Why is checking your grades important? (And tips for remembering to check your grades)

• Some classes grade on a curve, so the raw scores you’re seeing on your assignments might not be representative of your real grade.
• This is your opportunity to check your instructor’s work! Make sure what you’re seeing matches what you expect. If there are missing assignments or scores that don’t match what you believe you have, talk to your instructor.
• You can set reminders for yourself to check your grades. Ideas for schedules: After assignments/tests, daily, weekly, etc.
  • Make a checklist with all of your assignments including due dates/times and class names. Check them off as you complete them (Can be done on a planner, Google sheets, or Excel).

Where do I go to check my grades and how often should I check my grades?

• Check your Canvas dashboard (Dashboard > View Grades) or Self-Service (Registration & Records > View Grades) to see your grades
• My canvas grade and my midterm grade in self-service are different, what do I do to confirm which one is correct?
  • Consult with your professor or calculate your grade yourself using your course rubric. Usually, professors will publish accurate midterm and pre-final grades to give you an idea of where you’re during different points in the semester.
• You should check your grades often to make sure you’re where you want to be in your courses. We recommend checking your grades weekly to monthly. You can set reminders for yourself in your calendar if you’re someone who may forget to check their grades.
• Ensure to check your final grade at the end of the semester

How do I check my grades in Moodle? Canvas?

What if my course doesn’t use Moodle or Canvas? How do I know how to check my grades?

• It’s always okay to ask your instructor or TA about your grade
• Consult your syllabus
• Calculate your grade on your own using your course syllabus. Note any curves or weighted portions of the course versus points-based portions.

What do I do if my grades are not where I want them to be?

See if your instructor offers the following:

• Check Syllabus first on grade breakdown and for extra points or redoing previously submitted work
• Office hours
• Opportunity for you to redo course work
• Supplemental homework or practice problems
• Extra credit opportunities
• Tutoring referrals, either with TA or through campus resource referral (this can be a great time to check in with your academic advisor or other student support/success advisor)