Coronavirus Update
April 3, 2020
Changes to Undergraduate and Graduate Course Grading & Withdrawal Policies for the Spring 2020 Semester
As a result of Bowie State University’s decision to transition to a remote learning education model, the university will adopt a Pass/Fail grading option for the spring 2020 semester for undergraduate and graduate students and extend the deadline for withdrawing from courses.
In making this decision, I have endorsed the recommendation made by the shared governance working group composed of the Faculty Senate, Student Government Association and Graduate Student Association representatives.
Access to Pass/Fail grading aims to reduce student anxiety during this stressful time, while still providing a pathway to fulfill program and degree requirements. While students may decide to continue to pursue a letter grade (A-F) in their spring 2020 classes, the Pass/Fail grade may be a sensible and healthy option, depending on individual circumstances. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an advisor to discuss the potential pros and cons to opt for a Pass/Fail grade to make an informed choice.
Undergraduate Students Spring 2020 Grading Policy
- The decisions should be student-driven.
- The grading options for the spring 2020 include: letter grade (A-F), Pass (P)/Fail (F) or withdrawing (W).
- The arrangements would be made through the Registrar’s Office, not with the individual faculty member. Faculty would assign the appropriate letter grade, which would then be converted to P or F. Information on how to request P/F will be provided at a later date.
- For all undergraduate courses, if a student opts for P/F, the instructor will assign grades of A, B, C, D, FN, or F to each student. The Registrar’s Office will then enter a grade of P for students earning an A, B, or C, but will enter a grade of F for students earning a D, FN or F.
- Incomplete grades would follow the existing policy.
- Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisor to discuss possible academic implications prior to electing Pass (P)/Fail (F) or withdrawing (W) from a course. For example, potential impacts on graduate admissions, licensure, financial aid, and athletic eligibility should be considered.
- Students who are receiving financial aid or scholarships should also contact the Financial Aid Office (financialaid@bowiestate.edu) to determine any impact a P, F, or W grade may have on their future financial aid.
- Once a decision is made, it cannot be changed at a later date.
- All classes would be eligible for any of these choices with no limit to the number of courses students could convert.
- Courses taken P/F in spring 2020 will not count towards the total course limit on P/F courses.
- Undergraduate students will notify the registrar for P/F or W as follows:
a. Graduating seniors by April 24, 2020
b. Other undergraduate students by May 1, 2020
Graduate Students Spring 2020 Grading Policy
- The decisions should be student-driven.
- The grading options for the spring 2020 include: letter grade (A-F), Pass (P)/Fail (F) or withdrawing (W).
- The arrangements would be made through the Registrar’s Office, not with the individual faculty member. Faculty would assign the appropriate letter grade, which would then be converted to P or F. Information on how to request P/F will be provided at a later date.
- For all graduate courses, if a student opts for P/F, the instructor will assign grades of A, B, C, D, FN, or F to each student. The Registrar’s Office will then enter a grade of P for students earning an A or B, but will enter a grade of F for students earning a C, D, FN or F.
- Incomplete grades would follow the existing policy.
- Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisor to discuss possible academic implications prior to electing Pass (P)/Fail (F) or withdrawing (W) from a course. For example, potential impacts on graduate admissions, licensure and financial aid should be considered.
- Students who are receiving financial aid or scholarships should also contact the Financial Aid Office (financialaid@bowiestate.edu) to determine any impact a P, F, or W grade may have on their future financial aid.
- Once a decision is made, it cannot be changed at a later date.
- All classes would be eligible for any of these choices with no limit to the number of courses students could convert
- Courses taken P/F in spring 2020 will not count towards the total course limit on P/F courses.
- Graduate students will notify the registrar for P/F or W as follows:
a. Graduating students by April 24, 2020
b. Other graduate students by May 1, 2020
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Judith Kirkpatrick
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs