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Spring 2020 Grading

Updated April 3, 2020

What is happening with grading this semester?
For this spring semester only, the University will adopt an optional undergraduate grading policy to include Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) grades as an alternative to traditional grading. Faculty will record letter grades at the end of the semester as they normally do. After grades have been posted, all undergraduate students will have the option of electing Credit/No Credit grading for any of their Spring 2020 classes by Friday, May 22. A Credit (CR) grade will indicate that a student has successfully passed the course with grades of A through D; a No Credit (NC) will indicate that a student has not passed the course with a grade equivalent of an F. Students will earn General University Requirements, major, minor, and elective credit with a “CR” grade.

Why is Credit/No Credit grading being offered for Spring 2020 classes?
We changed this semester’s grading to include Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) to recognize the extraordinary character of current circumstances resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic. As we move instruction into alternative modes, we are necessarily changing our agreements about expectations and assessments. In a new and unfamiliar environment, we cannot hold faculty and students to expectations constructed in and for a different instructional experience. For this reason students will be able to choose whether to have traditional grades or Credit/No Credit grades.

Why are we offering Credit/No Credit grading instead of Pass/Fail?
In Pass/Fail grading, a grade of “P” has no positive impact on GPA calculations but “F” grades have a negative effect. If a student chose Pass/Fail grading for all their courses, they could see their cumulative GPA go down for F grades but not see any positive offset for P grades. Credit/No Credit grading has no impact on GPAs and eliminates this problem. The decision to allow this flexibility is a direct acknowledgment of this unprecedented situation. We expect our remote courses to maintain the highest quality instruction possible. We expect you to continue to seek the most from your courses. Please consult with your advisor for help in determining what is in your own best interest in the short- and long-term.

Do Credit/No Credit grades count in my cumulative or semester GPA?
See the explanation above.

If I earn CR in a course, will it count as a prerequisite for a future course?
Yes.

Will there be notation on the transcript regarding the Credit/No Credit policy for Spring 2020?

Yes, your transcript will indicate that due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the Spring 2020 semester had an optional Credit/No Credit policy for all undergraduate courses. 

How will Academic Standing determinations for Spring 2020 be made?
Due to the extenuating circumstances we are in, no undergraduate student will be placed on academic probation, suspension or dismissal as a result of the Spring 2020 semester.

  • Students whose letter grades for Spring 2020 would have resulted in a cumulative or semester GPA below a 2.000 will be placed on Academic Warning in the Fall so they can have the safety net of oversight available through Academic Progress Monitoring. Academic Warning does not show on the transcript.
  • Students currently on academic probation whose letter grades for Spring 2020 would have resulted in a cumulative or semester GPA at or above a 2.000 will have their probation lifted. Those with a cumulative GPA below a 2.000 will have their probation continued.

Will No Credit (NC) grades be considered for the purposes of future probation, suspension or dismissal?
No, Spring 2020 semester CR/NC designations will not contribute toward future probation, suspension or dismissal determinations. CR will signify that a student has earned academic credit by meeting the learning expectations for the course, whereas NC will signify that a student has not earned that credit.

Will Dean’s List and President’s List determinations be made for Spring 2020?
Yes, Dean’s List and President’s List designations will be made for Spring 2020 provided students are receiving letter grades for at least 6 credits of work.

How will Latin Honors be calculated for this year’s senior class?
Latin Honors for May graduates will be calculated using the letter grades faculty submit for all of a student’s Spring 2020 courses.

How do I elect Credit/No Credit grading?
You must submit a request by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2020. We are currently developing a form and will make this available by early May.

With the switch to remote instruction, I am encountering new disability-related barriers. How do I request accommodations?
You may be seeking accommodation(s) for the first time since departing campus or due to the change to remote instruction.

Who do I contact if I have more questions about the Credit/No Credit grading policy for the Spring 2020 semester?
Please contact Enrollment Services with any questions at 413-796-2080 or records@wne.edu.