Grading System

The Grading System at the Discovery Program follows the standards of Okayama University.

  1. Academic evaluation assesses a student’s achievement of the learning outcomes and the educational goals set for each course. As such, course objectives and evaluation criteria should be specified in syllabi as comprehensively as possible.
  2. Students should be evaluated using multiple assessment methods—according to criteria suitable for the type of course (i.e., lecture, laboratory work, practical training, seminar, skills practice) and its content—and not be evaluated using only one evaluation method such as a written examination at the end of term. Instead, evaluation should take place periodically throughout the course, and students should be given feedback on their results so that they have the opportunity to improve their academic performance and better achieve learning outcomes.
  3. Each instructor must endeavor to include an appropriate method of grade evaluation that reviews the results of assignments and tasks completed outside the classroom.
  4. Each instructor must endeavor to ensure that his/her grade assessment practices are not biased and would not result in significantly different outcomes depending on the individual instructor.
  5. Instructors should respond appropriately to students’ questions and concerns regarding evaluation methods and criteria.

NOTE: Your GPA is calculated based on the total number of credits for which you are REGISTERED. All grades including “F” will be counted towards your GPA, even though you will not earn the credits. Please plan and register for courses carefully so as not to overload your coursework.

NOTE: Some of the courses offered outside Discovery in two consecutive terms have strong continuity. For these courses, a student who receives a failing grade in the first course may be given an “H (Hold)” if he or she enrolls in the second course. If the student receives a passing grade in the second class, a “C” grade (60%) will be given for the first class.