A student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) is computed by multiplying the grade points for each course by the number of credits the course is worth (see Figure 1) and then dividing the total number of grade points by the total number of credits (see Figure 2). Courses in which a student receives the grades of AU, NR, P, W, WF, or WP do not count in calculating the grade point average.
For example, Darryl had five courses this semester. Each course is 3 credits. He has a B- in the first course, an A- in the second course, a C+ in the third course, a B+ in the fourth course and a C in the fifth course. Darryl finds out that a B- is a 7 on the grade point scale, an A- is a 10, a C+ is a 6, a B+ is a 9, and a C is a 5. (Refer to the grade table on page 37 of the Academic Calendar for or download this GPA table for translating letter grades into grade points.)
Figure 1:
| 3 credits |
x |
7 points |
= |
21 |
| 3 credits |
x |
10 points |
= |
30 |
| 3 credits |
x |
6 points |
= |
18 |
| 3 credits |
x |
9 points |
= |
27 |
| 3 credits |
x |
5 points |
= |
15 |
Figure 2:
5 courses x 3 credits = 15 (total number of credits)
21 points + 30 points + 18 points + 27 points + 15 points = 111 (total number of grade points)
111 (total number of grade points) / 9 (total number of credits) = 7.4
Darryl’s GPA is 7.4
Academic scholarships are granted based on the GPA of the Fall and Winter semesters of each year, not the cumulative GPA. Each year all students have a fresh start at attaining one of the academic awards (see page 25-27 of the
Academic Calendar). More details on scholarship average calculations can be found in the
Academic Calendar.
Students are placed on the Dean’s Honour List based on the GPA of each individual term . A 9.5 term GPA is required, as well as full-time status (minimum of 4 courses or 12 credit hours).
Each students’ academic standing is based on their cumulative grade point average (CGPA). The CGPA makes use of all courses that the student has taken until that point.
A course in which a low or failing grade has been given may be repeated. If a student repeats a course, the most recent grade received will be counted in calculating his or her average and only this course will be credited; the earlier grade will, however, remain on the transcript, with a notation that it has been repeated.
One poor grade can have an impact on a term GPA, but is minimized over the year and further reduced over 120 credit hours – or 4 years of study. If you are looking for way to improve your CGPA and what type of grades you will need to reach a specific GPA, please feel free to
book an appointment with an Academic Advisor (
Linda, Jenn, or Richard)– we’re happy to help!