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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.

Grading System

CWSL is on a letter grading scale ranging from “A+” through “F” grade on a 4.33 GPA system.  Numerically the grading scale ranges from 95 (A+) to 50 (F).  Additional information regarding the grading system can be found in the Student Handbook under Academic Policies & Procedures in section 6.02.

Academic Excellence

At the conclusion of the trimester, the Registrar shall designate the student with the highest numeric grade in that course under the framework provided in Academic Policy 6.02 with an Academic Excellence Award which is noted on the student’s transcript. In the event that two or more students all receive the same, highest numeric grade in a course, all such students shall be designated as receiving the Academic Excellence Award.

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.

Upper-class 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.

Graduation 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.

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.

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.