NorQuest College uses two systems for the reporting of final grades in credit courses. All final grades are reported to the Office of the Registrar.
The following scale applies to credit programs and courses:
The Alberta Common Grade Scheme became effective September 2002. Courses with a passing grade higher than a 1.0 will show all grades below the designated passing grade as an F.
A grade point average (GPA) is a weighted average of a student’s grades. GPA is calculated according to the formula using the credits assigned to each course and the grade points received. The calculations used in recording a student’s grades are:
See the 4.0 Grade Scale table mentioned earlier for grade point values.
Example:
Total Grade Points = 15.0, Total Credits taken = 9.0, GPA = 15/9 = 1.67
NorQuest College calculates a term GPA at the end of each summer, fall, winter, and spring term. The term GPA will appear on the transcript. A cumulative GPA (CGPA) is also calculated and appears on the transcript. The cumulative GPA is the average GPA maintained over all credit courses taken at NorQuest. The cumulative GPA is calculated separately for foundational/academic upgrading courses and post-secondary courses.
If a course is repeated, credit for the highest grade will be used in the calculation of the GPA. The college may limit the number of times a credit course may be repeated.
Punctual and regular attendance is expected of students. Attendance is mandatory only as a requirement for sponsored students, or when specified in course outlines. Failure to meet stated attendance requirements may result in course failure or withdrawal as determined by instructors and the Program Chair, or in withdrawal from the college.
NorQuest College provides opportunities for the privilege of registering in a course(s) as an auditor, upon written approval by the Program Chair.
An audited course is not credited toward the requirements of any college credential. There will be no course evaluation, progress report, and no grades calculated towards a grade point average awarded to the student (the grade denoted on the transcript is “AUD”). Participation in the classroom is left to the discretion of the instructor. Some courses may be closed to auditing at the discretion of the Program Chair if the course is oversubscribed or equipment is limited.
Auditing is not allowed in practicum or lab courses and in some designated programs. A change in status from regular to audit is permitted only within the first two meetings of the class. Auditors must adhere to the standard add and drop periods. See Registration for further details.
Fees for auditing a course or program are 50% of the tuition fee, and the full cost for the program and supplies fee and book rental fee (if applicable). Auditing students do not pay a Students’ Association fee or student services fee, and are ineligible for the health and dental plans.
Course work completed at another accredited post-secondary institution may be equivalent to course work at NorQuest College. Transfer credit will normally be considered for courses in certificate and diploma programs.
To be considered for transfer credit, you must be admitted and make a formal request for assessment of relevant courses. Requests for transfer credit for courses a student is currently enrolled in must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the drop deadline.
Transfer Credit Request forms (68K pdf) are available on the college website. Official transcripts from the issuing institution (see Transcripts & Testing for information on requesting post-secondary transcripts), as well as the Transfer Credit Request form (68K pdf), should be received by the Office of the Registrar no later than one month prior to the start date of the term in which the course you are requesting credit for is scheduled. Late requests may incur academic and/or financial penalties.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide sufficient documentation to prove that transfer credit should be granted. The Transfer Credit Request form (68K pdf) must be accompanied by the complete course syllabus/outline (short calendar course descriptions are not sufficient).
A minimum grade of C- or 60% is required to be considered for transfer credit. The college reserves the right to determine the minimum grade required for transfer credit approval.
The maximum number of courses that may be granted transfer credit is limited to 50% of the credit load of a given certificate or diploma program. Each faculty may consider exceptions. Transfer of courses will be subject to time limitations as up-to-date knowledge and skill are essential to student success. NorQuest College reserves the right to determine these time limits.
Once evaluated, the Admissions and Transfer Credit Unit will convey the decision to the applicant via MyMail.
If transfer credit is granted, this will be noted on your NorQuest College transcript as a grade of “ADV.”
Students wishing to transfer from NorQuest College to another post-secondary institution should refer to the Alberta Transfer Guide, published by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT).
The guide lists all course and program transfer agreements between post-secondary institutions in Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The official guide is the online version, available at www.transferalberta.ca.
Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT) 11th Floor, Commerce Place 10155 102 Street Edmonton, AB T5J 4L5 Tel. 780.422.9021 Email: acat@gov.ab.ca Toll-free: 310.0000 (ext. 780.422.9021)
Note: This practice is currently under review and may change. For more information, check with the Office of the Registrar.
NorQuest College recognizes prior learning by assigning credits for skills and knowledge acquired through work, non-formal education or training, self-study, or volunteer activities.
If you have acquired skills and knowledge outside the traditional classroom setting that are equivalent to our course outcomes, you may qualify to receive college credits toward a career program.
Contact the Program Chair or assessment coordinator to determine your eligibility.
If you are eligible, the Program Chair or assessment coordinator will provide information on fees and the types of prior learning assessment that may be conducted (challenge exams, portfolio assessments, etc.).
If you are eligible for prior learning assessment, you will be contacted by subject specialists from the program in which you want to register to discuss your next steps in the process. Fees for assessing prior learning may be charged.
For additional information about recognition for prior informal learning, call 780.644.6000.
See Academic Grade Appeal for more information related to grade appeal procedures.