Using letter grades in Quercus can result in unexpected numeric grades or grade displays in the Gradebook and SpeedGrader.
Important: Do not enter letter grades directly in the Gradebook or SpeedGrader unless you have configured the appropriate grading scheme. The Letter Grades in Quercus guide, developed by the Faculty of Arts & Science, explains the technical considerations and recommended workflows.
Considerations When Using Letter Grades
The following considerations can affect how letter grades are calculated and displayed in Quercus. Refer to the Arts & Science Letter Grades in Quercus guide for detailed instructions and recommended workflows.
Default Grading Scheme
The default letter grading scheme in Quercus does not align with the University of Toronto’s grading schemes. Unless you select a U of T grading scheme, the numeric grade associated with a letter grade may be incorrect. For example, an “A” may appear to students as “100.”
Numeric Values Assigned to Letter Grades
When an instructor or TA enters a letter grade, Quercus assigns the highest numeric grade associated with that letter grade. For example, a B+ is assigned 79 and an F is assigned 49.
Display of Numeric and Letter Grades
When an instructor or TA enters a letter grade, Quercus automatically assigns a numeric grade. Students will see both the letter grade and the numeric grade in the Gradebook and SpeedGrader.
Display of Zero Grades
If you enter a grade of “0,” Quercus displays the letter grade “F.” Some students may interpret the F as corresponding to a particular numeric grade.
Grades Entered in SpeedGrader
Settings Carried Between Assignments
Cross-Listed Undergraduate and Graduate Courses
Only one grading scheme can be activated for an assignment. This can create issues for cross-listed undergraduate and graduate courses because the numeric equivalents used for undergraduate and graduate letter grades differ.