Silliman University Grading System & Latin Honors Guide
Master the Silliman University grading system. Learn the QPA thresholds for Latin honors, strict registrar policies, underloading rules, and grade calculations.
Silliman University Academic Standards: An Overview
Silliman University (SU) maintains a storied tradition of academic excellence. Navigating the official grading policies, quality points, and registrar rules is crucial for keeping your academic standing secure and tracking your path toward graduation—especially if you are aiming for prestigious Latin Honors. This guide outlines everything you need to know about the SU grading scale, underloading policies, and GPA/QPA metrics.
The Official Silliman University Grading System
Silliman University uses a numerical grading scale to evaluate academic performance. Understanding how these numbers translate to qualitative performance and percentages is the first step in tracking your academic journey.
| Numerical Grade | Percentage Equivalent | Qualitative Description | Academic Standing Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | 95% - 100% | Excellent | Outstanding Pass |
| 3.0 - 3.9 | 85% - 94% | Superior / Very Good | Pass (Honors Candidate Range) |
| 2.0 - 2.9 | 75% - 84% | Good / Satisfactory | Standard Pass |
| 1.0 - 1.9 | 70% - 74% | Fair / Passing | Barely Passing (Ineligible for Honors) |
| INC | -- | Incomplete | Requires Remediation within 1 Semester |
| W / F | Below 45% or Dropped | Withdrawn / Failing | No Credit / Academic Penalty |
Pro-Tip: Quality Point Average (QPA) Calculation
Your cumulative QPA is computed by multiplying the numerical grade earned by the unit value of the course, summing those products, and dividing by the total academic units enrolled. Consistent monitoring of your QPA prevents academic probation issues.
Silliman University QPA Estimator
Estimate your semester average by inserting your projected numerical grades and subject units below. Use this tool to track your target average for Dean's List or Latin Honors.
SU 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 and QPA Thresholds
Silliman University awards Latin honors to undergraduate students who maintain excellent academic performance alongside clean residency records. Below are the QPA targets and the essential criteria required to qualify.
| Latin Honor Status | Required Minimum QPA | Minimum Grade Rule | Underloading & Enrollment Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summa Cum Laude | 3.90 - 4.00 | No grade lower than 2.0 (or 2.3 depending on program) | Must carry full semester loads; No underloading |
| Magna Cum Laude | 3.60 - 3.89 | No grade lower than 2.0 (or 2.3 depending on program) | Must carry full semester loads; No underloading |
| Cum Laude | 3.25 - 3.59 | No grade lower than 2.0 (or 2.3 depending on program) | Must carry full semester loads; No underloading |
Crucial Honor Disqualifiers to Avoid:
- No Grade Lower than 2.0: Earning a grade lower than 2.0 in any subject, including PE and NSTP, instantly disqualifies you from Latin Honors eligibility in most departments.
- Strict Semestral Unit Loads: You must maintain a regular full course load (minimum of 15 units, or as prescribed in your curriculum) every semester.
- Clean Transcript Record: Any Failing grade (F), No Grade (NG), or unauthorized Withdrawal (W) disqualifies you.
Strict Registrar Policies to Keep in Mind
Dropping and Course Withdrawal Policy
Students can officially drop or withdraw from a subject before the designated period (typically two weeks preceding the mid-term examinations). Dropping during this window yields a grade of "W" (Withdrawn), provided the student is in good standing. Unauthorized withdrawals or dropping late without an approved illness/injury waiver can lead to failing remarks.
Resolving Incomplete (INC) Grades
An "INC" (Incomplete) indicates that a student was unable to complete all required course assessments due to justifiable, excusable reasons. At Silliman University, you have exactly **one succeeding semester** to settle and clear this incomplete grade. If unresolved, the grade automatically lapses into a "No Grade" (NG) or "No Credit" (NC), heavily penalizing your cumulative record and academic standing.
Underloading and Residency Limits
Students must complete their degree programs within the prescribed residency limit (the normal duration of the curriculum plus a grace period dictated by university rules). Taking fewer units than prescribed (underloading) must be formally approved by the Dean and Registrar. Unauthorized underloading strips a student of academic honor privileges, such as qualifying for the Dean’s List or Latin Honors, during that semester.