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Midterm Evaluation

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Effective Date: August 2024
Last Reviewed: April 2015
Last Revised: August 2016
Next Review: September 2028

Policy Statement

A midterm evaluation grade is submitted between the fourth and seventh week for all students in lower-division undergraduate courses (levels 00000, 10000, 20000). Midterm evaluation grades are not given for summer or flexible-scheduled courses due to the short duration of these offerings. Midterm results are available to academic advisors and college/school/campus deans for the purpose of intervening when achievement is considered unsatisfactory according to program or university requirements. Students will be able to view their midterm evaluation grades in FlashLine for the fall or spring semester in progress. Midterm evaluation grades are not included as part of the students’ academic transcript, nor are they included in a student's grade point average (GPA).

Reason For Policy

Research has shown that early and frequent assessments are important to student success because they can help students not only have a sense of how they are doing in their courses, but also help to improve their final grade. Midterm evaluations are a snapshot of how a student is performing in the course and allows time to seek help and make adjustments. While midterm grades are encouraged for all undergraduate students, lower-level classes are targeted due to the high concentration of new students who may be experiencing college courses for the first time. There are additional opportunities for students to see their progress in a course either by viewing the course grades in Canvas or talking with the faculty member teaching the course.

Procedures

Students can log into their FlashLine account to view their midterm grades. Faculty can submit midterm grades as early as the fourth week and through the seventh week.

Forms/Instructions

There are no forms associated with this policy.

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What do midterm grades mean?
    Midterm grades are an early signal from your instructor about how you are doing in the course at the time the grade is submitted. Because courses can vary in the rhythm of assignments and how those assignments are weighted, your midterm grades will likely mean different things for each of your courses. While a midterm grade is not part of your permanent Kent State record, you should use your midterm grades as important and helpful feedback.
  2. Where can I see my midterm grades?
    You will need to log in to FlashLine to view your midterm grades. In Flash, under Student Resources, select Grades and Transcripts, then click on View Midterm Grades.
  3. When can I view my midterm grades?
    Faculty can submit the grades any time between the fourth and seventh week of the semester. You can see them in FlashLine as soon as they are submitted. Check back often as additional grades may appear. All grades must be in by the end of the seventh week.

Additional FAQ: Midterm Evaluation

Definitions

Academic Advising: Advising helps students clarify their career goals, reach their maximum educational potential and achieve academic success. Academic advisors address student needs related to learning, personal development and career aspirations; recognize and respond to diverse individual needs and differences among students; and help students plan and implement academic programs of study in a manner that will ensure timely progress toward graduation.

Canvas: Cloud-based learning management system (LMS) that allows instructors to manage their courses, including posting materials, assignments, quizzes and grades. Through Canvas, students can submit assignments, participate in discussions, view course materials and their grades.

FlashLine: Web-based portal (entryway) for Kent State students, faculty, staff and alumni.

GPA (Grade Point Average). A number that is determined by the number of credit hours attempted at Kent State University and the grades received. The GPA is calculated to three places past the decimal point and not rounded.

Lower Division Courses: (10000, 20000): Courses that are for freshmen, sophomores and others with little or no background in the discipline. Generally, these courses provide the understanding, foundation and preparation for more advanced study (although a pathway for more advanced study is not always required, and they may be ends in themselves).

Transcript: An accurate and complete record of a student's academic coursework attempted at an institution, presented in either electronic format or paper format.

Related Information

Revision History

Amended August 2024: Policy is revised to include more explanation to help students understand the meaning and purpose of midterm evaluation. Faculty may now submit mid-term evaluations for upper-division courses if they choose.

Amended August 2016: Policy is revised to extend the midterm evaluation to students in all lower-division (00000-20000) courses. In addition, window for submitting evaluations starts earlier, between the fourth and seventh week.

Effective September 1979: Mention of a midterm evaluation is first listed in the Undergraduate Catalog. All freshmen who have completed less than 32 credit hours receive a mid-term evaluation in the seventh week.