UMass Amherst

Capstone Experience Grading

Grade Capstone Experience courses as you would any other course -- in accordance with the expectations set forth in the syllabus or recorded in the Independent Capstone contract. The grade should accurately reflect the quality of the student's work, attendance and participation.

In the event of extenuating circumstances, honors students should be given the same respect and consideration as other students, neither more nor less. Refer to the Undergraduate Registrar's Academic Regulations Handbook for standard policies. http://www.umass.edu/registrar/media/academicregs05.pdf

  • Capstone Experience coursework graded “D” to “B-” will count toward graduation credit for students but not toward fulfillment of Commonwealth College requirements.
  • Capstone Experience coursework graded “B” or higher in all components will count in fulfillment of Commonwealth College requirements.
  • Eligibility for high and highest honors (magna and summa cum laude) is based on a higher grading benchmark for the Capstones (see "CE Manuscript Documentation & Formatting" and "Graduation with Honors" links at left)


Capstone Experience Grading Options

Grading options for Capstone Experiences vary depending upon the CE. Click on a link below for grading options appropriate for that CE:

1st SEMESTER OF A TWO-SEMESTER CAPSTONE SEQUENCE

Standard Grading:
Choose standard grading (A, A-, B+, B, etc.) when the semester has clearly defined assignments or benchmarks that can be tallied into a semester grade that will not be altered by subsequent work. For example, an instructor might

  • Submit an “A” to a student who has conducted excellent research to date
  • Submit an appropriately low grade to a student whose performance to date is unacceptable due to frequent absence, or inadequate reporting or research.

Advantages of standard grading:

  • Revised grading will be not be required later
  • The student receives a clear, unambiguous progress assessment

Note: The grade for the first semester may differ from the grade of the second semester based upon the quality of the student's work in each.

“Y” Grading:
Yearlong grading allows the submission of a “Y” grade as a non-penalty incomplete.

  • Course Capstones may be designated as "Y" grading by the instructor during the course scheduling process. If selected, "Y" grading should also be noted in the syllabus.
  • Independent Capstones are always scheduled with the "Y" grading option.

Choose “Y” grading when you wish to

  • grade the yearlong effort only after the end of the second semester and you are able to determine with confidence that the student has made satisfactory progress in the first semester (otherwise a low grade may be more appropriate)
  • use the “Y” grade as a neutral placeholder until the second semester is complete (vs. an INC grade which would average as an "F" until the grade is changed).

Consequences of Y grading

  • In addition to submitting the grade for the final semester on SPIRE, you will need to submit a "Change of Grade" form to the Registrar’s Office to convert the "Y" to a final grade.
  • Students may be ignorant of serious problems with their coursework unless you have had a candid discussion with them.

                  or

SINGLE-SEMESTER CAPSTONE (6 cr minimum)
CONCURRENT CAPSTONE PAIR (3 + 3 cr minimum)
FINAL SEMESTER OF A CAPSTONE SEQUENCE

Upon completion of a single-semester capstone or capstone pair or the final semester of a capstone sequence, the instructor may submit either a final grade(s) or "INCs" on the SPIRE grade roster(s). Note: Course Capstone grades should not be submitted until the final CE manuscripts have been evaluated and graded.

Standard Grading:
If a standard grade (“A”, “A-“, “B+”, “B," etc.) is submitted for the final semester (and in the case of a capstone sequence, if a standard grade was submitted for the first semester) then no further grading action is required.

INC and Y Grading:
If an INC is submitted for the final semester (or if a “Y grade was submitted earlier for the first semester of a capstone sequence) then

  • You will need to submit "Change of Grade" forms to the Registrar’s Office to convert the "Ys" and/or “INCs” to standard grades upon completion of the student's work.


Other Grading Issues

Some students may feel in jeopardy if they are earning less than our required grade minima for Latin Honors:

  • A- for summa cum laude (CE courses & manuscript)
  • B+ for magna cum laude (CE courses & manuscript)
  • B for cum laude (CE courses & manuscript)

We encourage ongoing communication between you and your Capstone students regarding their progress. If any of your students are in jeopardy please have a candid discussion with them as soon as possible, document your conversations in writing, and refer the student to a Commonwealth College advisor if necessary.

Note: Commonwealth College students cannot be cleared for graduation until Capstone Experience "Y" and "INC" grades have been converted to final grades on SPIRE.

Please feel free to contact Cory Pols , 545-2081, or Meredith Lind, 545-2049, for assistance.

 

.


Commonwealth College students enjoy the benefits of small classes and individualized attention within the context of a major research university.