General Information

Information on the CWSL grading system, pass/fail courses, classification of students, and class rankings can be found in the Academic Policies, which are located in the Student Handbook.

Frequently Asked Questions about the CWSL Grade Curve

The Law School has prepared a Grade Curve FAQ document that addresses common questions about the CWSL grade curve.

New CWSL Grading System

In Spring 2014, CWSL transitioned from a 50-95 grade scale to a letter (A+ through F) grade and number (4.33 through 0) GPA system.

The Law School has prepared a Grade Scale FAQ document that addresses the new grade scale. A sample transcript has also been prepared. A copy of the back of the transcript is included.

The new grade scale is reflected in the Academic Policies.

Ranking

First-year students do not receive a ranking at the end of the first trimester. The Law School has prepared a First Trimester Performance Memo, which may be helpful in judging a student's relative performance after the first trimester.

Full-time, first-year students are ranked after the completion of their first year (two trimesters). Part-time, first-year students are ranked after the completion of their third trimester, or once they have successfully completed 27 units.

Upperclass students are ranked by class year (see Academic Policy 6.07 in the Student Handbook) on the basis of their cumulative grade point average, after the reporting of grades for each trimester. Students receive a new ranking only if they have completed courses and received numerical grades for the trimester.

Academic Honors

• Summa Cum Laude: awarded to the student whose cumulative grade point average is the highest in the graduating class.
• Magna Cum Laude: awarded to graduates with a cumulative grade point average of 3.56 or higher.
• Cum Laude: awarded to gradutes with a cumulative grade point average from 3.33 to 3.55.
  Dean's List

Awarded to upperclass students with 12 or more units in a trimester who received a grade (or Honors designation in an Independent Study) for 10 or more of such units, and whose session grade point average for that trimester is at least 3.33, and first year students with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.33 at the end of their first year.

Holds

Students who have a hold placed on their account by the Business Office or Financial Aid Office will not be able to access their grades. A message will appear after the login advising of the hold and which office to contact. Students must contact those offices directly for clearance.