12 units counted towards the grade point average (GPA) in each term over the course of an academic year (Fall – Summer) will be admitted to the Honour Roll on an annual basis** provided the student has met all of the following criteria:
- must have completed a minimum of 30 units* at Simon Fraser University by the end of the academic year being evaluated
- must have completed at least 12 units which are counted toward the grade point average (GPA) in the academic year being evaluated
- must not have completed more than 11 units which are counted toward the grade point average (GPA) in any given term in the academic year being evaluated
- must achieve a minimum term grade point average (TGPA) of 4.00 in each term courses were completed in the academic year being evaluated
- must not have received a grade of FD (failed, academic discipline) in any course in the academic year being evaluated
Students need not apply for admission to the Honour Roll. Admission is automatic for any student meeting all of these criteria. Faculty of Education students enrolled in the Professional Development Program (PDP) or the Professional Linking Program (PLP) and completing coursework to meet EDUC 404 requirements are not eligible for the President's Honour Roll program.
*Courses where a student has received a P or CR grade will have those course units counted towards the completion of the minimum of 30 units at SFU.
**Effective 2023-2024 academic year. Honour Roll designations will begin appearing on official transcripts in Fall 2025.
Standing Required for Continuance
Every student is expected to maintain an acceptable scholarship standard — specifically, a minimum 2.00 CGPA. A student who does not do so is considered to be performing unsatisfactorily. The required standing for continuation will be calculated after an attempt of nine units at Simon Fraser University. For further details, please refer to Guide to Academic Standing and Continuance.
Academic Probation
A student who has attempted at least nine units and has a CGPA of less than 2.00 shall be placed on academic probation (OAP) and may not enroll in a course overload. A student on OAP may not receive a letter of permission to attend another university or college.
A student on academic probation shall be evaluated at the end of each term, and if
- the term GPA and the CGPA are each 2.00 or higher, the student shall be in good academic standing
- the term GPA is 2.00 or higher, but the CGPA is less than 2.00, the student shall continue on academic probation (CAP)
- the term GPA is less than 2.00, but the CGPA is 2.00 or higher, the student shall continue on academic probation (CAP). (This could occur if a student repeats a course.)
- both the term GPA and the CGPA are less than 2.00, the student shall be required to withdraw (RTW) from the university or, if previously required to withdraw (RTW), shall be placed on extended withdrawal (PW)
Required to Withdraw
A student may be required to withdraw (RTW) after one or more terms on academic probation (see 'Academic Probation' section above). A student on RTW may not receive a letter of permission to attend another university or college. Students whose status is Required to Withdraw (RTW) may choose one of the following options.
- apply for entry to the Back on Track Student Success Program and an extension to the academic probation period (refer to 'Extended Academic Probation for First Time RTW Students' section below)
- apply for readmission based on subsequent completion of transferable courses from another institution (see Reactivation and Readmission)
Note: Students who choose to attend another institution subsequent to being Required to Withdraw for purposes of applying for readmission are not eligible for entry to the Back on Track Student Success Program.
Extended Withdrawal
A student may be placed on extended withdrawal (PW) after she/he is required to withdraw (RTW), is readmitted and subsequently is on academic probation for one or more terms (see 'Academic Probation' section above). A student on extended withdrawal (PW) may not receive a letter of permission to attend another university or college. A student on extended withdrawal (PW) may apply for readmission based on subsequent completion of transferable courses from another institution (see Reactivation and Readmission).
Extended Academic Probation for First Time RTW Students
A student who is required to withdraw for the first time may be eligible to enter the Back on Track Student Success Program, a three term program focusing on academic and learning skill development with concurrent credit course enrollment. Students cannot exceed nine units (unless advance special permission is received), and may not receive a letter of permission to attend another post-secondary institution while in the program. Entry requirements, set out by the program, are available through the Back on Track Program office. Acceptance and participation provides an extended academic probation (EAP) period. A student can only attend the program once in their academic career; normally withdrawal and/or unsuccessful program completion constitutes one attempt.
To participate and continue, students must fulfil all required components in each of the three terms. Progress evaluation occurs throughout the program and at the end of each term. Students deemed not to be meeting the requirements at any time (academic and/or non-academic) will be withdrawn from the program, dropped from enrolled courses, and will be 'Required to Withdraw' from the university.
A student on extended academic probation shall be evaluated at the end of each term as follows:
END OF TERM ONE
- the term grade point average and the cumulative grade point average CGPA are each 2.00 or higher, the student shall be in good academic standing
- the term GPA is 2.00 or higher, but the CGPA is less than 2.00, the student shall continue on extended academic probation (EAP)
- the term GPA is less than 2.00, but the CGPA is 2.00 or higher, the student continues on extended academic probation (EAP). (This could occur if a student repeats a course.)
- both the term GPA and CGPA are less than 2.00, the student shall be required to withdraw (RTW) from the university unless the student has satisfactory participation in the program
END OF TERM TWO
- the term grade point average and the cumulative grade point average CGPA are each 2.00 or higher, the student shall be in good academic standing
- the term GPA is 2.00 or higher, but the CGPA is less than 2.00, the student shall continue on extended academic probation (EAP)
- the term GPA is less than 2.00, but the CGPA is 2.00 or higher, the student continues on extended academic probation (EAP). (This could occur if a student repeats a course.)
- both the term GPA and the CGPA are less than 2.00, the student shall be required to withdraw (RTW) from the university unless the student has satisfactory participation in the program
END OF TERM THREE
- Evaluation of academic standing reverts to the academic standing and continuance policy that applies to students who are not on extended academic probation (EAP).
Grade Point Averages Needed for Graduation
Grade point averages (GPAs) used for graduation are the minimum GPAs that must be achieved to satisfy the requirements for a degree or other credential. The graduation GPA must be obtained both on the overall course work (CGPA) as well as on the upper division subset of that work (UDGPA).
In addition, program GPAs are the minimum GPAs that must be achieved to satisfy the requirements of an honours, major, extended minor or minor program. In each case, the program GPA must be obtained both on the overall course work used to satisfy the minimum program requirements as well as on the upper division subset of that work.
The graduation and program GPAs specified below are university minimum requirements; individual faculties and departments may, with senate approval, have higher requirements.
In the event of repeated courses, only the higher grade is used in these GPA calculations.
Overall minimum requirements for all courses (CGPA) and all upper division courses (UDGPA) completed at Simon Fraser University |
|
| joint honours first class with distinction† | 4.00 or greater |
| joint honours with distinction* | 3.50 or greater |
| joint honours | 3.00 or greater |
| honours first class with distinction† | 4.00 or greater |
| honours with distinction* | 3.50 or greater |
| honours |
3.00 or greater |
| joint major first class with distinction† | 4.00 or greater |
| joint major with distinction* | 3.50 or greater |
joint major |
2.00 or greater |
| major first class with distinction† | 4.00 or greater |
| major with distinction* | 3.50 or greater |
major |
2.00 or greater |
extended minors |
2.00 or greater |
Minimum Program Grade Point Averages (GPAs) |
|
| joint honours | 3.00 |
| honours | 3.00 |
| joint majors | 2.00 |
| major | 2.00 |
| extended minors | 2.00 |
| minors | 2.00 |
* students graduating with a first undergraduate degree who have achieved 3.5 or greater in both the cumulative grade point average and the upper division grade point average will receive the designation of with distinction |
|
Student's Record after Awarding Degree
When Senate awards an undergraduate student's credential, the student record is normally considered closed for purposes of grade changes, degree standing and all changes to transcripts and parchments. The exceptions to this would be when there is an appeal pending that had been started prior to the awarding of the credential, or an administrative error on the part of the university.