Grade notations that don't count toward GPA
Beyond the standard letter grades, MVCC uses several non-scored notations on the transcript:
- W (Withdrawn) — does not affect GPA, but counts in attempted hours.
- I (Incomplete, temporary) — converts to FI if the instructor submits no grade by the end of the following regular semester.
- FI (Fail Incomplete) — assigned when an Incomplete results in a failure.
- S / U (Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory) — midterm-only; not official and do not appear on the permanent record.
- AU (Audit) — no formal grade assigned; does not affect the GPA or satisfy graduation, certificate, or license requirements.
- NR — not a grade, but a symbol indicating a grade was not submitted.
Source: MVCC Student Handbook, Academic Information page — verified Sep 2026
How MVCC calculates GPA
The overall GPA is calculated by dividing total quality points earned by total GPA hours attempted. MVCC truncates the result to two decimals and does not round up.
If a course is repeated, only the highest grade counts toward the GPA — both grades remain posted on the transcript.
Students who return after four or more years away may apply for Academic Amnesty, which can exclude prior unsatisfactory grades from the GPA calculation, subject to eligibility requirements in the Student Handbook.
Source: MVCC Student Handbook, Academic Information page — verified Sep 2026
Graduation requirements
- A final high school transcript showing graduation, or a GED certificate, must be on file.
- Students must pass all courses required for their program or certificate.
- Students must achieve at least a 2.00 program GPA, completing all courses specified in the Catalog including general education requirements.
- A minimum of 25% of required program/certificate classes must be completed at MVCC (Residency Requirement).
- All official transfer transcripts must be on file, with transfer courses posted before graduation.
- Financial obligations to the College must be fulfilled.
- Matriculation ends at graduation — a new degree or certificate requires re-matriculation.
- The Academic School Dean certifies graduation and approves any exceptions or waivers.
Source: MVCC Student Handbook, Academic Information page — verified Sep 2026
Honors, distinction, and honor lists
A cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher is required to Graduate with Honors. Students completing the Honors Program requirements Graduate with Distinction.
Honors Program eligibility — for students with fewer than 12 college credits: a 3.5 (or 90) high school GPA, an SAT score of 1240+ (or comparable ACT), or top 10% class standing. For students with 12 or more college credits: a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher earned at MVCC or another college.
President's List: at least 6 credits completed with a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Vice President's List: at least 6 credits completed with a GPA of 3.50–3.74.
Source: MVCC Student Handbook, Academic Information page — verified Sep 2026
Transfer of MVCC associate degrees
Students who complete an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree are guaranteed transfer of all credits to a SUNY four-year transfer partner, and MVCC holds many agreements with non-SUNY schools as well.
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) are occupational degrees, not transfer degrees — four-year transfer partners are not required to accept all credits from an AAS or AOS.
Source: MVCC Student Handbook, Academic Information page — verified Sep 2026