Special Grading Accommodations Frequently Asked Questions

The Special Grading Accommodations were available to students during the Spring 2020 term until the Spring 2021 term. The Special Grading Accommodations are no longer available to currently enrolled students.

Q: When can I select a course/courses to be graded as pass/fail?

A: The request form will be available in PiratePort beginning May 11th at 8 am.  More information will be sent out to students in April regarding the details for submitting the form. Students should not email their requests to the Registrar’s office. Please consult your advisor for questions regarding the pass/fail option.

Q: I am a graduate student, can I select the pass/fail option?

A: The pass/fail grading option is available to graduate students for Spring 2021. Please consult with your graduate advisor about which courses you would like to select for pass/fail grading.

Q: What is the deadline to submit a request to have one or more of my classes graded as pass/fail?

A: Students will have until May 26th at 8 am to submit a request to have their course/courses graded as pass/fail.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of courses I can select for pass/fail?

A: Undergraduate students will be able to opt in to pass/fail grading for a maximum of two courses (up to 8 semester hours). Graduate students will be able to opt in for a maximum of two courses.

Q: With this new option, do I still need to complete the work for my course?

A: Yes, you will still need to complete the work for your course. This new option does not indicate that courses are over.

Q: Can I use the passing grade to grade replace a previous attempt of this course?

A: Student must receive a standard letter grade to use grade replacement. Students cannot grade replace with the Pass/Fail grade. 

Q: Will the passing grade count towards my overall hours?

A: Yes, the passing grade will count towards your overall hours.

Q: Will the pass/fail grade count towards my GPA?

A: No, if you select the pass/fail option for the course then the pass/fail grade will not count towards your overall GPA. However, the failing grade could impact your degree progression.

Q: If I receive an incomplete in the course/courses, do I still have the option to select the course as being graded as pass/fail?

A: No, if you receive an incomplete grade, you will not be eligible to select the pass/fail grade option for that course. Work must be completed and a standard letter grade issued for the course before the pass/fail option can be selected.

Q: My major requires a C or above for all course work, will I have the option to select pass/fail for my courses?

A: Check with your advisor, some majors/programs will be excluded from the pass/fail option due to accreditation or program standards.

Q: What is the minimum grade for a passing grade if I select the pass/fail option?

A: For undergraduate students, the minimum grade for a passing grade is a D-. For graduate students, the minimum passing grade is a C. Again, check with your advisor, as some majors/programs may be excluded from the pass/fail option due to accreditation or program standards. Some majors may require a grade of C or better for their course requirements which may impact the pass/fail grading. 

Q: Do I need to select two courses to use pass/fail or can I use pass/fail for only one course?

A: Students may select one course for pass/fail but will be able to opt in to pass/fail grading for a maximum of two courses (up to 8 semester hours for undergraduates).

Q: Will the pass/fail grade have an impact on the calculation for the degree with distinction honors? 

A: No, the pass/fail grades will not count towards the overall GPA. They will have no positive or negative impact on the calculation for the degree with distinction honors.  

Q: Will the pass/fail grade have an impact on my eligibility for the Chancellor’s List, Dean’s List, or Honor Roll? 

A: Students who utilize the pass/fail option will not be eligible for the Chancellor’s List. Students will need to be enrolled in at least 12 or more hours to qualify for Dean’s List or Honor Roll if they earn the designated GPA. Students who elect to use the pass/fail option for a failing grade (F) will not be eligible for Dean’s List or Honor Roll. 

Q: Will degree with distinction honors still be awarded for Spring 2021 graduates? 

A: Yes, student academic records will be reviewed after grades are posted for Spring 2021 and eligible graduates will be awarded degree with distinction honors.   

Q: If I selected a course to be graded as pass/fail for Spring 2021, can I retake the course in another term in order to earn the grade needed for my major? 

A: Yes, students may retake a course that was graded as pass/fail. These courses will not require a grade replacement as the pass/fail grades do not impact GPA.   

Q: Can I select pass/fail for a class but not the co-requisite course? For example, select pass/fail for the lecture but not the lab?

A: Yes, you can select pass/fail for individual courses including those that require a co-requisite. 

Q: Will the pass/fail grade impact my admission into graduate school or professional school? 

A: Consult your advisor if you are considering applying for graduate school or professional school. It may be beneficial to not select the pass/fail option or to re-take the course later for a standard letter grade if you are considering applying for professional school or a graduate program. Some programs/majors may be excluded from the pass/fail option due to program standards, admission requirements, or accreditation. 

Q: Will my graduation be delayed because of the change in grading policies due to COVID-19? 

A: Students who are candidates for Spring 2021 graduation should review their grades received by the deadline for instructors to submit them (May 10, 2021). Please make decisions in a very timely manner if you want any of your grades changed to Pass/Fail.  If you want grades changed to Pass/Fail, submit the appropriate request as soon as possible.  

Q: When must I resolve an Incomplete grade earned in a Spring 2021 course to remain eligible for Spring 2021 graduation? 

A: Work for any Spring 2021 course must be completed prior to the start of the First Summer 2021 term for a student to remain eligible for Spring 2021 graduation. First Summer 2021 terms start on May 17, 2021. Work in Spring 2021 courses must be completed before May 17, 2021 for a student to remain eligible for Spring 2021 graduation.

Q: How does this impact pre-requisite courses requiring a higher grade than a D-? For example I need to make a C or better in my pre-requisite course. 

A: Consult your advisor. Some programs/majors may not allow a grade of pass /fail for pre-requisite courses.  

Q: Will pass/fail hours be designated separate on the student’s record to indicate that those hours are not applied in the semester/cumulative GPA calculation?

A: They will show within the regular semester as part of the grades.  They will not factor into GPA calculation, and a standard comment will be added to all student records for Spring 2021, to reflect the uniqueness of this situation.