Pass/No Credit Grading Option – Frequently Asked Questions

Published: April 01, 2020 | Read Time: 7 minutes

In an effort to help Southern Utah University students who are adjusting to the temporary online delivery of classes, all students will have the option of either receiving a letter grade or a Pass/No-Credit (P/NC) grade for Spring 2020 classes.

 

Q: How do I take advantage of this opportunity?

A: After grades are submitted, a link to a web form was sent to your email at the beginning of finals week that lists each of your in-progress courses for the semester. You will have the option to select whether you would like to be evaluated using a letter grade or a Pass/No Credit grading system for each course.

• For Full Session and 2nd Session courses: Students should make their initial selection of P/NC no later than May 6, 2020.
• For Online B Session courses: Students should make their initial selection of P/NC no later than May 13, 2020.

Q: Should I discuss my options with my academic advisors and faculty members before making a decision?

A: Yes, students should absolutely speak with their academic advisors and faculty members before making a decision. Some students in programs that may lead to professional licensures, graduate programs, etc., may be disadvantaged by opting for a P/NC grade. For example, pre-Nursing students who opt for a P may not get the 10 points for required prerequisite classes before applying.

Q: Do I have to exercise the option for all of my classes?

A: You may select a different grading option for each course.

Q: What is the minimum grade that can be changed to “Pass”?

A: Grades from A(4.0) through C(2.0) will receive a Pass. Grades from C-(1.7) through F(0.0) will receive No Credit

Q: Will a P grade count as a prerequisite grade for the next class I need to take?

A: Yes. A P grade will meet prerequisites and major requirements for your program of study. It will not impact your GPA either positively or negatively for majors requiring a minimum GPA for graduation.

Q: Do I have to continue to attend classes remotely or can I take a P grade for what I have already done in the class?

A: You must complete the course to receive either a letter grade or a P/NC grade. Those who separate early will receive a UW, which applies to your GPA as an F and disqualifies you for both the letter and P/NC grading options.

Q: Will P/NC impact my satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and eligibility for federal financial aid, including Pell grants, loans, and work study?

A: P grades will be counted in your successfully completed courses. NC grades will count against your successfully completed courses. For SAP, you must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA and complete 70% of attempted hours.

Q: Will either a P or NC be calculated into my Grade Point Average (GPA)?

A: Neither P nor NC grades will be used in calculating your cumulative or semester grade point averages.

Q: What does my instructor have to do to help me change my grade to P or NC?

A: Your instructor will submit a letter grade based on the grading rubric established in the course syllabus. You will complete the online election form available in your portal to indicate whether you select a letter grade or a P/NC grade for each in-progress course.

Q: If the minimum letter grade for a P is a “C” (2.0 grade points), why can’t the C- I earned in my General Education class allow me to complete that requirement?

A: To receive credit for a C- through D- in a General Education Knowledge Area or Major related course you must select the Letter Grade option for that course. The Written Communication Core Requirement requires a “C” (2.0) to complete the requirement, so a minimum P grade would be required.

Q: How will a P or NC affect my admissions into graduate schools, medical schools, law schools, etc.?

A: This is up to each individual graduate, medical, or law school. You should contact each of the institutions you are considering and inquire as to how they will view P or NC grades in their admissions decision.

Q: If I am using veteran benefits, can I select P/NC and what will the possible negative impact be?

A: If you select P/NC and receive a Pass grade there are no negative repercussions. If you select P/NC and receive No Credit, it will be viewed as a withdrawal and you will be required to pay back the benefits you have received in conjunction with that course.

Q: If I choose P/NC or letter grades now, can I change later?

A: You will have until August 7, 2020 (the end of the Summer semester 2020) to finalize your decision regarding letter grade or Pass/No credit. After August 7, 2020 the grading policy deadlines apply. A faculty member could submit a change of grade if an error were identified, but the grade mode would remain the same.

Q: Does the P/NC grading option apply to concurrent enrollment classes?

A: Yes. Concurrent Enrollment (CE) courses will follow the same guidelines as non-CE courses. A link to a web form will be added to your portal at the beginning of finals week that lists each of your in-progress courses for the semester. After grades are submitted, you will have the option to select whether you would like to be evaluated using a letter grade or a Pass/No Credit grading system for each course. The deadline for CE students to finalize their decision regarding letter grade or P/NC is June 30. This is because SUU needs to report CE numbers to the State in mid-July.

Q: Will this impact my NCAA academic eligibility?

A: The NCAA released a Q&A for athletes to use when looking at the P/NC option.

Q: Will there be a Dean’s List this semester?

A: Yes. The Dean’s List policy is written to accommodate P/NC grades. To be considered for the Dean’s List a student must complete 15 credits with a letter grade and earn a 3.6 gpa or higher.

Q: How will my academic standing (Warning, Probation, Suspension) be evaluated if I select P/NC grades? If I do not? If I select a combination?

A: Students whose academic standing improves (probation to good standing, etc.) will remain improved. Students whose academic standing slides (good standing to warning, etc.) will be returned to their previous academic standing level.

Q: Does P/NC grading apply to graduate courses?

A: Yes, but it is absolutely essential that students consult academic and faculty advisors before choosing the P/NC option, because graduate and professional programs may not accept anything but normal letter grades.

Q: I started the semester in an online course, can I opt for P/NC grading?

A: Yes. The disruption caused by COVID-19 affects all students and goes beyond the delivery modality of the course(s) you are currently taking. We want to provide appropriate support to our students. It is absolutely essential that students consult academic and faculty advisors before choosing the P/NC option, because graduate and professional programs may not accept anything but normal letter grades.

Q: Will either a “P” or “NC” affect my scholarship?

A: Possibly. P or NC grades could adversely affect SUU scholarships. SUU academic Scholarships have a 70% completion requirement, If you do not meet this you may lose your scholarship. If you have off-campus scholarships or other forms of financial aid, please consult the SUU Financial Aid Office.

Q: After I graduate may I come back and change my grading option if my plans change?

A: Once your degree has been posted to your academic transcript you are unable to retake courses for grade improvement or change your grading mode, even if we have not yet reached the August 7 update deadline.

Q: If I am repeating a course may I opt for a P/NC grade and will it replace my previous grade?

A: If your previous grade was below a C(2.0) the P grade would replace the previous grade. If not, the P grade will not replace the previous grade. NC will be treated as a W and will not replace a UW or W.

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