Anchor Christian University (ACU) establishes clear standards for evaluating academic performance, calculating grade point averages (GPA), and determining academic standing. Course-specific expectations, including attendance and engagement, are communicated within each course in the learning management system (LMS). Students are responsible for understanding and adhering to both institutional and course-level policies.
Grading Scale
ACU uses the following standard grading scale:
A: 95–100
A-: 92–94
B+: 89–91
B: 86–88
B-: 84–85
C+: 81–83
C: 78–80
C-: 76–77
D+: 73–75
D: 70–72
D-: 68–69
F: Below 68
Letter grades reflect the level of mastery of course learning outcomes. Graduate programs may require higher minimum grades for course credit and progression.
GPA Calculation
Grades are assigned quality points on a 4.0 scale (A = 4.0 to F = 0.0).
- Term GPA reflects performance within a single term.
- Cumulative GPA reflects all GPA-bearing ACU coursework.
Transfer credits and non-letter grades (e.g., W, I, P/NP, AU) do not impact GPA.
Academic Record Notations
The following notations may appear on transcripts:
- I (Incomplete): Temporary grade for approved, documented circumstances; must be resolved within the designated timeframe or converts to a final grade.
- W (Withdrawal): Course withdrawal after the add/drop period; does not affect GPA.
- P/NP (Pass/No Pass): Used only in designated courses.
- TR (Transfer Credit): Accepted credit; not calculated in GPA.
- AU (Audit): Course taken without credit.
Academic Standing
Academic standing is evaluated at the end of each term based on GPA and course completion.
Undergraduate:
- Good Standing: GPA ≥ 2.00
- Academic Warning: GPA below 2.00
- Academic Probation: Continued deficiency after warning
- Suspension/Dismissal: Failure to meet improvement requirements
Graduate:
- Good Standing: GPA ≥ 3.00
- Academic Probation: GPA below 3.00
- Suspension/Dismissal: Failure to meet improvement requirements
Programs may establish higher standards; program requirements take precedence when applicable.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students must make measurable progress toward degree completion:
- Completion Rate: At least 67% of attempted credits successfully completed
- Maximum Timeframe: Program completed within 150% of required credits
Failure to meet these standards may result in academic warning, probation, or dismissal.
Course Repeats
Students may repeat courses as permitted by program policy. All attempts remain on the transcript, and grades from all attempts are included in GPA calculations unless otherwise specified. Credit is awarded only once for repeated courses.
Grade Changes and Appeals
Final grades may be changed only to correct errors or resolve approved incompletes.
Students who believe a grade was assigned in error should first contact the instructor. If unresolved, a formal appeal may be submitted to Academic Affairs according to published procedures.
Academic Integrity and Use of AI
ACU upholds rigorous academic integrity. Cheating or plagiarism is unacceptable and violates our Biblical values. Students must submit original work and give credit to sources; ignorance of plagiarism is not an excuse. Confirmed dishonesty (including unauthorized collaboration or copying) may result in disciplinary action up to dismissal. Students are responsible for learning proper citation and may seek guidance.
ACU recognizes that students may use generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT) as study aids, but any AI-generated content included in coursework must be explicitly cited and used under the instructor’s guidelines. Unauthorized use of AI (e.g. submitting AI-generated writing as one’s own) constitutes academic dishonesty. Instructors will clarify in each syllabus whether and how AI tools may be used. By enrolling, students agree to these integrity standards.