Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to define the purpose and use of the “N” grade.

Background:

The College’s practices in this area were reviewed by the Academic Affairs Committee and the Faculty Senate in 1996 and 1997. The Senate’s recommendations were submitted on November 21, 1997. The policy is approved as stated below, and will be effective with the Fall 1998 semester.

Policy:

The “N” grade indicates that the student has worked conscientiously but is not yet prepared to proceed to the next level. The “N” grade is only authorized to be used for ESL courses (except ESL 100), and the lowest levels of Math (75X and 82X) and English (20). Instructors of these courses should include the “N” grade option in their syllabi and inform students about it at the beginning of the semester.

“N” grades do not impact GPA, and students are allowed to repeat the course as per the College Repeat Policy HAW 5.304. Courses in which an “N” grade is awarded might not be counted towards “satisfactory academic progress” by certain federally supported financial aid programs. Students receiving financial aid, veteran’s benefits, or other federally funded aid programs should consult with the Financial Aid Office or their respective counselor to understand how receiving an “N”” grade may affect their aid.