Grading, Promotion and Academic Standing
TMU Senate Policy #170(a) Undergraduate Course Grading, Academic Program Standing, and Eligibility to Graduate defines the standards for acceptable overall academic performance and provides a fair system for determining academic standing and eligibility to graduate based on uniform definitions and categories. Highlights of this policy are below:
Final academic performance in each course is recorded as one of the following letter grades or as one of the "other" designations listed under Additional Grading Categories below.
| Performance Description | Letter Grade | Conversion: Percentage Scale to Letter Grades |
Earned Grade Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | A+ | 90–100 | 4.33 |
| A | 85–89 | 4.00 | |
| A- | 80–84 | 3.67 | |
| Good | B+ | 77–79 | 3.33 |
| B | 73–76 | 3.00 | |
| B- | 70–72 | 2.67 | |
| Satisfactory | C+ | 67–69 | 2.33 |
| C | 63–66 | 2.00 | |
| C- | 60–62 | 1.67 | |
| Marginal | D+ | 57–59 | 1.33 |
| D | 53–56 | 1.00 | |
| D- | 50–52 | 0.67 | |
| Unsatisfactory | F | 0–49 | 0.00 |
Performance on term work or specific assignments may be marked on a numeric scale. The weighting of each assignment, test, and/or other units of evaluation will be described in the course outline. The resulting overall percentage achieved will be converted to a letter grade as indicated above. If any other numeric scale is to be used, its ranges of conversion to letter grades will be defined for the students in writing at the start of the course. See Senate Policy #170(a).
Non-graded designations
These non-graded designations are used for transfer credit purposes and in the assessment of eligibility to graduate, but they are not included in the calculation of the grade point average.
| Code | Definition |
| PSD | Passed: Satisfactory performance in a course graded with a pass/fail designation (as pre-defined in the course outline). |
| CHG | Challenge: Credit granted in recognition of skills and knowledge gained outside the traditional post-secondary school environment, usually assessed by evaluation of a portfolio and/or by examination. |
| CRT | Credit: Transfer credit awarded through an achievement of a satisfactory grade in an equivalent course completed at another post-secondary institution (as determined by the TMU course teaching Department). Transfer credit may be granted as a part of the Undergraduate Admissions process. See Registrar’s Office website for information on transfer credits. |
Other course performance designations
Other course performance designations which may be assigned at the discretion of the teaching Department or the Registrar’s Office:
| Code | Definition |
| INC | Incomplete: A temporary grade that may be assigned by an instructor when incomplete coursework or a missed final examination is outstanding due to documented extenuating circumstances and there is a reasonable expectation that the student can and will complete the work according to the timelines specified (see Senate Policy 170(a), Procedures 3). The designation INC is not a final grade and is not included in calculating grade point averages or counted as credit to fulfill prerequisite requirements and program requirements. INC designations appear on the official transcript and academic record. An outstanding INC may impact eligibility to graduate. The completion date for the outstanding course work or the alternate examination must allow the grading to be completed and finalized on the student record within three months from the date official grades were available to students for the term the INC was assigned. If the outstanding work has not been completed and the INC designation is not revised within this time frame, the INC designation will lapse to a failed (F) grade. For complete details, see Senate Policy 170(a): Undergraduate Course Grading, Academic Program Standing, and Eligibility to Graduate, Section 5.5.2 and Procedures, Section 3. |
| AEG | Aegrotat: Credit granted by a Dean, in consultation with the instructor, only under exceptional circumstances when there has been acceptable performance in a course and some coursework remains to be completed. The AEG grade is not included in calculating grade point averages but can be used as a credit towards meeting graduation requirements. The AEG grade cannot be changed to any other grade or designation. (See Senate Policy 170(a): Procedures 4.) |
| DEF | Deferred: an interim grade assigned during the investigation of academic misconduct (as described in Senate Policy 60, Academic Integrity (opens in new window) ). The DEF grade will be replaced by a final course grade upon resolution of the matter (see Senate Policy 60 (opens in new window) : Procedures 5). |
| FS | Failure, Supplementary: Marginally failing performance that may be raised to a minimum pass through a redeemable failure examination or assessment. The F-S grade is a failed grade and is calculated in the grade point average at zero grade points (see Senate Policy 170(a), Procedures 5). The F-S grade can only be converted to a D- or to an F, depending on performance (If no supplementary exam or assessment is written, the original F-S will remain on the student’s academic record and official transcript as the final grade). F-S grades are not available to students enrolled in programs that are subject to academic standing and graduation variation rules on the supplementary exam or assessment. |
| FNA | Failure, Non-Assessment: Assigned when the student has not submitted or participated in work for grading. This grade is counted as a failed grade and is calculated in the grade point average at zero grade points. |
| FLD | Failure in a Pass-Fail course: Failure to meet the minimum satisfactory standards for a course with a pass/fail designation. Failures in such courses will not be included in calculating the grade point averages but will be counted as a failed course attempt to determine academic standing including approved department/school standing variations and graduation variations. |
| Code | Definition |
| AUD | Audit: A course attended as auditor only; no credit will be earned. The student is permitted to attend classes but is not entitled to have assignments evaluated. Participation in the course or in class or office hours is determined by the instructor and is subject to the instructor’s discretion. The AUD designation may not be changed to any other grade or designation and is considered an attempt at a course. |
| INP | In Progress: Indicates course work in progress with at least one more term of formal course registration and study required for completion (e.g., a final thesis is still in progress); the designation INP is not included in calculating the grade point average and is neither a credit nor a failed course. |
| CRD, CRV-Credit/NCR-No Credit | CRD, CRV-Credit / NCR -No Credit Credit/No Credit designations may be used during an unforeseen period of academic disruption as declared by the President and Vice-President, Academic in response to extenuating circumstances such as institutional closure (e.g. COVID-19), extended labour dispute, natural disaster or other circumstances that significantly impede academic continuity across the university. These designations are not included in GPA calculations or in calculating academic standings but may replace an earned letter grade. CRD, CRV and NCR grades will appear on the academic record and official transcript. |
Term Grade Point Average (TGPA) is an indicator of overall academic performance in each term. TGPA is calculated and posted when a student has been assigned one or more graded course performance designations in a term. TGPA is calculated as the sum of the products of course weights and earned grade points for graded course performance designations for the term, divided by the sum of the course weights, and rounded to the second decimal place using normal rounding rules.
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is an indicator of cumulative academic performance. CGPA is calculated on final grades in all courses completed while registered in a program of study and is used as a criterion for honours or other academic distinctions and for determining academic standing. CGPA is calculated as the sum of the products of course weights and earned grade points for graded course performance designations, divided by the sum of the course weights in the program of study, and rounded to the second decimal place using normal rounding rules.
Grade point averages are calculated based on a 4.33 scale and rounded to the second decimal place using normal rounding rules. For example, a 2.879 is rounded to a 2.88 and a 2.874 is rounded to a 2.87.
For the purpose of calculating grade point averages, single-term courses will normally have a weight of 1.00 and multi-term courses will normally have a weight of 2.00. As outlined in the calendar, there may be provisions for course weight variations in the case of anomalies.
Courses completed prior to formal program admission will not be included in the calculation of grade point averages.
The following course performance designations are NOT included in calculating the grade point average: AEG, AUD, CHG, CRT, DEF, INC, INP, FLD, PSD, CRD, CRV, and NCR.
The designations FNA and F-S are included in calculating grade point averages at zero (0.00) grade points.
Where a student repeats a course, the grade earned for the most recent attempt of the repeated course will be substituted for the previous grade(s) in calculating the grade point average even if the newer grade is lower. All attempts are recorded on the academic record and the official transcript.
Students enrolled in an undergraduate degree program are assigned an academic standing at the end of each academic term when they are enrolled in courses. The academic standing is an indication of academic performance, by term, in a program of study. The initial academic standing is calculated and displayed on the academic record and the official transcript when students have earned 3 (three) or more course grades with a GPA weight (see Procedures 6).
Academic standings are based primarily on students’ Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) as well as Term Grade Point Average (TGPA), specific course grade outcomes, previous academic standings, and other performance variations.
| Academic Standing | Description |
| Clear | A clear standing will be assigned to students who have achieved a CGPA of at least 1.67, except where the student has:
Students assigned Clear standing may continue their program of study. |
| Probationary | A probationary academic standing will be assigned to students for any one of the following reasons:
Students assigned a standing of Probationary must establish a Probationary Contract by the last day to add classes for the term in order to continue their studies. (See Probationary Standing - Conditions and Procedures below) |
| Standing Variation Withdrawal (SVW) | Students who meet the University’s definition for clear academic continuance (a CGPA of 1.67 or higher) but who have not met their Department/School’s Academic Standing Variation requirements will be assigned a standing of SVW. Students assigned an SVW standing:
|
| Required to Withdraw (RTW) | Students assigned a standing of RTW will be Required to Withdraw from their program of study for a suspension period of 12 (twelve) months (3 terms) and may not transfer to another TMU undergraduate program until the 12 (twelve) months (3 terms) have elapsed. RTW standing will be assigned to students for any one of the following reasons:
|
| Permanent Program Withdrawal (PPW) | Students will be Permanently Withdrawn from their program of study for any one of the following reasons:
Students who are assigned a standing of PPW may not apply for reinstatement into that program. Students who are permanently withdrawn from a program of study may apply to a different program of study in accordance with Undergraduate Admissions application timelines, admission policies and procedures. |
| Disciplinary Suspension (DS) | An academic standing where a student is removed from a program for a specified period of 1 (one) term to 2 (two) years, after which the student will be automatically reinstated. A DS will be placed on both the academic record and official transcript, but will be removed from the official transcript upon graduation. Students who have been placed on Disciplinary Suspension (DS) for Student Code of Conduct violations will not be permitted to register in any course at the University during their period of Disciplinary Suspension. Students who have served their period of Disciplinary Suspension must contact their program department to make arrangements for reinstatement. Disciplinary Standings Assigned in Accordance with Senate Policy 60: Academic Integrity |
| Disciplinary Withdrawal (DW) | An academic standing where a student is permanently withdrawn from a specific program and fully withdrawn from the University as a whole for a period of at least 2 (two) years. After serving the specified period, a student assigned a DW may apply to other programs/certificates at the University. A DW will be placed on both the student’s academic record and official transcript and cannot be removed. |
| Expulsion | An academic standing involving permanent removal of a student from the University. Students who are expelled from the University shall not be allowed to register or enroll in any class or program of the University. Expulsion shall be permanently noted on a student’s academic record and official transcript. |
Probationary Contract
Students are required to have a Probationary Contract authorized by their School or Department in either of the following situations:
- students assigned Probationary standing
- students who have been reinstated to their program after the assignment of a standing of RTW (see Procedures 10).
The Probationary Contract outlines a specific plan of study and any academic support required in order for the student to progress. Departments/Schools will use the Probationary Contract to specify the required TGPA outcome and may also specify courses, required minimum grade outcomes, and course load restrictions that may be established to ensure students’ successful academic progression. Students must agree to meet such requirements and conditions in order to remain enrolled in their program.
Students who fail to establish a Probationary Contract with their Department/ School by the last day to add courses for the specified term will have their course enrolments dropped for the term.
Students are required to obtain approval from their Department/School before dropping any courses while under the provisions of a Probationary Contract.
Students assigned a Probationary Contract acknowledge that they will seek assistance from their instructor(s) and/or program advisor(s) in the event of any circumstances that may impact the outcome of the Probationary Contract.
Failure to meet the conditions of the Probationary Contract as set out by the Department/School will result in the assignment of a standing of Required to Withdraw (RTW).
Eligibility to continue studies in a subsequent term
Students assigned a Probationary standing will be eligible to continue their studies as long as they achieve a term grade point average (TGPA) of 1.67 or higher, meet the terms of their Probationary Contract and do not violate approved Department/School standing variations. Failure to meet the terms of the Probationary Contract will result in the assignment of RTW standing.
Reinstatement to program after RTW standing
Students who wish to be considered for reinstatement must complete the Request for Reinstatement/Fresh Start form and the Request for Reinstatement - Supplementary form and submit to their academic program department for evaluation in accordance with the specified application deadlines.
Requests for Reinstatement will be considered by the Faculty and/or academic program department subject to past academic performance. Reinstatement is not guaranteed. Students will be notified of the outcome of this consideration by their academic program department.
Students who are reinstated to their program after the assignment of a standing of RTW will be reinstated on Probation and will need to establish a Probationary Contract for that term.
Students who have been denied reinstatement to their program twice may not reapply for reinstatement to that program. In this case, students will be formally withdrawn from their program of study.
First term of TMU Undergraduate studies
No student in their first term of TMU undergraduate studies will be assigned a status of Required to Withdraw at the end of the Fall or Winter term grading period. Students with a CGPA of less than 1.00 in their first term will be advised about their prospects for success. Such students will continue in their program in the subsequent term on Probation.
Denied reinstatement to program twice
Students who have been denied reinstatement to their program twice may not reapply for reinstatement to that program. In this case, students will be formally withdrawn from their program of study.
Procedures for students assigned RTW who wish to be considered for reinstatement to their program
- Students who do not participate in the Fresh Start Program may be eligible for reinstatement after 12 months (3 terms) have elapsed from when the RTW standing was assigned and before 24 months (6 terms) have elapsed from when the RTW was assigned.
- Students who wish to be considered for reinstatement must complete the (PDF file) Request for Reinstatement/Fresh Start (opens in new window) form and the Request for Reinstatement - Supplementary form and submit to their academic program department for evaluation in accordance with the specified application deadlines.
(PDF file) (opens in new window) - Requests for Reinstatement will be considered by the Faculty and/or academic program department subject to past academic performance. Reinstatement is not guaranteed. Students will be notified of the outcome of this consideration by their academic program department.
- Students who are reinstated to their program after the assignment of a standing of RTW will be reinstated on Probation and will need to establish a Probationary Contract for that term.
- Fresh Start - Students assigned an RTW academic standing may request to participate in the Fresh Start Program after a 1 (one) term suspension period. Fresh Start is a 2 (two) term Student Success Program. Courses taken as part of the Fresh Start Program will be included in the student’s CGPA.
Fresh Start - Student Success Program (SSP)
Students who are RTW and wish to participate in Fresh Start may seek information to determine eligibility from their program departments. Students with RTW standing who are eligible and approved to participate in Fresh Start will have the opportunity to continue under the Fresh Start Program during their RTW period. Some academic programs with standing variation rules will also permit students with SVW standing to participate in the Fresh Start Program. Students who wish to participate may seek information to determine eligibility from their Department/School.
Students who are RTW may request to participate in the Fresh Start Program, after a 1 (one) term suspension period. The Fresh Start Program is a 2 (two) term Student Success Program designed to assist students with RTW standing in resuming their studies.
Programs, including part-time programs, will provide information each year on the usual criteria used for evaluating acceptable performance in the Fresh Start Program.
Courses taken as part of the Fresh Start Program will be included in the student’s CGPA.
Withdrawal from, or unsuccessful completion of Fresh Start Program will constitute one attempt of the Fresh Start Program.
Students approved by a program to participate in the Fresh Start Program will be on Extended Academic Probation (EAP). They will be required to establish EAP contracts in partnership with their academic program in each term of the Fresh Start Program.
Students who do not successfully complete the conditions outlined in their first term or second term contract for Fresh Start will return to RTW standing. In the case of a student with an SVW standing who do not successfully complete the conditions of their first term or second term contract for Fresh Start will be assigned a standing of RTW. Prior to reinstatement these students may not register in any TMU credit courses including those offered by the Chang School.
Upon successful completion of Fresh Start, students will be automatically reinstated to their program or transferred to their new program of study. They will continue in the program of study with Probationary or Clear standing based on their CGPA. If they proceed as Probationary students, they will be required to establish a Probationary Contract (see Procedures 8).
Students who wish to participate in the Fresh Start Program for consideration for reinstatement to their current program must complete the (PDF file) Request for Reinstatement/Fresh Start Form (opens in new window) and submit it to their Department/School for evaluation in accordance with the specified application deadlines.
Procedures for students who are assigned an RTW standing, participate in Fresh Start, and wish to be considered for transfer to another program
Students who wish to be considered for transfer to another program must complete the (PDF file) Request for Fresh Start – Transfer Form (opens in new window) and submit it to Undergraduate Admissions for evaluation in accordance with the specified application deadlines. Students must meet the minimum admission requirements for the application program.
Applications for transfer will be considered by Undergraduate Admissions in consultation with Faculty and/or program admission committees. Past academic performance and space availability will normally be considerations in evaluating eligibility.
If approved for a Fresh Start Program transfer, there is an understanding that the transfer program commits to admitting the student pending successful completion of the Fresh Start Program.
Students will be notified of the outcome of this consideration by an admission advisor and/or the academic program department.
If denied, students will need to complete the remainder of the 12-month suspension period and are subject to all rules for RTW students. They may apply for reinstatement to their program for the term following the third term following their RTW standing (For complete details, see Senate Policy 170(a).
In addition to meeting TMU's general criteria on Academic Standing listed above, students in the following programs must also meet the extra conditions set out in specific Department/School Standing Variations:
- All programs within the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science except the Architectural Science program
- Accounting and Finance (opens in new window)
- Child and Youth Care (opens in new window)
- Disability Studies (opens in new window)
- Early Childhood Studies (opens in new window)
- Midwifery (opens in new window)
- Nursing - Collaborative Program (opens in new window)
- Nursing - Post-diploma Degree Completion (opens in new window)
- Performance Acting, Dance and Production (opens in new window)
- Social Work (opens in new window)
Department/School Standing Variations could include:
- minimum grades in specific courses
- minimum CGPA across a series of courses
- maximum number of attempts allowed for specific courses
- standards of professional conduct on field/clinical placements
Department/School Standing Variations, where applicable, are described in detail in the program section of the calendar.
Students will receive grades and an Academic Standing for single-term courses at the end of each term, and grades for multi-term courses at the end of the second term or in August for Spring/Summer courses.
All final grades and Academic Standings are available on MyServiceHub (my.torontomu.ca (opens in new window) ), at the end of each term, approximately 10 days after the end of the Examination Period. For the Fall term, reporting of final grades will normally be done within one week of when the university reopens after the Mid Year Break. In the Student Center, under the 'Academics ' section, students can view their grades by selecting the Grades/Standing quick link.
Students must petition their instructor by completing the Incomplete Grade Request Form to receive an INC designation, within 3 (three) working days, or as soon as reasonably possible, of the missed final examination or assignment deadline. Supporting documentation (e.g. Toronto Metropolitan University Student Health Certificate) must be provided.
The instructor will determine the date for completion of outstanding coursework to be submitted or the alternate examination. Such a date must allow the grading to be completed and finalized on the student record within three months from the date official grades were available to students for the term the INC was assigned.
Instructors assigning INCs must complete the Incomplete Grade Request Form within 7 (seven) working days of assigning the INC, clearly defining the outstanding work to be completed and a final deadline by which the outstanding course work is to be submitted or the date of the alternate examination.
The Chair/Director of the teaching department must retain a copy of the Incomplete Grade Request Form for the department’s student file.
Once the outstanding course work is completed and submitted for grading by the student, the instructor or teaching department will grade the work and submit a revised final course grade to the Registrar’s Office using the Automated Grade Revision Process within three months from the date official grades were available to students for the term the INC was assigned. The INC will be replaced by an official final course grade when the work is completed and a final course grade is submitted by the instructor.
The student’s home Academic Department will determine their decision framework for enforcing restrictions on the number of courses a student can enrol in when students have two (2) or more outstanding INCs at the start of a term. The factors that will be used to consider restrictions may include, but are not limited to, the number of INCs outstanding at the start of the term, the amount of work outstanding before each INC can be resolved, the number of courses the student is enrolled in for the term, the impact the INCs could have on the student’s ability to academically progress, the student’s past performance, history of previous INC grades and history of lapse grades.
If a student enrols in a course in which the prerequisite for that course has an outstanding INC, the INC must be resolved and a final course grade assigned and updated on the student record on or before the last day to add classes for the term. Immediately after the last day to add courses for the term, the student will be automatically dropped from any courses where there is an outstanding INC in the prerequisite course(s) after the last day to add courses for each term.
In extenuating circumstances, prior to the last day to enroll in a course for the term, a student may request special permission to remain enrolled in a course for which the INC is a prerequisite. Only the Chair/Director may grant special permission, with agreement of the course instructor, for the student to remain enrolled in the course. When granting permission, the Chair/Director will consider the remaining course work and the expected completion date, as well as outstanding curriculum requirements.
Students assigned a standing of RTW or PPW in a term in which they are assigned an INC, must resolve the INC by the last day to add courses for the current term in order to continue once the standing is recalculated for the previous term.
In extenuating circumstances, the student may request approval from the instructor and the Chair/Director of the teaching department for a one-time extension to the original INC completion date agreed to on the Incomplete Grade Request Form. When granting an extension, the Chair/Director will consider the student’s academic progress in their program of study as well as the relevance of the course to the curriculum. The extension must not exceed a date to allow the grade to be completed and finalized within three months of the next grading period.
INC grades that have not been resolved and/or revised by the 3-month deadline for completion will lapse each term according to the following timeline:
- April 15 for Fall Term courses
- August 1 for Winter Term courses
- November 30 for Spring/Summer Term courses
Students will be required to resolve outstanding INCs within published deadlines to clear outstanding academic graduation requirements in order to be considered for eligibility to graduate.
See Senate Policy #170(a).
Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to promoting academic success and to ensuring that students’ academic records ultimately reflect their academic abilities and accomplishments.
The University expects that grades will reflect demonstrated knowledge of course material, and that academic decisions concerning final grades and academic standings will be fair, consistent, and objective.
Students earn grades that reflect their ability to demonstrate their knowledge of the course material through the means of evaluation.
It is also expected that students will deal with issues which may affect academic performance as soon as they arise.
Students should refer to the Senate Appeals and Senate Resources websites for detailed information on the various academic considerations that may be requested; necessary documents such as appeal forms, TMU health certificate and forms for religious accommodation; and procedural instructions. Information is also available from the Departments and Schools, Dean’s Offices and the Secretary of Senate.
Students are responsible for reviewing all pertinent information before the submission of a formal academic appeal. Incomplete appeals will not be accepted. Students are responsible for ensuring that a formal appeal is submitted by the deadline dates (opens in new window) published in the undergraduate calendar, and must adhere to the timelines established in the policy.
The PDF file Academic Consideration (Senate Policy 167) and the PDF file Grade and Standing Appeals Policy and Procedures (Senate Policy 168) can be viewed on the Senate Policies website.
Grades and documents such as transcripts, letters, degree and certificate parchments, and other documents are withheld when a student:
- has not met the payment requirement for enrolment and/or
- has an unpaid balance owing to the University in excess of $10 (subject to change) and/or
- fails to return books to the Library, wireless NetReady cards or ResNet equipment to CCS - Computing and Communications Services, or any other borrowed property
Students are responsible for all books, materials, etc. borrowed against their account, unless a loss or a theft has been previously reported.
To verify what is outstanding, go to the 'Holds' section in the Student Center page in MyServiceHub.
Students who have grade withholds receive a Withhold Notice instead of their graduation award at the relevant convocation ceremony.
Documents, grades and transcripts will be released when the withhold has been cleared to the satisfaction of the University.
Fresh Start (opens in new window) is a Student Success Program designed for students who have been assigned an academic standing of "Required to Withdraw (opens in new window) " and in some programs an academic standing of Standing Variation Withdrawal.
Fresh Start is a two term program. After sitting out one term, students who are approved for Fresh Start may take up to two courses for credit in the first term of Fresh Start and up to four courses for credit in the second term of Fresh Start while they pursue reinstatement to their program or transfer to another program. During the time they take two full-credit courses, Fresh Start students must also participate in a 7-week skills-building non-credit course, CIFS100.
For eligibility, application deadlines, and program details students should refer to Study Skills and Transition Support on the Student Life and Learning Support website (opens in new window) or email freshstart@torontomu.ca.