Students may earn credit only for courses in which they are officially registered for credit. The maximum number of credits for each course is shown in the course descriptions. Courses may be offered for fewer credits as indicated in the course schedule.

Grades are assigned to report student academic achievement. Instructors use sound judgment and fair methods in determining grades. They inform their students at the beginning of the term about the course requirements and evaluation criteria. Any time students are unsure of their progress, they should talk to their course instructor. Instructors submit grades at the end of the course. The following grades and corresponding grade points are used at Nicolet College:

Other grades used at Nicolet include: AS = Advanced Standing AU = Audit I = Incomplete S = Satisfactory T = Transfer Credit U = Unsatisfactory W = Withdrawn (No quality points are earned with these grades.)

Grades of “S” or “U” are assigned only in Continuing Education and Adult Basic Education courses. 

Grade points and grade point averages (GPA) are used for many purposes:

1. self-assessment of progress by students
2. advising and counseling
3. recognition of excellence in academic work
4. eligibility for programs sponsored by various external agencies such as colleges and universities to which students transfer
5. various scholarships
6. financial aid programs funded by government units.

The GPA is computed by multiplying the point value by the number of credits and dividing the total points by the total number of credits, e.g.

5 credits of “A” = 5 credits x 4 quality points = 20

10 credits of “B-” = 10 credits  x 2.67 quality points = 26.7

5 credits of “D+”= 5 credits x 1.33 quality points = 6.65

20 total credits = 53.35 total quality points

53.35 quality points divided by 20 credits = 2.67 GPA

The GPA calculation for financial aid recipients is computed on all courses undertaken. “I” and “W” grades received and recorded are included in the computation of a GPA only when the GPA is utilized to determine a student’s financial aid standing. (See the Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Recipient.)

A student’s cumulative GPA is calculated using all courses taken at Nicolet College regardless of the year in which the courses were taken. Only the highest grade will be used for GPA calculations for courses repeated at Nicolet. Grades received at other higher education institutions are not used in the academic GPA calculation for Nicolet College.

Good Standing

A student achieving a term grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better at the end of a term of enrollment is in good standing.

Students having difficulty maintaining good academic standing are encouraged to seek early assistance from their course instructor(s), their academic advisor, or other staff member/support service.

Under extenuating circumstances, students may request an Incomplete grade. To receive an Incomplete, students must have completed at least 50% of the coursework. The instructor will decide if the request is feasible based on the reason for the request, the type of class, and whether or not it is possible for the student to complete the coursework in an acceptable method and time frame.

A signed Incomplete Contract between the student and the instructor must be filed with the Registrar by 4 pm on the deadline day. The deadline day for submitting an Incomplete Contract is one calendar week prior to the end of the course. Exceptions to this deadline will only be made due to extenuating circumstances as approved by the Registrar.

An Incomplete grade can be carried for a maximum of one term. If a grade is not issued by the contract completion date, the Registrar’s Office will convert the Incomplete grade to a grade of “F” on the student’s transcript. The instructor will file a change of grade upon completion of work specified in the Incomplete Contract.

Students may repeat courses unless specific program policy prohibits it. However, course credits will apply only once toward meeting program degree requirements. Only the highest grade will be used for academic GPA calculations for courses repeated at Nicolet. Students receiving financial aid should consult with Financial Aid personnel before repeating a course.

The Dean’s List is published each term. The list includes the names of all program students, enrolled in six or more credits, with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for the term just concluded. “W” grades are not considered in the computation. Students with Incomplete grades are not eligible for the Dean’s List until those courses are graded.

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for two-year colleges. Nicolet’s Chapter, Alpha Nu Iota, focuses its efforts on service and scholarship. Members are asked to join by the President of the College after being nominated by an instructor. The nominee must be a full-time student with at least 12 credit hours of coursework completed and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. Initiates are responsible for the membership fee and are entitled to a membership certificate, transcript stamp, a Phi Theta Kappa pin, placement on national transfer and employment databases, and a two-year subscription to all Phi Theta Kappa publications. Members must maintain a GPA of 3.50 or higher to remain a member.