College Grading Policy

Evaluation of Student Learning:

Each division course has an official course outline.  This course outline has been formally approved through the college governance process and the State Chancellor’s Office. Faculty members are required to teach to the course outline and to follow its evaluation process for student learning.  Pursuant to the official course outline, all students are required to be evaluated by multiple measures.

Please obtain the official course outline for your class(es) through the division Administrative Assistant.

Final Examinations (Board Policy 6160):

Pursuant to BP 6160, final examinations are required for all credit courses. Every final examination must be given on the scheduled date and time.  Students are responsible for taking all assigned final examinations as they are listed on the examination schedule.  Students can petition to take a final examination early at the instructor’s discretion.  Final examination schedules are generally printed in the back of the schedule of classes for the semester and are posted online.  The date and time of exams should be incorporated into your class syllabus.                                                                                                                                           

Student Petition for Early Final Examination:

Students can petition to take a final examination early by completing the Petition for Early Final Examination form available online.  It is up to the discretion of the instructor as to whether or not this petition will be accepted. To access the form, click here.

Grading Policy (Board Policy 5300):

The State Legislature mandates a grading policy for all California Community Colleges.  In compliance with this mandate, the South Orange County Community College District has established the following:

All students who are officially enrolled in class by the end of the drop period must receive a grade.  The end of the drop period varies from class to class.  The drop date is listed on your class roster and is the date referred to as “Last Day to Drop.”

Use of Incomplete Grades:

Faculty may issue students an Incomplete Grade “I” only when:

• The student is receiving a C or better;
• The student cannot complete the course due to an unforeseeable emergency, and justifiable reasons; and
• It is the end of the term with only a week or two of class left.

The faculty member is expected to meet with the student before issuing the “I”.  The student must understand the conditions in which the “I” will be removed and agree to complete this obligation.  The “I” may be made up no later than one year following the end of the term in which it was assigned.  The faculty will complete an Incomplete Grade Report form and submit this form to the Office of Admissions and Records.  The student will receive a copy of the “Incomplete” form by mail. 

Please remember that approximately 80% of all “Incompletes” will turn into the grade to be assigned in lieu of its removal.  When a student receives an incomplete grade, he or she must make up any class assignments under the direct supervision of the instructor and through independent efforts outside of the class environment. The student will not be allowed to make up class assignments by attending any of the “missed” classes the following semesters.

Form: Incomplete Grade Report

Online Grade Submission Process:

You must submit grade documents within five (5) working days of the completion of the course.  Follow the steps below to access the online grade site.

• Access the Saddleback College home page (www.saddleback.edu)
• Select MYSITE to My Work
• Click onto Faculty Services to Submit Grades

The Office of Admissions and Records no longer requires your hand written signature after you submit your grades online. However, you must submit the following documents to the Office of Admissions and Records by the official due date.

• Positive Attendance Roster (These rosters are required only for special classes). Spreadsheets with all pertinent information will be accepted in lieu of permanent rosters. Additional Information on Positive Attedance Classes: Positive Attendance Classes
• Any student “Incomplete Grade Report” forms. Form: Incomplete Grade Report