Regulations, Records, Reports, and Transcripts Since 1922

Letter grades were added in 1922, concurrent to the establishment of the registrar's position. Efforts to advance the standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools led to unconditional admission to the University and conditional passes were abolished and the faculty established 70% as the passing grade in 1922 and henceforth, a minimum average grade was required for graduation (Hollis, v.2, pp. 270-271). During the 1920s, honor points were assigned based on performance and attendance in class, with an "A" counting 3 honor points for each semester credit, "B" counting 2 points, and "C" counting one. Abstracts of standing and attendance were sent to parents at the middle and end of the term. Attendance and excuses were reported daily to the registrar. The grading system started to show signs of administrative influence, with "X" for absence from exam and "W" for withdrawn added in 1929, along with plus (+) grades for B & C.

By the mid 1930's, the grade point system was turned upside down with an "A" counting 1 grade point for each semester credit, and an "E" counting 5. The grade of "I" appeared in Fall 1935. The standing and attendance of students continued to be reported monthly, and parent/guardians (rather then the students) received the bad news. Students could be placed on probation in class attendance and find his name posted on the Chapel lobby bulletin board. The regulations in the bulletin at this time reflected an increase in administrative processes associated with absences, withdrawals, readmission, application for degrees, and transcripts of records, which were carefully defined. One transcript was furnished without charge, but additional copies cost $1.00.

The grading system went numeric in 1945. Even though enrollment grew considerably after WWII, the cost of a transcript in the 1947-48 catalog had not changed. Reports of grades and attendance were sent to parent/guardian for non-veterans only, reflecting the changes to come in higher education. The General Regulations of this time detailed suspension and readmission rules, credit - by - examination regulations, and honors requirements. Grades during this period were numerical (1-7) included "N" for absent from exam and "7A" - F for excessive absences. The enrollment of almost 5,000 students certainly required the skills of the retired Naval officers who led the University administration.

In 1957, the letter grades returned, complete with B+ and C+, but this time quality points were reassigned on a 6 point scale, with A carrying the most points. FA, NC, WP, & WF were added as clarifying grades for Failure for excessive absences, No Credit for Audit, Withdrew Passing, and Withdrew Failing, respectively. Seven years later the now-honored 4 point scale was adopted and plus grades were dropped from the scale.

In 1971, grades of D and F were eliminated for all except Law students, and for four years student enjoyed the benefits of the non-punitive "NC" grade, which essentially prevented a failing average. Students were required to pass 50% of their course credits in order to be eligible to continue.

Proceed to the Biography of Alvin L. Wells, USC's First Registrar