Note: specific project rubrics may vary. See your advisor.
A - Consistently excellent work that attains, and perhaps exceeds, project goals. Characteristics of A work include meeting all requirements of the B grade, then exceeding them in several areas such as particularly effective or creative goals and/or methodologies, initiative, originality, depth and critical thought in analysis and recommendations. Students take the lead in discussions and analysis rather than just responding to faculty suggestions (particularly as the project matures). Teamwork self-assessment shows critical thought and tangible evidence of learning. Any individual earning an A will have been assessed positively by his or her team members, with tangible and appropriate evidence to support the assessment.
B - Consistently good work that attains project goals. Characteristics of B work include: following up on advisor suggestions; defining a clear goal and objectives; writing a clear, professionally presented report with good and improving drafts along the way; completing all work in a timely and satisfactory manner; demonstrating sound analysis that includes logical interpretation of findings; delivering useful recommendations; coming to meetings well prepared, and working hard, consistently, and diligently. Earning a B grade means the team did a good, strong job, but perhaps did not show lots of initiative, originality, or critical thinking in a self-directing and proactive manner. The teamwork self-assessment shows reflective ability and tangible evidence of learning. Any individual earning a B will have contributed consistently to the team effort, with tangible and appropriate evidence to support that assessment.
C - Acceptable work that partially attains project goals. Characteristics of C work include meeting some but not all requirements for a B grade; writing that is readable but didn't show much progress between drafts and required lots of faculty input; weaknesses in methodology and analysis that could have been anticipated and addressed, and demonstrating little or no originality and initiative. Missing deadlines, missing meetings without prior notification, and lack of response to faculty comments on report drafts are traits common to C-level performance. The teamwork self-assessment may show little evidence of critical introspection or learning about teamwork, or avoidance of conflict. An individual may earn a C, even if the project as a whole is evaluated more positively, if his or her contribution is sub-par, with tangible and appropriate evidence to support the assessment.
In general, grades are based on both process and product:
Process refers to how well a team works towards the project goals. This means as individual of course, but more importantly, refers to how the team works as a group, including self-organization, collaboration, communication, time management, problem solving and critical thinking.
Product refers to materials that are produced towards the project goals. This is often the report or chapters and sections of the report, but can also include presentation slides and demo videos, design documents, code and even art that may be relevant towards a project.