Grading Symbols Beyond the Scale
"FW" (Failing, Unauthorized Withdrawal) carries 0 grade points, the same as "F", and is averaged into the GPA like any other evaluative grade. Incomplete ("I"), In Progress ("IP"), Report Delayed ("RD"), and Withdrawal ("W"/"MW"/"EW") are non-evaluative symbols and are not counted toward units attempted or grade points.
Source: College Policies, Grading and Academic Record Symbols (BP/AP 4230), NVC Catalog 2026-2027. — verified Sep 2026
How GPA Is Calculated
GPA is computed by dividing total grade points earned by total units attempted. Units attempted on a P/NP basis are not counted toward the GPA.
Source: College Policies, Grade Point Average section, NVC Catalog 2026-2027. — verified Sep 2026
Academic Alert and Dismissal
A student is placed on academic alert after attempting at least 12 semester units with a GPA below 2.0 (a "C"), and is removed once the cumulative GPA reaches 2.0 or higher. A student already on academic alert is subject to dismissal after an institutional cumulative GPA below 1.75 in each of three consecutive semesters.
Separately, a progress alert/dismissal track is based on the rate of "W", "I", "NP", and "NC" entries (50% or more of enrolled units) rather than GPA.
Source: College Policies, Academic Alert, Dismissal and Readmission (BP/AP 4250/4255), NVC Catalog 2026-2027. — verified Sep 2026
GPA Requirement for the AA/AS Degree
For the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree, students must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in the major or area of emphasis, with a grade of "C" or better in all courses in the major/emphasis, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 overall in degree-applicable coursework.
Source: Getting Your Degree At Napa Valley College, Associate Degree (AA/AS) Requirements, NVC Catalog 2026-2027. — verified Sep 2026
President's Honor List and Phi Theta Kappa
Students enrolled for a letter grade in 12 or more units in a semester with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are placed on the NVC President's Honor List. Graduates completing an AA or AS degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher earn "President's Honors at Graduation" on their diploma and may apply to be the commencement valedictory speaker.
Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and at least 12 transferable or degree-applicable units are eligible to join the NVC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.
Source: College Policies, Academic Honors section, NVC Catalog 2026-2027. — verified Sep 2026
GPA Requirement for the Associate Degree for Transfer
The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T/AS-T) requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better with a "C" or better in all classes in the major. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution should note that its GPA and grade standards may differ from these local degree requirements.
Source: Getting Your Degree At Napa Valley College, Associate Degree For Transfer Requirements, NVC Catalog 2026-2027. — verified Sep 2026
Frequently asked questions
What grading scheme does Napa Valley College (NVC) use?
Where does this NVC grade scale come from?
What are NVC's GPA rules?
Source: College Policies, Grade Point Average section, NVC Catalog 2026-2027. — verified Sep 2026
What are NVC's academic standing rules?
Source: College Policies, Academic Alert, Dismissal and Readmission (BP/AP 4250/4255), NVC Catalog 2026-2027. — verified Sep 2026
What does NVC require to graduate?
Source: Getting Your Degree At Napa Valley College, Associate Degree (AA/AS) Requirements, NVC Catalog 2026-2027. — verified Sep 2026
How are honors and awards decided at NVC?
Source: College Policies, Academic Honors section, NVC Catalog 2026-2027. — verified Sep 2026
How does NVC treat transfer credit?
Source: Getting Your Degree At Napa Valley College, Associate Degree For Transfer Requirements, NVC Catalog 2026-2027. — verified Sep 2026
