Academic Terms
DEFINITIONS OF ACADEMIC TERMS
Academic Load
Academic load is defined as the number of semester hours of course work for which the student is enrolled during a given semester. Students do their best academic work when they have sufficient time to attend all classes, complete extra reading assignments, and prepare homework. In addition, students need to have sufficient time for rest, relaxation, and participation in student life and spiritual activities. The typical recommended academic load, therefore, is 14 - 18 hours.
NOTE: A student must have the permission of the dean of his or her academic school before enrolling in more than 19 semester hours.
Academic Year
The academic year is divided into two semesters, fall and spring. Courses are also offered during the summer sessions.
Students may enter LeTourneau University at the beginning of any semester and may complete their undergraduate education at the end of any semester during which they have met all of the requirements for graduation. Graduation exercises are held each year at the close of the fall and spring semesters.
Credit Hour
The semester hour is the unit for calculating credit and is defined in LeTourneau's traditional, undergraduate programs as one hour of class work per week, or its equivalent, pursued for one semester. Credit for laboratory work will count as indicated in the course descriptions.
Grade Reports
Mid term Reports: In the fall and spring semesters, students may access their mid-term grades online through their LetNet account by accessing My LETU at https://my.letu.edu.
Semester Reports: At the close of each semester, students may access their final semester grades online through their LetNet account by accessing My LETU at https://my.letu.edu.
Grades and Grade Points
Academic standing is determined by grades earned from class work and examinations. The grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total grade points earned at LeTourneau University by the total semester hours attempted at LeTourneau University, with a maximum possible GPA of 4.00. Every course taken at LeTourneau University in which a grade of A, B, C, D, F, or WF was received is included in the total hours attempted. The WF grade is calculated on the same basis as an F. Courses and grades transferred from other institutions do not count in the GPA. A cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required for graduation. Five grades are given for passing work, with significance as follows:
| Letter Grade | Description | Grade Points per Semester Hour |
| A | Excellent |
4 |
| B | Good | 3 |
| C | Satisfactory | 2 |
| D | Poor | 1 |
| S | Pass | 0 |
Additional grades may be given as follows:
| U | Unsatisfactory |
| I | Incomplete: for circumstances beyond the control of the student |
| F | Failed: no credit except by repeating the course |
| W | Withdrawn, without penalty |
| WF | Withdrawn, Failing |
| X | No grade was reported by the instructor |
| AU | Audit |
Incomplete Grades
When extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student prevent him or her from completing all of the requirements given for a course, a grade of I (incomplete) may be issued in lieu of an F (failure). Students must satisfactorily complete the work before the final exam week of the following full semester. An earlier deadline may be set at the discretion of the instructor. Students will receive a grade of F if they fail to complete the course by the stated deadline.
Half Semester Courses
Occasionally courses are scheduled to last only one half of a semester in some academic areas (such as Kinesiology). In this case, the weekly time required is doubled.
Honors
Semester Honors: Two levels of semester honors are recognized for full-time traditional students: the Dean's List and the President's List. Those who achieve a semester GPA of between 3.50 and 3.99, inclusive, are included in the Dean's List. Those who achieve a semester GPA of 4.00 are included in the President's List. (Students receiving any "incomplete" grade (or an I) during the semester will not be eligible for semester honors.)
Graduation Honors: Recipients of a Bachelors degree who have a total GPA* of 3.40 or higher and have earned a minimum of 60 credit hours taken in courses at LeTourneau University may qualify for graduation honors for outstanding scholarship and merit. Three possible distinctions may be awarded:
1. Cum Laude is awarded to students who achieve a full cumulative GPA of all course work attempted at LeTourneau of between 3.40 and 3.59, inclusive.
2. Magna Cum Laude is awarded to students who achieve a full cumulative GPA of all course work attempted at LeTourneau of between 3.60 and 3.79, inclusive.
3. Summa Cum Laude is awarded to students who achieve a full cumulative GPA of all course work attempted at LeTourneau of 3.80 or higher.
*Graduation honors will be determined by considering the total GPA of all course work attempted at LeTourneau, including any courses with grades which have been repeated or replaced in the calculation of the cumulative GPA.
Student Classifications
Freshman: 0 - 30 total semester hours earned (including transfer hours).
Sophomore: 31 - 60 total semester hours earned (including transfer hours).
Junior: 61 - 90 total semester hours earned (including transfer hours).
Senior: 91 or more total semester hours earned (including transfer hours).
Auditor: Student attending classes for no credit.
Full Time: Enrolled for 12 or more semester hours.
Part Time: Enrolled for less than 12 semester hours.
Regular: Meets all the admissions standards and requirements established by the University and enrolled in a degree program.
Special: Non-degree student meeting special student admissions standards.
