FAQs: Courses - Credits & Grades

1. How can Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) help me complete my TRU-OL program quicker?

   If you have several years of work experience, you can apply to have your learning assessed for academic credit towards your program.

   PLAR is a widely recognized, academically sound way for universities and colleges to acknowledge the learning that adult students have acquired through life and work experience, on-the-job training and non-credit courses.

   The method of assessment and the amount of credit you can be awarded depends on what program you are taking, so please contact PLAR_OL@tru.ca for more information.

   

2. How are 6-credit courses applied as a full-time course load?

   It depends on the maximum completion time of the course given in the course description. Courses with a 47-week maximum completion time must be spread over two terms, using 3 credits per term. Six-credit courses with a 21-week maximum completion term (such as some ADMN courses) must be used over one term, and all 6 credits count toward that term's enrolment. If it is not clear that a course spans one or two terms, contact TRU-OL Financial Aid for clarification.

   

3. What are the definitions of TRU-OL's letter grades?

   A+, A, A- Consistently distinguished performance in assignments and examinations.

   B+, B, B- Above average achievement, with the student exhibiting consistent mastery of the subject material.

   C+, C, C- Average performance, with the student demonstrating sufficient mastery of the subject to indicate success in the next higher course in the same field.

   D Bare passing grade. A student receiving such a grade would be advised not to proceed to the next higher course in the same field without additional preparation.

   F Fail grade assigned to a student who has not successfully met the requirements of the course, such as failing mandatory coursework (e.g. the final examination) or finishing with a weighted average on coursework that is below the passing level .

   The following are used but not included in the calculation of the GPA for TRU-OL courses:

   AG Aegrotat. Credit granted. Awarded in exceptional circumstances, though course requirements not met.

   FC Failed Challenge. No credit granted. Failed attempt at credit examination.

   I Incomplete. No credit granted. Mandatory course component(s) not completed.

   J Non-credit course. Course requirements met.

   K Non-credit course. Course requirements not met.

   M Audit option. Assignments completed. Examination not required.

   PC Passed Challenge. Credit granted. Passed attempt at credit examination.

   S Satisfactory. Credit granted. Course requirements met.

   U Unsatisfactory. No credit granted. Course requirements not met.

   W Withdrawal. No credit granted. Withdrawn from course according to established policy.

   XT Extension. No credit granted. Grade deferred.

   

4. How do I translate my grade percentage to a letter grade?

   Letter grades to percentages are set individually by each program area. Letter grades are not preset. You can discuss grading with your Open Learning Faculty Member. You may also find more detailed information about this process in your course package.

   Assignment marks are indicated in the student record with percentages according to the marking criteria for each course. Letter grades identify final course grades.

   Translation of an overall percentage course mark to a final letter grade is calculated differently for each course. What is considered "consistently distinguished performance" in one course can be defined slightly differently for another course. Therefore, the percentage range for an "A" is not the same with each course.

   Following are numerical equivalents and definitions of TRU-OL's letter grades:

   A+ (4.33); A (4.00); A- (3.67) Consistently distinguished performance in assignments and examinations.

   B+ (3.33); B (3.00); B- (2.67) Above-average achievement, with the student exhibiting consistent mastery of the subject material.

   C+ (2.33); C (2.00); C- (1.67) Average performance, with the student demonstrating sufficient mastery of the subject to indicate success in the next higher course in the same field.

   D (1.00) Bare passing grade. A student receiving such a grade would be advised not to proceed to the next higher course in the same field without additional preparation.

   F (0.00) Fail grade, assigned to a student who has not successfully met the requirements of the course.

   

5. How is my final grade for a course calculated?

   Your final grade is normally calculated as a weighted average of your coursework marks (e.g. assignments, examinations or projects).

   If you complete all of your mandatory coursework by your course completion date, your final grade is calculated with a zero (0) grade assessed for all incomplete coursework. TRU-OL recommends that you complete all assignments to achieve the learning outcomes for the course and to prepare for your final examination.

   If you complete some of your coursework but do not complete all your mandatory coursework by your course completion date, you are assigned a grade of "I" (Incomplete).

   If you do not complete any of your coursework by your course completion date, you are considered to not have started the course and are assigned a grade of "W" (Withdrawal). However, if your course is less than two months in duration or a lab or clinical, you receive a grade of "I" (Incomplete).

   Information on mandatory coursework and weightings is available in your course package, online, or from your Open Learning Faculty Member.

   

6. Can I transfer TRU-OL credits to other institutions?

   Normally, credits you earned with TRU-OL can be transferred to other institutions. Check with the other institution about its policies on transfer credit or refer to admissions and transfer information on the web.

   Other institutions may limit the number of credits you may transfer.

   

7. What is a grade point average?

   A grade point average (GPA) is a way of quantifying your average performance over a series of courses or in a program.

   TRU-OL uses GPAs to determine:

   • Completion of program requirements to graduate
   • Eligibility for admission to selected TRU-OL programs
   • Eligibility for bursaries and awards
   • Eligibility for transfer credit

   GPAs can also determine entry into particular programs or faculties at other institutions, which usually use their own methods for calculating GPAs.

   

8. To earn a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Liberal Arts, which combinations are acceptable for the 9 credits in humanities, social science and science?

   Any combination is acceptable. You may choose to complete 9 credits in one subject area, 3 credits in each, or any other combination (e.g. 6 credits science plus 3 credits social science).

   

9. Can the credits earned in the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Liberal Arts transfer to other post-secondary institutions?

   Normally, yes. As the applicable policies are those of the receiving institution, students are advised to check with the institution they plan to attend. Students planning to attend graduate school or pursue a master's degree should note that undergraduate courses (e.g. courses numbered 499 and lower at TRU-OL) transfer as undergraduate courses, even if they are taken as part of the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Liberal Arts.

   

10. Who sends my grade for a TRU-OL course delivered by SFU or UVic?

    Even though you are taking a TRU-OL course delivered by SFU or UVic, your final grade is recorded on your TRU-OL student permanent record (transcript). Therefore, TRU-OL Student Services sends your grade at the end of the course. This also means that you should request your transcript from TRU-OL.

    You may view your final grade and order free official transcripts online.

    

11. Can credits from a previously completed 30-credit certificate program be applied to the Advanced Certificate in Liberal Arts?

    The policy regarding a second credential would apply. You can use a maximum of 50% of the total requirements of a second undergraduate qualification of the same or a lower level, provided the second qualification is in a different subject area.

    

12. Can I appeal my final letter grade?

    You can request a formal review of your final grade (but not assignment marks). Discuss your final grade with your course Open Learning Faculty Member who can help you determine whether or not a formal review is appropriate.

    A fee is charged for making a formal review, which is refunded if the review is successful (that is, your letter grade is changed to a higher grade).

    The Office of the Registrar must receive your request for a formal review within 30 calendar days of the date your final grade was mailed to you.

    Refer to student policies or contact the Office of the Registrar for more information.

    

13. Who do I contact if I have questions about assignment grades?

    You should contact your Open Learning Faculty Member about grades for your assignments and final examination.

    Student Services mails you one unofficial transcript with your final letter grade within four to six weeks. Allow this amount of time after writing your final examination before you contact your Open Learning Faculty Member with questions about your grades.

    Contact Student Services if you require assistance contacting your Open Learning Faculty Member or cannot reach them.

    You can view your assignment marks and final grades online.

    

14. When will I receive my final grade?

    Student Services mails you one unofficial transcript with your final letter grade within four to six weeks after you complete your course.

    You may also order free transcripts online.

    

15. Can I transfer credits I earned from other institutions to TRU-OL?

    Yes, you may complete TRU-OL programs by using formal credits you have obtained from other recognized educational institutions. Most courses required for certificate, diploma or degree completion can be taken at other institutions.

    You may also be eligible to have your non-formal learning assessed for credit toward a certificate, diploma or degree. For example, through prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) you may be able to earn credit for skills and knowledge learned on the job. Challenge examinations are available for many courses.

    Contact Student Services to discuss the procedures and your program goals.

    

16. How do I arrange to receive a copy of my transcript or have it sent to another institution?

    Student Services mails you one unofficial transcript within four to six weeks of completing your course.

    You may order free official transcripts online or complete and submit the Transcript Request form.

    

17. How can I ensure courses I complete with TRU-OL will transfer to other institutions?

    Normally, credits you earned with TRU-OL can be transferred to other institutions. Students planning to complete programs offered by other institutions are advised to obtain that institution's calendar to determine their admission requirements. You can also refer to online admissions and transfer information.

    TRU-OL courses delivered by SFU or UVic are university-level courses for which students receive TRU-OL credit. It is the student's responsibility to be aware of transfer credit policies prior to registration of courses they plan to transfer to other institutions.

    Students should note that registration in TRU-OL courses delivered by SFU or UVic does not mean a student is admitted to that institution.

    Students are advised to always familiarize themselves and keep up-to-date with admission details of the institution they plan to attend. The receiving institution has final approval on transfer credits.

    

18. May I resubmit assignments to improve my mark?

    In some unusual circumstances, you may resubmit a marked assignment to improve your mark. You must obtain your Open Learning Faculty Member's approval before doing so.

    If you are repeating a course, you may be required to submit alternative assignments. Note that you may not have the same Open Learning Faculty Member as your first registration.

    Contact Student Services for more information.

    

19. How is my grade point average (GPA) calculated?

    The grade point average (GPA) of a group of courses is calculated by determining the grade point value for each course, multiplying the course credit value by the numerical equivalent of the grade, then adding up all the grade point values, and dividing by the total number of course credits.

    

20. How do I transfer credits toward a TRU-OL credential?

    Complete and submit the Program Admission/Transfer Credit form and request your previous institutions to send all your original transcripts to TRU-OL Admissions.

    The form is also available on the Post-Secondary Application Service of BC (PASBC) website.

    

21. If I disagree with an assignment mark, what should I do?

    Discuss the mark with your Open Learning Faculty Member as soon as possible; review of assignment marks is at their discretion. A review may result in a higher mark but never results in a lower one.

    Requests for formal reviews are accepted only for final letter grades, not for assignment marks.