How Grades Are Determined
Grades are earned and awarded in each course and recorded on the student's permanent record at the end of each academic term. Evaluation of student achievement is based on attainment of the course's stated objectives, which the instructor explains at the beginning of the course. A student's work is considered satisfactory when the student maintains an average of "C" (grade point average 2.0) or higher.
Several non-letter symbols may also appear on a transcript and are not computed in the GPA: AU (Audit), P (Pass), NP (No Pass), I (Incomplete), W (Withdrawn), IP (In Progress), RD (Report Delayed), MW (Military Withdrawal), and EW (Excused Withdrawal). Courses taken pass/no pass are not used in computing a student's grade point average; a "Pass" requires performance equivalent to a letter grade of "C" or better. Non-degree-applicable credit course grades are not counted in calculating grade point averages for graduation or transfer.
Source: Porterville College 2026-2027 Catalog, "Grading System" (p.55) — verified Sep 2026
Course Repeats and GPA Calculation
Certain courses may be repeated once for credit if a grade lower than "C" (or its equivalent) was earned; the original grade remains on the permanent record but the earlier attempt is disregarded in the student's GPA calculation. If a student earns any combination of "D," "F," or "W" on two attempts in a Kern Community College District course, a third attempt requires the signature of both the course instructor and the division chair. A course repeated to satisfy a legally mandated training requirement for continued paid or volunteer employment may be repeated any number of times, with every attempt's grade included in the GPA calculation.
Prerequisites or graduation requirements may require a grade of "C" or higher in specific courses.
Source: Porterville College 2026-2027 Catalog, "Repeating a Course" — verified Sep 2026
Probation and Dismissal
A student is placed on academic probation after attempting at least 12 semester units with a grade point average below "C" (2.0). A student is placed on progress probation after enrolling in at least 12 semester units if the percentage of units graded "W," "I," "NC," or "NP" reaches or exceeds 50 percent. A student is removed from probation upon reaching 50 percent completion with a 2.0 GPA, or once the percentage of "W," "I," "NC," and "NP" units falls below 50 percent.
A student on academic probation is subject to dismissal after a cumulative GPA below 1.75 in each of three consecutive semesters. A student on progress probation is subject to dismissal if the cumulative percentage of "W," "I," "NC," and "NP" units reaches or exceeds 50 percent for three consecutive semesters. Readmission after disqualification requires a stay-out period of one or two semesters depending on the student's cumulative GPA and completion rate.
Source: Porterville College 2026-2027 Catalog, Academic Standards & Information chapter — verified Sep 2026
Degree GPA Requirements
An Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree requires a minimum of 60 credits in associate-degree-level courses with at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average, including at least 18 units in the major completed with a grade of A, B, C, or P, and at least 24 units of general education completed with a 2.0 GPA or better.
The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T), available under California's Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440), requires a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Source: Porterville College 2026-2027 Catalog, "Graduation Requirements" / AA-T / AS-T sections — verified Sep 2026
Scholastic Recognition
Students earning grades in letter-graded classes may qualify each semester for one of three honors lists: the President's Honor List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 with a minimum of 42 grade points while enrolled full-time (12 credits); the Dean's Honor List requires a semester GPA of 3.0 with a minimum of 36 grade points; the Limited (Part-Time) Dean's Honor List requires a semester GPA of 3.0 with a minimum of 18 grade points.
Students who complete at least 60 units in degree-applicable letter-graded courses, including at least 12 units at Porterville College, with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, are recognized as "Honors Graduate" in the Graduation Program and at Commencement.
Source: Porterville College 2026-2027 Catalog, "Scholastic Recognition" — verified Sep 2026
Transfer Credit Evaluation
Porterville College grants credit for lower-division work completed at accredited colleges or universities, which may count toward general education, majors, certificates, electives, and developmental or prerequisite requirements. Students must submit official transcripts from every institution attended before a degree evaluation can be completed.
The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees, under California's Senate Bill 1440, guarantee admission to the California State University system (though not to a specific campus or major) for students completing 60 required CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Source: Porterville College 2026-2027 Catalog, "Credits Allowed from Other Institutions" / AA-T / AS-T sections — verified Sep 2026