Grading Policy for Spring 2013

Grading policy beginning Fall 2006

In the Fall of 2006, the William S. Richardson School of Law modified its grading norms established in the Fall of 2004. The grading norm remains essentially a B curve. The allowable grade ranges are: A+ to A- (10-30%); A+ to B- (75-90%); C+ and below (10-25%). Grading norms are in effect for all courses. Beginning in the Fall of 2004, “+” and “–” grades are included in the tabulation of student grade point averages.

Grading policy prior to Fall 2004

Prior to the Fall of 2004, the William S. Richardson School of Law utilized a C+/B- curve. This is significant as most law schools grade on a B curve.

Official transcripts

The University of Hawaiʻi’s Admissions and Records Office issues the “official transcript” for the School of Law. The “official transcript” is cumulative and lists every course taken and the final grade. However, “+” and “-” are only indicated beginning in the Fall of 2004, and were not used in tabulating student grade point averages prior to the Fall of 2004.

Ranking

Students in the Top 20% of their class are individually ranked once a year after spring grades are reported (at the conclusion of the academic year). For all other students, rankings are designated by quintiles (e.g. Top 40%, Top 60%). Following the fall semester, only quintile rankings (e.g. Top 20%, Top 40%) are released and only for 2Ls and 3Ls. First year fall semester grades are advisory only, although 1Ls are issued grade reports listing course grades. Only first year spring grades are considered for 1L rankings.

Students graduating in the top 25% will graduate cum laude; students graduating in the top 10% will graduate magna cum laude and students graduating in the top 5% will graduate summa cum laude.

For Spring 2013 grades, the cumulative rankings are explained below:

Spring 2013 Grading Policy (PDF Format)