San Beda University Grading System & Academic Guidelines: A Complete Guide
Navigate San Beda University's academic policies with this comprehensive guide to its grading system, QPI, Latin honors, and registrar rules.
San Beda University, a respected Benedictine institution, maintains specific academic guidelines and registrar rules to uphold academic integrity and foster student success across its colleges. Understanding these policies, from grading systems to academic honors and strict administrative rules, is fundamental for all students.
Understanding San Beda University's Grading System
San Beda University generally uses a 5-point inverted grading scale. In this system, a lower numerical grade represents higher academic performance. Several programs also implement specialized grading metrics, such as the Quantity Point Index (QPI) for the College of Law.
The Inverted 5-Point Scale
The standard academic performance evaluation system at San Beda is an inverted 5-point scale. A grade of 1.00 indicates excellent performance, while 3.00 is the passing mark. A grade of 5.00 signifies failure. Students receiving a 4.00 grade must complete removal requirements to pass the subject.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1.00 | Excellent |
| 1.25 | Very Good |
| 1.50 | Good |
| 1.75 | Satisfactory |
| 2.00 | Passing |
| 2.25 | Passing |
| 2.50 | Passing |
| 2.75 | Passing |
| 3.00 | Passing |
| 4.00 | Conditional (Requires Removal) |
| 5.00 | Failure |
| INC | Incomplete |
| DRP | Officially Dropped |
Quantity Point Index (QPI) in the College of Law
The College of Law employs a Quantity Point Index (QPI) system, similar to a General Weighted Average (GWA) or Grade Point Average (GPA), primarily for readmission purposes. This system applies to all incoming students except freshmen.
- For readmission to the First or Second Year, a QPI of at least 78% is required.
- For readmission to the Second or Third Year, a QPI of at least 79% is required.
- For readmission to the Third or Fourth Year, a QPI of at least 80% is required.
Graduate School of Business Grading
The Graduate School of Business assigns specific credit units per subject based on weekly class meetings. Strict attendance policies apply: more than three absences in a subject can result in a failing grade of 5.00.
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Transferee Requirements
Transferees applying to the College of Arts and Sciences must meet specific academic prerequisites from their previous institutions. This includes a GPA/GWA of 82 from the last school attended, with no failing or incomplete grades in more than three units per semester. Subjects with a grade of 82 or above that match a San Beda subject description may receive credit.
San Beda Honors Grade Estimator
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Academic Recognition and Honors
San Beda University acknowledges outstanding academic achievement through various honors, particularly within its College of Law, where these recognitions are linked to scholarship grants.
Latin Honors
Latin honors celebrate exceptional academic performance, providing scholarship opportunities for incoming College of Law freshmen. These scholarships are valid for one year only.
| Latin Honor | First Year College of Law Scholarship (Valid for One Year) |
|---|---|
| Summa Cum Laude | 100% Tuition Scholarship |
| Magna Cum Laude | 75% Tuition Scholarship |
| Cum Laude | 50% Tuition Scholarship |
Post-First Year Scholarships (College of Law)
After the first year, the College of Law awards further scholarships based on academic standing. Students who achieve the highest, second highest, and third highest general averages in each batch receive 100%, 50%, and 25% scholarships, respectively. These awards are based on the actual general weighted averages of final grades from the entire preceding year and are effective for one academic year. Recipients must carry a full academic load.
Dean's List
The Registrar's Office issues certifications for the Dean's List, confirming its recognition as an academic honor. Specific grade point average or QPI requirements for inclusion on the Dean's List are not explicitly detailed in the available information.
Essential Registrar Rules and Policies
San Beda University maintains strict registrar rules to maintain academic standards and ensure student accountability.
Underloading Policies
Academic load requirements vary by college and program, with specific mandates for scholarship recipients and students in leadership roles.
- College of Law: Scholarship recipients must carry a full academic load. Officers of the San Beda Centralized Bar Operation, The Barrister, and the Law Student Government receive tuition discounts if they enroll in at least 50% of their subjects. Generally, School of Law students must take a minimum of 9 units per semester.
- Graduate School of Business: The maximum study load is nine (9) units per trimester, and the minimum is six (6) units per trimester, unless a student is not enrolled in the regular program.
- Tertiary School (Undergraduate): Students typically take 21-27 units per semester.
- Graduate School: Students may enroll in 3-10 units per trimester.
Managing Failing Grades
Crucial Academic Standing Rules
Students in the College of Law face denial of readmission if they drop or fail the same subject twice (Two Flunk Rule). In the Graduate School of Business, receiving a grade of 5.00 in all three subjects during a trimester results in automatic expulsion from the program.
- Two Flunk Rule (College of Law): A student who drops or fails the same subject twice will be denied readmission.
- Automatic Expulsion (Graduate School of Business): Any student who receives a grade of 5.00 in all three subjects during a trimester will face automatic expulsion.
- Absences and Failing Grades (Graduate School of Business): More than three absences in a subject result in a failing grade of 5.00.
- Doctoral Programs (Graduate School of Law): Grades below 2.0 will not be given credit for doctoral students.
- Retaking Failed Subjects: Students in the College of Law may retake failed subjects, but must wait until the next academic year when the subject is offered again.
Dropping and Withdrawal Procedures
Official Subject Dropping
Always follow official procedures for dropping subjects. Unofficial withdrawals or failure to obtain proper approvals can result in a 'Failed' mark or impact admission requirements for transferees.
- College of Law (San Beda College Alabang): To officially drop a subject, a student must submit a formal request to the Dean's Office. This request requires detailed reasons for withdrawal, specifying subjects, school year/semester, section, professor, and schedule. The Dean's approval is necessary to finalize the dropping of subjects. Insufficient reasons may lead to denial of the request.
- College of Arts and Sciences (San Beda College Alabang): For undergraduate students, adding/dropping subjects is managed by the Chairperson of each department and must occur during the specified schedule before classes begin.
- Withdrawal Fees: Allowable withdrawal fees may apply within the first two weeks of classes at the San Beda College Alabang School of Law.
- Impact of Dropping: Dropping a subject after a certain period may result in a 'Failed' mark. For transferees to CAS, having withdrawn subjects without permission exceeding 3 units per semester may affect admission.
Incomplete Requirements (INC)
Resolving Incomplete Grades
Students receiving an 'INC' grade typically have one semester to complete all course requirements. Prompt completion is vital to avoid potential academic penalties.
- Graduate School of Law: A student typically receives one semester to complete requirements for a course, such as submitting papers. If a professor does not submit a student's grades, the Dean may require the student to submit their completion requirements and will then assign a grade for entry into the student's transcript of records.
- General Policy: Students unable to take final term papers will receive an 'INC' (incomplete) grade.