University of Minnesota Grades

Grades earned on study abroad (for resident credit programs) are converted to University of Minnesota grades according to pre-established grade conversion criteria.

The University of Minnesota’s version of the A/F grading system allows the following grades: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, F. Grades of A+, D-, E+, E, E-, F+, and F- do not exist. According to University guidelines, an A is for outstanding work, B for performance significantly above what is expected for the course, C for fully satisfactory work, D for work which is inadequate but nonetheless merits credit, and F for failing work.

The University of Minnesota also has an S/N grade scale. An S represents achievement that is satisfactory, which is equivalent to a C- or better. 

An N represents no credit and signifies that the work was either (1) completed but at a level of achievement that is not worthy of credit or (2) was not completed and there was no agreement between the instructor and the student that the student would be awarded an incomplete.

The W grade signifies "withdraw."

The I grade signifies "incomplete."

S/N Grading Policies
Read the information on S/N grade option and grade option changes on our Registration web page.

Non-University of Minnesota students have an additional responsibility to ask whether their home university accepts S/N credit, even if it is allowed by the particular University of Minnesota program. If a non-University of Minnesota system student inadvertently enrolls for a class with an S/N grade option, and their home university does not accept a grade of S for credit, the Learning Abroad Center substitutes a grade of C- for the S grade. Students must provide documentation from an adviser or registrar from the home insitution that the S/N grade option is not accepted.

Incomplete (I) Grades
Students are expected to complete all course requirements by the end of the term. In the case of extenuating circumstances, students may be able to request an incomplete if the faculty member and the on-site director allow it. In general, the Learning Abroad Center does not allow incompletes.

Students must consult with the on-site director and complete the Request for Incomplete form. The approval form includes a faculty signature and timeline for completion of the course requirements. The timeline for completion should not exceed 12 weeks. Students who fail to complete their assignments within an approved incomplete timeline receive a grade of F.

In some cases, a student’s university may not allow grades of incomplete and records an F. It is the student’s responsibility to check if their home institution allows a grade of I.

Withdrawal (W) Grades

Read the information on withdrawing from a course on our Registration web page.

Attendance/Absence Policies
Students are expected to attend all classes while abroad. Many instructors assess both attendance and participation when assigning a final course grade. Attendance alone does not guarantee a positive participation grade; be prepared for class and engage in class discussion. 

In many cultures, faculty timeliness is understood differently. Students should be on time to class but may need to wait for the instructor to arrive. In addition, class may extend beyond the appointed end hour.

Grade Petitions

University of Minnesota students have the right to petition a grade that is inaccurate or biased.  Read the information on grade petitions on the Petitions & Forms web page.

Scholastic Dishonesty/Academic Misconduct

The University of Minnesota conduct code prohibits academic misconduct, such as scholastic dishonesty (including plagiarism) or disruptive classroom behavior. Penalties may include automatic failure of the course or dismissal from the program. See the University of Minnesota Student Conduct Code and the Code of Conduct for Education Abroad Opportunities for more detail.

Last modified on February 12, 2008