Assessment Plan (how you earn your grade)

To compute your grade in the course:

  1. Rule 1: To pass the course, you must:
    1. Complete (to the satisfaction of your instructor) EVERY assigned exercise and EVERY quiz.
      • You may redo any homework or quiz until it is satisfactory. See Can I submit assignments after they are due? below for details.
    2. Attend almost all of the classes.
      • See the Attendance Policy below for details.
  2. Rule 2: Assuming you succeed per Rule 1, first compute your score in each of the following categories:

    Category Weight in overall average
    Tests (during the course and a final exam)
    60%
    Capstone team project
    40%

    Since there are two categories, that gives you two scores. Compute both W, the weighted average of those two scores, and S, the smaller of those two scores.

    Your course numeric score is then the smaller of W and (S + 10). Convert this to a letter grade on the scale:

    A 92 and up
    B+ 87 to 92
    B 82 to 87
    C+ 77 to 82
    C 72 to 77
    D 62 to 72
    F below 62

    For example, suppose that you earn 100% on the final project, but that your test average is only 65%. Then W is 65*0.60 + 100*0.40 = 78 (C+), but S is 65 so your course grade is 65 + 10 = 75, which is a C.

    This is an unusual assessment plan, but it is designed to help you succeed on all the key aspects of this course.

Assisting students with special needs

Rose-Hulman is committed to working with students who have special needs or disabilities. We understand that "invisible" disabilities (learning and attention deficit disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, clinical depression, etc.) can significantly affect a student's academic performance.

We strongly encourage students to document special academic circumstances with the staff at the Office of Student Affairs, and then to contact us as soon as possible so that we can work together to provide recommended academic accommodations while protecting your privacy. It is the student's responsibility to request any approved, documented academic accommodations (such as extra time) at least one week in advance of exams.