Grades & Credits

Grading System & GPA

In the table below, grades of P, NG, WIP, AU, DR, and W are not used in computing quality point averages. Each individual instructor adopts a fair, consistent, and appropriate grading scale for his or her course.

Letter Grade	Grade Rating	*Quality Points/SH**
A	Superior	4.0
A-		3.7
B+		3.3
B	Good	3.0
B-		2.7
C+		2.3
C-		1.7
D+		1.3
D	Poor	1.0
D-		0.7
F	Failure	0.0
P	Passing
I	Incomplete
NG	No Grade Reported
WIP	Work in Progress
AU	Audit
DR	Withdrawal from School
W	Drop a Class

*Used to determine Grade Point Average (GPA).

Incomplete

A grade of incomplete (“I”) may be considered when the student has completed a minimum of 75% of a course and cannot complete the remaining 25% due to extenuating circumstances. Such circumstances include illness, death, loss of job, complications with pregnancy, emergencies, and military service.

The student must submit a completed Request for Incomplete form to the instructor before the last day of the course. If the prescribed extenuating circumstances warrant an incomplete, the instructor will submit the completed form to the Registrar’s Office and copy the student. The instructor must respond within two weeks of receiving the request. The Request for Incomplete Form is available on myBU under the Student Tab. The course must be completed by midterm of the next semester or the “I” automatically changes to an “F.”

Class Rank & Credit Hour Policy

Classification	Semester Hours Completed
Freshman	1-27
Sophomore	28-57
Junior	58-91
Senior	92+

Bluefield University has an extensive Credit Hour Policy that can be viewed in the Academic Catalog.

Academic Standing

Bluefield University has the following Academic Standings:

Good Standing
Academic Probation
Continued Academic Probation
Academic Suspension

Note: View the Academic Catalog for detailed descriptions.

Appeals

A student has the right to contest the grade given in any Bluefield University course. Please review the Grade Appeal Procedure in the current Bluefield University Academic Catalog. If the procedure is not followed, then an appeal may be denied.

Do I only apply once?

No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

The Academic Catalog provides detailed information on each course.

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Moran

Associate Professor of Counseling

Brandy Smith

Assistant Professor of Education & Counseling,
Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program,
Title IX Confidential Counselor

Our team is here for you! How can we help?

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