In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Mississippi University for Women will allow students the option for alternative grades for spring 2020. The option will allow students to focus on learning outcomes and successful course completion. Academic Council approved the COVID-19 Emergency Grade Policy to allow students maximum flexibility in light of the changed circumstance.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made the spring 2020 semester an extraordinary time with many disruptions and stressors for us all. Providing this alternative grade option can relieve some additional stress and anxiety that our students may be feeling,” said Nora Miller, president of The W.
This temporary policy does not retroactively include First Term classes but does apply to both Full Term and Second Term courses that are currently in progress.
“The Spring 2020 Emergency Grade Policy will allow students who are transitioning to remote instruction and meeting other challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic an opportunity to learn without the additional stressor of worrying about the impact of the disruption on grade point averages,” said Scott Tollison, provost and vice president for academic affairs at The W.
The temporary policy allows students to choose an assignment of PE (Pass Enhanced), PS (Pass Satisfactory) and NP (No Pass) grades for the spring 2020 semester only. The following further describes the alternative grade options:
After the faculty assigned grade is posted, students may only choose to invoke the option between Tuesday, May 5 and noon Tuesday, May 12. The option is available for individual courses. For any student failing to meet the deadline, there will be an appeal process to request invoking this option for a short period of time following the deadline. To invoke the change in grade mode, a grade change authorization form will be provided prior to May 5. Additional guidance will be provided in the days to follow.
Understand the choice
Students are strongly encouraged to thoughtfully consider the decision to transition a course grade to the emergency option. While this option may provide short-term relief, it is permanent and could present significant long-term consequence. For example, many professional and graduate programs may not consider grades of PE and PS as sufficient for meeting admissions standards. Other consequences may include, but are not limited to the following:
For more information, visit muw.edu/registrar/students/spring2020.
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