Mapúa Continuous Grading System and IP Grades Guide

1. Mapúa Continuous Modular Grading Architecture

Mapúa University operates on an outcomes-based education (OBE) framework structured into modular courses. Under this continuous grading architecture, academic subjects are partitioned into discrete, sequential modules. Students must demonstrate competency in each module outcome before proceeding to the subsequent unit or completing the course.

In traditional semester models, students receive a single composite grade at the end of the term. In contrast, Mapúa evaluates student performance module by module across its accelerated academic calendar. When a student satisfies the performance benchmark for one module but falls short on another module assessment, the instructor encodes an In-Progress (IP) mark rather than an immediate failing grade of 5.00.

This modular pacing gives students a structured mechanism to remediate specific learning deficiencies through scheduled modular intervention and re-assessment. However, because each module serves as a direct prerequisite to the next, unresolved modular marks pause course completion and academic progression.

2. Mapúa 7-Point Grading Scale and Modular Notation Matrix

Mapúa University uses a decimal grading scale spanning from 1.00 down to 5.00, with numerical increments of 0.25 for passing marks. Official transcripts from the Mapúa Office of the Registrar record passing decimal marks, failing marks, and administrative modular status codes.

The table below summarizes the official Mapúa 7-point grading scale, percentage ranges, equivalent decimal marks, and transcript inclusion rules:

3. In-Progress (IP) Grade Mechanics vs. Incomplete (I) and Absent (ABS)

Students frequently confuse In-Progress (IP) marks with traditional Incomplete (I) or Absent from Finals (ABS) notations. Although all three serve as non-final academic statuses, each carries distinct procedural triggers and resolution paths under Mapúa registrar guidelines.

4. Strict 1-Year Expiration Window and Lapsed Grade Conversion

Mapúa University enforces a strict 1-year statutory completion timeline for all temporary marks. When an instructor records an IP, I, or ABS on the MyMapúa portal, an automated 12-month countdown begins.

Students must complete the prescribed modular remediation, submit missing course projects, or take the special examination within this one-calendar-year window. The resolution pathways operate under strict rules:

5. Why an Initial IP Mark Disqualifies Students from Latin Honors and Academic Medals

A frequent point of confusion among Mapúa students concerns the effect of temporary modular grades on graduation honors. The Mapúa University Academic Council enforces a strict "First-Take / Zero Deficiency" policy for all graduation awards, including Latin honors (Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Cum Laude) and academic medals (Gold Medal and Silver Medal).

Under this institutional policy, receiving an initial mark of IP, I, ABS, or 5.00 in any enrolled academic course creates permanent disqualification from graduation honors. The rationale is anchored on specific academic standards:

• Permanent Historical Transcript Audit: Although an IP converts to a passing mark ("P" or 3.00) upon completion, the initial IP entry remains visible in the registrar's official audit log. Graduation honors review evaluates first-take records.
• No Remediation Rule: Latin honors celebrate uninterrupted academic excellence on the first attempt. Relying on modular remediation violates the first-take standard established by the Mapúa Academic Handbook.
• Distinction Between Term and Graduation Honors: While an IP in a prior academic term permanently bars a student from Latin honors at commencement, it does not prevent a student from qualifying for the Dean's List or President's List in subsequent terms once the student maintains a clean term record.

6. Step-by-Step Mapúa Term GWA and CGPA Calculation Example

Mapúa University computes the General Weighted Average (GWA) by taking the unit-weighted sum of numerical grades and dividing that figure by the total evaluated academic credit units:

The calculation table below shows a sample term evaluation for an engineering student enrolled in 15 academic credit units along with Physical Education and NSTP:

7. Mapúa Latin Honors, President's List, and Academic Medal Cutoffs

Mapúa University confers academic medals and Latin honors upon qualifying baccalaureate graduates. Earning these distinctions requires meeting strict cumulative grade targets, maintaining a minimum course load, and avoiding disqualifying academic marks.

8. Treatment of Non-Academic Courses (NSTP, PE / PATHFit)

Under Mapúa University regulations, non-academic courses follow distinct grading rules. To explore nationwide institutional policies, read our detailed guide on whether NSTP and PE are included in GWA calculations.

• Physical Education (PATHFit 1 to 4): Physical education subjects carry 2.0 non-academic credit units. Instructors assign decimal marks on student reports, but these units are excluded from the term GWA and cumulative GWA denominator.
• National Service Training Program (NSTP 1 and 2): Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) and ROTC units are non-academic credits. They appear on the official transcript record but do not affect numerical GWA scores.
• Honors Disqualification Impact: Even though non-academic courses carry zero weight in numerical GWA averages, receiving a failing grade of 5.00 in NSTP or PATHFit results in immediate, permanent disqualification from Latin honors and academic medals.
• Term Honor Unit Floor: Non-academic units do not count toward the minimum 12 academic units required for President's List or Dean's List recognition.

9. Frequently Asked Questions