Spring 2020 Emergency Grading Policy FAQs
Please note: For the Spring 2020 semester only, a special Pass/Fail option is being offered in response to the extraordinary circumstances of this semester. This policy is limited to Spring 2020 only.
Fall 2020 transfer applicants, click here!
Who is eligible to switch to a Pass/Fail grading option?
The Pass/Fail grading option is available for all undergraduate and graduate courses, 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, Physical Therapy, Counseling, Interior Design, and Teacher Licensure. Students will receive guidance from these individual programs by Friday, April 3.
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, Physical Therapy, Counseling, Interior Design, and Teacher Licensure. Students will receive guidance from these individual programs by Friday, April 3.
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-.
The minimum grade required in order to earn a Pass at the graduate level is a C. 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, Physical Therapy, Counseling, Interior Design, and Teacher Licensure. Students will receive guidance from these individual programs by Friday, April 3.
When will I be able to switch to the Pass/Fail option?
Students will be able to switch to the Pass/Fail option starting May 12, 2020, the day after final grades are due for the Spring 2020 semester.
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 May 22, 2020.
How can I request to switch to the Pass/Fail option?
A request form will be available for students starting May 13, 2020. This form will be emailed to all students and will be available on the Office of the Registrar’s website at that time.
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?
No, however, students are encouraged to speak with their advisor, chair, or program director 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. For graduate students, continued eligibility for federal financial aid requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
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.
Is there a limit to the number of courses that I can switch to Pass/Fail?
Students may switch some or all of their courses to Pass/Fail in the Spring 2020 semester. Students enrolled in Nursing, Physical Therapy, Counseling, Interior Design, and Teacher Licensure will receive guidance from these individual programs by Friday, April 3.
How will this appear on my transcript?
A grade of Pass or Fail will appear like any other letter grade. All students, regardless of whether they have elected the Pass/Fail option, will have a general note on their transcript explaining the extraordinary circumstances of the Spring 2020 semester.
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- (for undergraduate students) or A through C (graduate students) will convert to a Pass. F grades will remain a Fail. Students enrolled in Nursing, Physical Therapy, Counseling, Interior Design, and Teacher Licensure will receive guidance from these individual programs by Friday, April 3.
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?
We encourage you to speak with your academic advisor, chair, or program director about your choice and about any impact your choices might have for success in future courses or admissions to future programs. Academic advisors, chairs, and program directors are available to communicate with students remotely.
Has the withdrawal deadline for Spring 2020 been extended?
Yes. Students will have until Friday, May 1 to withdraw from their Spring 2020 courses with a grade of W.
Will Marymount accept transfer credit for a grade of P for the Spring 2020 semester?
Yes, Marymount will accept transfer credit for a grade of P for courses taken in the Spring 2020 semester only. Marymount will not accept credit for grades such as P- (or similar) if the institution defines it as a C- or lower.
This policy is not retroactive and does not apply to transfer credit taken in previous semesters, nor does it apply to transfer credit that will be taken in future semesters.
