Table 1.2 > The Syllabus and Grades
The Syllabus
What is a syllabus?A syllabus is a statement of the requirements of a given course and also a contract between the students and the instructor that the college must honor.
What is on a syllabus?A syllabus includes basic information about the course, the instructor's office hours and contact information, expectations, and grading criteria for assignments, tests, papers, exams, or presentations. The syllabus will also include the attendance policy, a week-by-week plan for the course, and assignments, exams, papers, and projects and their due dates.
When do I get the syllabus?Generally, instructors provide the syllabus to their students during the first class session and/or place it online.
Grades
How are grades calculated?Letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) are calculated in different ways. Often A = 95–100, A– = 90–94, B = 85−89, B− = 80−84, and so on.
What is a GPA?The grades you earn will build your grade point average (GPA). Your GPA is the average of points you receive based on your grades for each course. Generally, college GPAs range from 0 (F) to 4.0 (A or A+). This is referred to as a “4-point scale.”
What are the other grade options?“W” for “withdraw”: requested by students who need to drop the course before the end of the term. This grade is typically used for students who have to leave the course because of emergencies or difficulties.

“I” for “incomplete”: given to students who may need additional time to complete the course because of an emergency.

“P” for “pass” or “F” for fail: given in certain courses instead of letter grades.