According Regulation E-1-a of the University catalog, grades are defined as follows:

For purposes of reporting and record, academic work is graded as follows: A-superior; B-above average; C-average; D-below average; F-failure; I-incomplete work of passing quality (see regulation F); W-withdrawal; WU-withdrawal from the university; P-pass (see below); IP-in progress (see E-2); N-unsatisfactory and must be repeated (used only in Eng 101 and 102 and Chem 050).

It is helpful to interpret these regulations for grades in English 102 by defining the standards according to the requirements of the assignment. If the student fulfills all the requirements, but does nothing more, the proper grade would be a C. 

Below is an example of what grading standard should be for a argumentative paper that requires outside sources (a typical assignment in English 102).   If you had assigned a personal or exploratory essay, the requirements would be different.  Or you could have included some special requirements on an argumentative paper:  an evaluation or a comparison-contrast assignment would have additional requirements concerning the paper's approach to the topic or its organization. 

A – Represent achievement that is outstanding or superior relative to the level necessary to meet the requirements of the assignment.

An "A" paper will have a clearly focused, high quality thesis that is neither self-evident nor absurdly untenable. The essay will have a well-chosen structure that makes efficient use of transitions and connections between ideas. The papers should also exhibit appropriate integration of relevant evidence and conscientious regard for opposing viewpoints. An "A" essay will also pay careful attention to the use of grammar and choice of words appropriate for the intended audience. The paper must also be clearly documented in MLA format. The paper should contain very few mechanical errors, but it need not be perfect in this regard. An "A" paper is a pleasure to read and invites a rereading.

B – Represents achievement that is significantly above the level necessary to meet the requirements of the assignment.

A "B" paper will have the same high quality thesis as seen in an "A" paper, but the essay is less precisely executed. There must still be orderly and logical progression evident throughout the development of the paper. There may be, however, unfortunate lapses in transitions and sentence structures as well as infelicitous word choice and/or tone which prevent the essay from earning the higher grade. The writer should exhibit good control over most mechanical errors.

C – Represents achievement that meets the basic requirements in every respect. It signifies that the work is average, but nothing more.

A "C" paper shows minimum proficiency in relevant areas. The thesis may be clear but lack depth. The logic may be reasonable but lack intellectual rigor. Grammar and wording are in general correct, but show little evidence of the writer having made good rhetorical choices. Mechanically, the paper must show that the writer can usually punctuate sentences boundaries correctly, although an occasional lapse may occur. Almost all the words should be correctly spelled.

N – Stands for No Credit. This is assigned for work that was completed but is not satisfactory and must be repeated.

An "N" paper falls short of proficiency in most areas. There may be no clearly defined thesis or the thesis chosen may be self-evident or absurdly untenable. This paper may contain ill-advised word choice and/or grammatical difficulties. It may simply contain far too many mechanical errors—punctuation, spelling, apostrophes, etc. An "N" paper must be revised and handed in no later than one week after receiving the grade. The paper will be eligible for a grade no higher than a "C."

F – Stands for Failure. This is assigned for work that is missing altogether or for work that can be shown to have been plagiarized.

An "F" paper shows no attempt at rhetorical struggle, has been handed in after the deadline, or does not respond to the assignment.