RTU Grading System: GWA, Latin Honors & Registrar Policies Explained
Understand Rizal Technological University's (RTU) grading scale, GWA calculation, Latin honors, Dean's List, and key registrar policies.
Introduction to RTU's Academic Framework
Rizal Technological University (RTU) in the Philippines uses a clear academic framework to evaluate student performance. This system includes a specific grading scale, a method for calculating academic averages, and criteria for honors. Understanding these guidelines helps students monitor their progress and meet graduation requirements.
Rizal Technological University (RTU) Grading System Explained
RTU employs a standard 5-point grading scale, where 1.00 represents the highest possible achievement and 5.00 indicates a failing mark. The minimum passing grade is 3.00.
Understanding the 5-Point Scale
| Numerical Grade | Equivalent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.00 - 1.24 | A+ | Excellent |
| 1.25 - 1.49 | A | Superior |
| 1.50 - 1.74 | A- | Very Good |
| 1.75 - 1.99 | B+ | Good |
| 2.00 - 2.24 | B | Very Satisfactory |
| 2.25 - 2.49 | B- | High Average |
| 2.50 - 2.74 | C+ | Average |
| 2.75 - 2.99 | C | Fair |
| 3.00 - 3.99 | C- | Pass |
| 4.00 - 4.99 | D | Conditional |
| 5.00 | F | Failing |
| P | N/A | Passed |
| W | N/A | Withdrawal |
| INC | N/A | Incomplete |
| DRP | N/A | Dropped |
Calculating Your General Weighted Average (GWA)
RTU calculates the General Weighted Average (GWA), comparable to a Grade Point Average (GPA), by multiplying each subject's numerical grade by its credit units. The sum of these products divides by the total credit units taken. This calculation applies per semester, and a cumulative GWA for an entire program follows the same principle, totaling all weighted grades and dividing by all units.
Academic Distinctions and Recognition
RTU recognizes students with exceptional academic performance through Latin honors at graduation and scholarships during their studies.
Latin Honors Requirements
Latin honors at RTU generally follow guidelines from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines. These guidelines involve specific GWA thresholds and a rule that prohibits grades lower than a certain mark across all subjects. The university has also discussed proposals to reinstate previous Latin honor standards.
| Honor | Cumulative GWA Range | No Grade Worse Than |
|---|---|---|
| Summa Cum Laude | 1.00 - 1.20 | 2.0 |
| Magna Cum Laude | 1.21 - 1.45 | 2.5 |
| Cum Laude | 1.46 - 1.75 | 3.0 |
Eligibility for Latin honors typically requires no failing grades (5.00), officially dropped subjects (DRP) unless explicitly permitted by specific university policies, or unresolved incomplete grades (INC) in any course throughout the entire academic program.
Dean's List and Scholarship Criteria
While specific Dean's List requirements are not extensively detailed in public documents, RTU scholarship criteria indicate academic excellence benchmarks. A "University Scholarship" requires an undergraduate General Weighted Average (GWA) of 1.45 or better at the end of the semester, providing free tuition and other fees.
A "College Scholarship" is available for students with a GWA of 1.75 but not higher than 1.46. This scholarship offers a 50% tuition fee reduction. These GWA ranges suggest similar academic performance levels are recognized for a Dean's List.
Critical Registrar Policies for RTU Students
RTU's registrar policies establish rules for academic load, failing grades, dropping subjects, and incomplete requirements. Students must adhere to these policies to maintain good academic standing.
Underloading Policies
Students generally carry a full academic load as outlined by their curriculum. Any deviation, such as underloading, typically requires approval from the college or registrar's office.
Underloading may affect scholarships, graduation timelines, or academic standing. Students should seek guidance from their academic adviser before considering an underload.
Implications of Failing Grades (5.00)
A grade of 5.00 in any subject at RTU counts as a failing mark. Students who receive a failing grade usually need to retake the subject. A failing grade also affects a student's General Weighted Average (GWA) and can disqualify them from Latin honors.
Receiving a 5.00 grade means students generally must retake the subject to receive credit for that course.
Official Dropping of Subjects (DRP)
RTU provides a formal process for dropping subjects, which involves submitting a "Dropping Form" through the Student Records and Admission Center (SRAC). An official drop results in a "DRP" notation on the student's record.
Unofficially stopping attendance in a subject without formal processing typically results in a failing grade. For Latin honors, officially dropped subjects can be a disqualifying factor, unless university policies specifically allow it under certain conditions.
Managing Incomplete Requirements (INC)
An "INC" grade indicates that a student has not completed all course requirements. Students with an "INC" typically receive a specific timeframe, often within the next academic term, to submit the outstanding work to convert the grade to a numerical one.
Unresolved incomplete grades can disqualify a student from academic honors and may affect scholarship eligibility. Students must ensure they complete all academic and non-academic requirements promptly.
RTU 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.