Grading & Transcripts

The Policy Library contains detailed information on University grading policies and practices. Specific School of Nursing policies and variations are listed below.

The University of Minnesota uses two grading systems: A-B-C-D-F (with pluses and minuses) and S-N (S = satisfactory, N = non-satisfactory). All courses, with the exception of specialty practicum and DNP project practicum courses, must be completed with the A-F grade base. Practicum coursework (project or specialty) are graded on a satisfactory/non-satisfactory (s/N) basis only. Required electives within the program may be completed with the A-F or S/N grade base provided the approved course is offered with more than one grading option.

The Office of the Registrar maintains and releases student transcripts, the official University record of grades and registration symbols for all courses students take. You can request an official transcript online via the My U Portal.

Grading Criteria for Courses

Review your course syllabi to confirm the established grading criteria for each course.

Core & Specialty Core Courses:

The course grade is based on achievement of course objectives rather than comparison with other students’ performance. All assignments must be completed to satisfactorily pass the course. A final grade of 73% or greater is required to pass the course.

Specialty didactic (non-practicum) courses:

The course grade is based on achievement of course objectives rather than comparison with other students’ performance. All assignments must be completed to satisfactorily pass the course. A final grade of 80% or greater is required to pass the course.

Specialty practicum courses:

The course grade is based on achievement of course objectives rather than comparison with other students’ performance. The final course grade is an S (satisfactory-pass) or N (non-satisfactory—do not pass). A satisfactory (S) grade is 80% or higher.

There are two components to the specialty practicum course: 1) clinical performance and 2) written assignments. Both components of the course must achieve a satisfactory grade in order to pass the course. All written assignments must be completed to satisfactorily pass the course.