GW has recently announced its 2020-2021 Pass/No Pass grading policy.
- Undergraduates will be permitted the pass/no pass grading option in a maximum of one course (usually the equivalent of three or four credits) per semester, through the 2020-2021 academic year.
- The deadline for a decision in the fall semester will be November 6, 2020, with no changes permitted after the deadline. The decision deadline for the spring semester will be announced in the future.
These policies also include honors courses. If you would like to change your honors course grade mode to P/NP, please reach out to Brianna/Ben to discuss.
We’ve assembled some additional FAQs below, with help from the registrar and advising school offices, including the updated P/NP request form:
1. How many courses may I take P/NP?
Undergraduate students may take a total of two courses P/NP this academic year – one in each semester (one in Fall 2020, and one in Spring 2021).
2. Can I take an honors course as P/NP?
Yes, a Pass grade under these circumstances will fulfill honors program requirements. Note, however, that if taken for a letter grade, honors courses will still require a C- or higher.
3. What process do I use to take a course P/NP?
Students should submit a completed P/NP form to their home school advising office, even for honors courses (the UHP cannot process these forms.)
4. When is the due date for deciding to take a course P/NP?
Students must submit their P/NP by November 6, 2020 for the Fall 2020 semester. Submissions will not be accepted after November 6th. A spring semester date will be published at a later time.
5. Can I change my mind after I submit my form?
No. P/NP petitions are final. Students make not change which course they would like to take P/NP or decide to revert back to a letter grade if P/NP was requested. Even if your petition is submitted before November 6th, you may not reverse your decision.
6. What if I want to take more than one course P/NP?
If you want to take more than one course P/NP, you must submit a petition with your request. This petition will be submitted to your home school advisor and include a statement indicating why you should be allowed to take additional courses P/NP and which course(s) you wish to take P/NP. Any relevant documentation should also be included. Please know that petitions will only be granted in rare instances where students are facing difficulties beyond the current unusual circumstances that we are all experiencing.
7. What is a passing grade?
A passing grade for undergraduate students is a D- or above.
8. Are all classes eligible to be taken P/NP?
Yes:
- General education courses may be taken pass/no pass.
- Major and minor courses may be taken pass/no pass.
- A pass will suffice in courses that are prerequisites for another course.
- A pass will count to satisfy a minimum grade when a course has a minimum grade to move on to a higher-level course or to avoid repeating the class (e.g., UW 1020).
9. Will taking a course P/NP affect my GPA?
No. P/NP will not have an effect on a student’s GPA; it will neither raise nor lower a GPA.
10. Will taking a course P/NP affect my ability be on the Dean’s list or receive Latin honors?
No. The Dean’s list will be based on 9 credits instead of 12 credits to accommodate students taking one P/NP course. Latin honors will be based on 60 credits minus the number of courses taking P/NP.
11. Will taking a course P/NP affect my ability to use the first-year forgiveness policy?
No.
12. Will taking a course P/NP affect my ability to transfer internally to another major?
Yes. ESIA, GWSB, and SEAS all have prerequisite courses which require a minimum letter grade. These courses are listed by school here. In SEAS, GWSB, ESIA, “Passes” will not count for prerequisite courses for students who want to do internal transfers. SEAS, ESIA, and GWSB will view special cases by petition, but recommend taking any prerequisites for these schools as a letter grade.
13. Are there other reasons I might not want to take a course P/NP?
Yes. Students are responsible for following all requirements that may apply to their individual situations and to be sure that they are receiving grades in courses that are required for medical or dental school, law school, graduate school, athletic, veterans, employment, financial aid, scholarships, or visa status, etc. While everyone should understand that the country was going through a unique situation at this time, it is impossible to predict how future employers or admissions committees may weigh a decision to take courses P/NP at this time. Students are advised to consult with their academic, faculty, or program director.
14. What other options do I have if I am struggling academically this semester?
We encourage our undergraduate students to take advantage of the range of academic resources available in Academic Commons as well as consider other academic planning options such as taking an incomplete in a course, requesting assignment/test flexibility from professors, and considering a Leave of Absence, if necessary. Your academic advisor and program director are available to assist you in thinking through the best plan forward for you.
15. What resources are available to me if I am struggling personally this semester?
We encourage you to take advantage of the physical and mental health resources available through Health Services. In addition, please feel free to reach you to your advisors, faculty, program directors and deans if you need additional assistance.
Please note that some P/NP courses may move to a Degree Map block called “Not Counted.” This means that normally the course must have a letter grade to fulfill the requirement. If this happens, please do not worry. The registrar’s office must manually change all of these; they will get to it! We will also be monitoring honors courses to make sure any are corrected as quickly as possible.
As always, let us know if you have any questions!
