Instructor Handbook

Handbook Contents

Grading

Procedure for Grading and Submitting Assignments

Section 232.2463, Florida Statutes, determines the grading system.  All courses taught through our department follow this grading system.  That system is:

A = 90% - 100% Outstanding Progress 4 grade points
B = 80% - 89%  Above Average Progress 3 grade points
C = 70% - 79% Average Progress 2 grade points
D = 60% - 69% Lowest Acceptable Progress 1 grade point
E =  0% - 59% Failure 0 grade points

For mailed print courses, students have assignment cover sheets from the back of their study guide and are instructed to use one for each assignment they submit.  The instructor’s signature, the grade(s), and the date should all appear on the assignment cover sheet.  Make comments on the cover sheet, even if comments have been written on the assignments.  This will increase the student’s perception of the value of submitting well-prepared assignments, as well as increase their motivation to continue. Online assignments are handled through the online system and so students should have consistent access to the assignments, instructor comments, and instructor email for any questions. Instructors should keep copies of all grades not entered within one of the online systems.

On occasion, a student may submit a written assignment that is incomplete (as when a question is overlooked or misinterpreted).  In some cases, an “I” (incomplete) may be issued for that assignment.  The student is expected to resubmit the assignment.

Final Grades

  • In the event the instructor is not able to issue a final grade to a student (e.g., illness, absence), the Associate Director of Flexible Learning/Correspondence Study will handle the issuing of an appropriate grade through a substitute instructor.
  • The instructor may choose to use “+” or “-” on returned lessons but UF does not currently use minuses for final grades (January 2007).
  • Students have 32 weeks to complete their courses (16 weeks and then an additional 16 weeks). If a student has not completed the course after 32 weeks, instructors can issue a punitive "I" grade to allow the student to continue for a final 16 weeks or a failing “E" grade.
  • All final grades should be submitted via postal mail to our office or through our TACS online system.

Entering Final Grades

  • Final grades are entered through the TACS system. To access the system, open a web browser and go to this page: https://ssl.continuinged.ufl.edu/is/tacs/login.aspx
  • There, use your email address listed with us and click the “First Time User or need help” link. This will allow you to send yourself a password and then you’ll be able to log in. If you are using a GatorLink email address, use your GatorLink email and password.
  • Once you’re logged in, you’ll see the main page below.
  • Use this system to submit final grades for all courses--print and online.

Instructors for print-based courses can use the online system to view assignments, upload files with comments, or write comments directly in a textbox and then enter the grade online. The grades are not automatically calculated, so you can enter “-1” “90” “A-/B+” and any other preferred grading format.  

TACS: Technology Assisted Correspondence Study Instructor Grading System