Policies
Grading Values for Graphic Design
The grading values listed below should help you interpret the letter grade you receive for any Graphic Design assignment.
- A: Excellent
- This is work that has been completed in a highly motivated manner which meets all or most of the performance criteria for the project. An exceptional demonstration of design skills.
- B: Good
- Work which is above average but lacks the qualities which give it the stamp of excellence. It shows better than average design sensitivity.
- C: Satisfactory
- A project which is handed in on time and has fulfilled some or all of the requirements but lacks strong visual interest and thoughtful and imaginative resolution. The work is merely average.
- D. Minimal, below average
- This work is handed in on time, but lacks many or most of the areas that show any understanding of design. A weak effort not up to the levels of the program standard.
- F. Unacceptable
- Work that is not handed in on time or is so despicable as to be an affront to design sensibilities.
- NHI:
- Not handed in. An assignment which was not received.
Grade Scale For "C" Minimum Core Courses:
| Grade | Mark | Grade | Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 90-100 | C+ | 67-69 |
| A | 85-89 | C | 63-66 |
| A- | 80-84 | C- | 60-62 |
| B+ | 77-79 | D+ | 57-59 |
| B | 73-76 | D | 53-56 |
| B- | 70-72 | D- | 50-52 |
| F | 0-49 |
Late = F ( 0 - 49 ) NHI = F ( 0 )
Respect for Confidentiality
Students are required to respect the confidentiality of employer and/or client information, interactions, and practices that occur either on Algonquin College premises, or at an affiliated field co-op placement site. Concerns regarding clients and/or employer practices are to be brought to the attention of the program coordinator, or designated co-op placement supervisor so that they may be resolved collaboratively. Such concerns are not to be raised publicly either verbally, in writing, or in electronic forums. These matters are to be addressed through established program communication pathways.
Evaluation/Earning Credit
The following will provide evidence of your learning achievement:
In order to understand the importance of meeting deadlines in the field, students will be required to complete assignments and projects within a given period of time. Due to the nature of the Graphic Design industry, all late assignments, handed in within one hour after deadline (to be determined by the instructor), will be given an F (value of 0 - 49%). Any assignment handed in after these terms, not handed in (NHI) or Incomplete will be given a zero (0). For the students benefit, the work will be corrected and critiqued. Incomplete projects are projects that do not meet all the criteria set out by the instructor for that particular project.
Grading
Quizzes, tests, assignments, projects, participation and attendance will average out to 100% and will not separately account for more than 30%. Grades given out in class, will not be discussed in class at that time. A student who wishes to discuss or appeal the grading of any project, must make an appointment with their instructor, 24 hours after getting the grade. Grades will only be reviewed and discussed with the instructor who has graded the project. Instructors not involved in the project or assignment will not discuss marking or grades with the student.
Algonquin policy dictates that the final end of semester marks will not be made available to the student by the professor but will appear on the printout supplied by the College Administration.
Program Advancement Policy
In addition to the college GPA requirements, the Graphic Design program has some specific advancement policies that are very important for you to understand.
There is a > C = minimum placed on this course in order to pass. In order to progress in the Graphic Design program, the required minimum is a passing grade of > C = or 63% in all core courses. A failing grade of 62% or lower will not be recognized as a pass nor will it allow you to progress to the next level of studies. You must pass all graphic design courses in one level before you can advance to the next level of study.
You will not be allowed to advance full-time if you:
- fail any course which is a prerequisite to a course at the next level
- receive more than two marks below C- in any one semester
If you are repeating a course, for any reason, you must obtain a grade of C+ or higher.
The graphic design program is integrated and most classes in the higher levels depend upon students having the skills and knowledge from courses taken in earlier semesters. Students cannot take these courses without the prerequisite.
Many courses are not available outside the program, so if a student fails, there is no possibility of making up the course without repeating the failed courses in the appropriate semester. If a student is in danger of failing any course, they must speak to the professor or a coordinator immediately.
Projects
All projects must be handed in and mounted according to individual instructors’ specifications. It is the responsibility of the student to get the correct mounting instructions from their instructor, for each specific project. Students must retain all projects, tests and assignments handed back to them until the end of the semester.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the submission of work that is in whole or in part belonging to someone else that you claim as your own. You should be aware of the College policy on plagiarism. Plagiarism will result in disciplinary action by the School of Media and Design as well as a permanent mark on your college record.
All College directives are here.
Attendance / Lateness
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and final grades will reflect this policy. Attendance means arriving on time AND staying for the entire class session. In order to prevent disruptions of the lecture/lesson in progress, late students will be required to wait outside the classroom until the instructor opens the door to let them in. Failure to attend classes, tardy arrivals and early departures will be reflected in the final grades.
As a common courtesy, students unable to attend a class are asked to notify the instructor before the start of the class. If a student misses class time, he/she is responsible for getting missed information in that class and assumes all responsibility for any miscommunication that may arise in obtaining missed information and assignments outside of class time. No exceptions.
In order to succeed in your courses, your attendance and participation are essential. Participation marks are awarded for effort, willingness to contribute to class discussion, preparedness, taking part in individual and group exercises and in-class exercises. The quality of participation is more important than the quantity.
Program Policy Regarding Complaints and Problems Relating to the Program or Specific
Any problems that arise about a course, for whatever reason, must be first taken up with the instructor of that course. An appointment must be made with that instructor outside of class time and discussed in private. An instructor must not be confronted with the problem during class time so that the class is not disrupted or confronted while the instructor is with another class. If the problem cannot be solved at that time, the student can then make an appointment with one of the Coordinators of the Graphic Design program.
If the problem still cannot be resolved and this process has been followed, the student may then make an appointment with the Chair of Design Studies.
