Other Grade Symbols
Beyond the letter grades used to compute GPA, McNeese State University records several additional grade symbols that are not assigned quality points and are not included in the grade point average:
- S (Satisfactory) and P (Pass) signify average performance; U (Unsatisfactory) signifies performance below the level required to pass.
- I (Incomplete) automatically converts to F unless the student completes the required work, normally within one semester (up to one year under extenuating circumstances).
- WZ is given for withdrawal from a class; W is given for university resignation or a military/administrative withdrawal; WN is assigned when an instructor withdraws a student for non-attendance. None of WZ, W, or WN is included when computing the student's GPA.
- IN marks a graduate thesis as incomplete but in progress; AU marks an audited, no-credit course; NR (Not Reported) is a placeholder used when an instructor has not yet reported a grade.
Source: Grading System Policy, Academic Affairs, revised May 15, 2025 — verified Sep 2026
How GPA Is Computed
A grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the number of quality points earned by the number of quality, or GPA, hours. Term GPA uses only the quality points and hours from a given term; the overall, or cumulative, GPA uses the total quality points and hours earned, including transfer coursework. A 2.0 GPA represents a C average; a 3.0 GPA represents a B average.
When a course is repeated, the highest grade earned becomes the official grade for the course, but all grades earned across every attempt are still included in the term and overall GPA calculations, except in cases of academic bankruptcy or grade forgiveness. (Prior to Summer 1995, only the last grade earned was counted.)
Source: Grading System Policy, Academic Affairs, revised May 15, 2025 — verified Sep 2026
Uses of the Overall GPA
The overall (cumulative) GPA — which includes quality points and hours from both institutional and transfer coursework — is the figure used to determine academic honors, graduation honors, academic probation, academic suspension, and admission into specific programs.
Source: Grading System Policy, Academic Affairs, revised May 15, 2025 — verified Sep 2026
Adjusted and Degree GPA
For meeting graduation requirements, an adjusted GPA or degree GPA may be used instead of the overall transcript GPA. The adjusted GPA counts only the highest grade earned in any repeated course (except in cases of academic bankruptcy or grade forgiveness); the degree GPA counts only grades from courses that apply to the specific degree. Neither figure appears on the official transcript. Individual colleges may set their own rules for how the adjusted GPA is used in admission to, and graduation from, their programs.
Source: Grading System Policy, Academic Affairs, revised May 15, 2025 — verified Sep 2026