A student’s standing in his or her work is expressed by grades obtained from class work and examinations. College grades are important as they become a part of the student’s permanent record and may be used as the basis for many decisions related to the student during his or her lifetime. The student’s grade point average (GPA) is significant in determining eligibility for continued financial aid, for continuance in school, for acceptance at a transfer institution, for graduation and eventually for employment after completion of a formal education.
A system of point values exists to convert alphabetical grades received into a numerical system. The following grades have the indicated number of points assigned for each semester hour of credit earned:
| Letter Grade | Description | Grade Points |
|---|---|---|
| A | Excellent work | 4 grade points |
| B | Above average work | 3 grade points |
| C | Average work | 2 grade points |
| D | Passing | 1 grade point |
| F | Failure | 0 grade points |
| I | Incomplete | 0 grade points |
| P | Pass | 0 grade points |
The grade point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of semester hours attempted. Although a “D” is considered passing at Panola College for college credit courses, some colleges will not accept a “D” for transfer credit. In the developmental studies program a grade of “C” or better indicates satisfactory progress for advancement either to the next level within the developmental program or into academic studies. A grade of “D” means the student will be retained at the same level in the developmental program, repeating the class. Developmental courses are included in the GPA calculation for each semester. These courses are not included in the cumulative GPA nor do they count on the final GPA for graduation. However, they are included in determining eligibility for financial aid and scholarships.