In Simon Fraser University (SFU), specifically within its grading system, GN stands for "Grade Not Reported."
Understanding "Grade Not Reported" at SFU
When a student sees "GN" listed as a grade for a course on their academic record, it signifies that the final grade for that particular course has not yet been officially submitted or processed by the university's administrative system. This status is typically temporary, indicating that the final evaluation of a student's performance is pending. It's a placeholder until the official grade is recorded.
Common Reasons for a GN Grade
Several factors can lead to a "Grade Not Reported" (GN) status appearing for a course:
- Instructor Delays: This is often the most frequent reason. The course instructor may not have submitted the final grades by the university's official deadline due to various reasons, such as a high volume of grading, unforeseen circumstances, or administrative oversight.
- Administrative Processing: Even after an instructor submits grades, there might be a short delay as the university's systems process and officially record them on student transcripts. This processing time can vary.
- Outstanding Coursework or Issues: In some cases, a grade might be held if there are unresolved issues pertaining to a student's completion of the course, although other specific codes like "DE" (Deferred grade) are typically used for approved extensions or special academic circumstances.
What to Do If You Have a GN Grade
If you notice a "GN" on your SFU academic record, it's important to take proactive steps to understand the situation:
- Check Official Grade Release Dates: First, verify that the official grade release period for the term has passed. Universities publish specific dates when grades are expected to be available to students.
- Contact Your Instructor: If the official grade release date has passed, your first point of contact should be the course instructor. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the status of your grade submission.
- Consult Academic Advising or Department: If you are unable to reach your instructor, or if the issue persists without a clear resolution, contact your academic advisor or the academic department responsible for the course. They can help investigate further and guide you on the next steps to ensure your grade is recorded promptly.
Other Important SFU Grading Designations
Understanding "GN" is part of comprehending SFU's broader grading terminology. Here are a few other key designations used within SFU's grading scales, which help clarify a student's academic standing:
| Letter Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| CC | Course Challenge |
| CR | Credit without grade |
| DE | Deferred grade |
| GN | Grade not reported |
These statuses provide transparency regarding the administrative state of a student's academic record, ensuring students are aware of any pending evaluations or unique course circumstances within Simon Fraser University.
