Benguet State University Grading System & Latin Honors Guide
Understand the official BSU grading scale, General Weighted Average (GWA) calculation, and strict registrar guidelines for graduating with Latin honors.
Benguet State University (BSU) maintains robust academic standards designed to foster excellence, discipline, and rigor among its student body. For students aiming to secure high academic standings or graduate with prestigious Latin honors, a thorough understanding of the official BSU grading system, General Weighted Average (GWA) computations, and registrar policies is essential.
This guide offers a detailed breakdown of BSU's numerical grading scale, honors thresholds, policies on dropped and incomplete courses, and the strict academic requirements that shape your journey toward graduation.
The Official BSU Grading Scale
BSU utilizes a numerical grading system where 1.00 represents outstanding excellence and 5.00 denotes a failing grade. Understanding where your numerical grades fall on the scale helps you track your standing relative to university benchmarks.
| Numerical Grade | Percentage Equivalent | Descriptive Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 97 – 100% | Excellent |
| 1.25 | 94 – 96% | Very Good |
| 1.50 | 91 – 93% | Very Good |
| 1.75 | 88 – 90% | Good |
| 2.00 | 85 – 87% | Good |
| 2.25 | 82 – 84% | Satisfactory |
| 2.50 | 79 – 81% | Satisfactory |
| 2.75 | 76 – 78% | Fair |
| 3.00 | 75% | Passing |
| 5.00 | Below 75% | Failing |
For GWA calculations, the numerical values obtained across all academic subjects are weighted according to their corresponding credit units. The intermediate calculations are carried to the third decimal place and officially rounded to the second decimal place.
BSU Honors Grade Estimator
Input your completed units and current GWA to see the average grade you need in your remaining units to hit your target honor range.
Please enter valid numeric values.
Latin Honors Requirements at BSU
Benguet State University confers Latin honors upon graduates who consistently demonstrate outstanding academic performance throughout their academic programs. Below are the precise GWA ranges and classifications required for distinctions:
| Academic Distinction | Required GWA Range | Academic Integrity Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Summa Cum Laude | 1.00 to 1.24 | No failing grades, no dropped subjects, normal academic load completed. |
| Magna Cum Laude | 1.25 to 1.49 | No failing grades, no dropped subjects, normal academic load completed. |
| Cum Laude | 1.50 to 1.75 | No failing grades, no dropped subjects, normal academic load completed. |
Critical Strict Criteria for Latin Honors
Earning a GWA within the range is not the only prerequisite. BSU enforces strict eligibility criteria regarding residency, academic load, and records integrity:
- Zero Failures or Drops: Candidates must have a completely clean academic record. Having even a single grade of 5.0 or a dropped subject ("DRP" or unauthorized drop) disqualifies you.
- Residency Requirement: Candidates must have completed at least 75% of their total academic credit requirements at BSU and must be enrolled in residence for at least three consecutive years immediately prior to graduation.
- Underloading Rules: Students must register for the normal academic semester load prescribed in their curriculum. Underloading in any semester can disqualify you from honors unless a lighter load was officially approved by the dean beforehand due to justifiable reasons (e.g., employment, health).
Any unauthorized dropping of classes automatically translates to a failing grade of 5.0 on your academic record. In addition to spoiling your grade point average, it immediately and permanently disqualifies you from being considered for Summa, Magna, or Cum Laude honors.
Strict Registrar Guidelines: Dropping and Incomplete Grades
Your transcript is more than a list of grades; it tracks your academic journey. Understanding the definitions and timelines for dropping and incomplete marks keeps your standing secure.
Dropping Policies
- During the Dropping Period: Class withdrawals during the official registration adjustment/dropping period leave no trace on your transcript.
- WP (Withdrawn with Permission): If you process an official dropping form after the designated dropping period but before the midterm examinations, a mark of "WP" is recorded on your card.
- D (Dropped): Dropping a course officially after the midterm examinations results in a mark of "D" (Dropped).
- Consultation and Probation: Having "DRP" marks in previous terms can lead to automatic academic consultation with counselors and potential academic probation during your subsequent enrollment term.
Handling "INC" (Incomplete) Grades
An "INC" grade is given if you fail to complete certain key academic deliverables (e.g., final exams, major projects) due to valid, unforeseen circumstances beyond your control.
All incomplete ("INC") grades must be fully settled and cleared within exactly one academic year. Failure to do so results in the system automatically converting the "INC" into a failing grade of 5.0, resulting in loss of credit and honors disqualification. Additionally, you cannot graduate with any outstanding "INC" marks on your transcript.