Fall 2020 Emergency Grading Policy FAQs
Please note: For the Fall 2020 semester only, a special Pass/Fail option is being offered to first-year students only (please see below for eligibility requirements). This policy is limited to Fall 2020 only.
Who is eligible to switch to a Pass/Fail grading option?
The Pass/Fail grading option is only available to undergraduate first-year students who will have successfully completed a maximum of 29 credits by the end of the Fall 2020 semester.
How many courses can I change to a Pass grade?
Eligible first-year students may elect to change up to two (2) courses to a Pass grade.
Will a Pass grade fulfill my Liberal Arts Core requirements?
A Pass grade will fulfill all Liberal Arts Core requirements.
Will a Pass grade meet prerequisite requirements?
Yes, a P grade will meet prerequisite requirements.
Will a Pass grade fulfill my graduation credit requirements?
Pass grades will count toward the minimum number of credits required for degree completion.
Will a Pass grade fulfill my major requirements?
A Pass grade in a course will fulfill major requirements, with the possible exception of courses in professional licensure programs that may have licensure restrictions/concerns with accepting Pass/Fail grades. These programs are: Nursing, Interior Design, and Teacher Licensure. Students in these programs must consult with their academic advisor/chair to see which courses, if any, are eligible for pass/fail declaration and the level of performance required to achieve a Pass grade.
What is the minimum grade required in order to receive a grade of P?
The minimum grade required in order to earn a Pass at the undergraduate level is a D-. Students that receive a grade of “F” or “FA” in their course, may not request to have that grade changed to a Pass.
Note that a grade of P will not be awarded for students who currently have a grade of I (incomplete).
However, professional licensure programs may have minimum grade requirements that are higher than the university-level requirements for Pass/Fail grades. These programs are: Nursing, Interior Design, and Teacher Licensure.
When will I be able to switch to the Pass/Fail option?
Between Monday, December 7 and Wednesday, December 16, first-year students may elect to change up to two (2) courses to a Pass grade. (Final grades will be posted on December 14.)
What is the deadline to switch to the Pass/Fail option?
The last day to submit a request to switch to the Pass/Fail option is December 16.
How can I request to switch to the Pass/Fail option?
A request form will be available for eligible first-year students starting December 7, 2020. This form will be emailed to eligible first-year students.
What does selecting the Pass/Fail option mean for my GPA?
A grade of Pass is not calculated into your GPA; however, a grade of Fail will factor into your GPA calculation.
Are Honors students eligible to switch to the Pass/Fail option for their Honors courses?
Honors students are eligible to switch to the Pass/Fail option for their Honors courses.
Am I required to meet with my advisor to select the pass/fail option? What should I consider when making this decision?
Yes, students are required to speak with their advisor before deciding to take a course Pass/Fail. They will help you understand the impact of a Pass/Fail grade on your academic record and career goal including:
- The impact on your admissions application for medical school, graduate school, or other post-graduation career goals.
- Courses in which a Pass grade is earned will not be included when calculating Dean’s List honors.
- Courses in which a Pass grade is earned will not be included when calculating Latin honors at the time of graduation.
- Courses in which a Pass grade is earned will not count toward meeting minimum GPA requirements for graduation.
I am a veteran. How does this impact my status with the VA?
Receiving a grade of P does not impact VA reporting.
Will this impact my financial aid?
Eligibility for financial aid is based on your cumulative GPA. For undergraduate students, continued eligibility for federal financial aid requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with the Office of Financial Aid to ensure that taking advantage of this policy does not interfere with their eligibilty for financial aid and any scholarships, grants, or other benefits.
Will this impact the renewal of my merit scholarship?
Eligibility for merit scholarships is based on your cumulative GPA. Renewal of merit scholarships requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with the Office of Financial Aid to ensure that taking advantage of this policy does not interfere with their eligibilty for financial aid and any scholarships, grants, or other benefits.
How will this appear on my transcript?
A grade of Pass or Fail will appear like any other letter grade. Students that elect to change a course to a Pass will have a notation added to their transcript regarding the Fall 2020 Emergency Grading Policy for First-Year Students.
When will I see the Pass grade on my transcript after submitting the request form?
Please allow 5-10 business days for the Pass grade to appear on your transcript.
If I declare a course Pass/Fail, how is my grade determined?
The instructor of your class will assign a letter grade at the end of the semester. Letter grades of A through D- will convert to a Pass. F grades will remain a Fail. Students enrolled in Nursing, Interior Design, and Teacher Licensure must consult with their academic advisor/chair to see which courses, if any, are eligible for pass/fail declaration and the level of performance required to achieve a Pass grade.
Are my faculty aware that my course has been put on Pass/Fail?
Faculty members will not be aware of students who elect the Pass/Fail grading option when entering final grades.
If I have additional questions about declaring a course pass/fail, where should I go?
Students interested in this policy are required to speak with their academic advisor about your choice and about any impact your choices might have for success in future courses or admissions to future programs.
