Author: benfaulkner

An Update from Ben

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Greetings, UHP community. I am writing to share some personal news. Over the summer, I will be leaving my role at GWU and the University Honors Program. I’ve accepted a teaching job at a high school in Maryland, where I will be teaching Literature/Humanities. While I’m excited for the new chapter, I am sad to leave this wonderful, intellectually-omnivorous community of learners. 

My last day at GW will be Friday, June 4, so I will still be around in the short term. We’ll have more info about filling my position soon, but for now, I cannot emphasize enough: you are in amazing hands with Brianna, who – as you all know – is completely fabulous and has been a joy to co-advise you all with. And I know the rest of the wonderful UHP staff – Eydie, Josh, Dr. Kung, and the faculty – will continue to take excellent care of you. I’ll still be hanging out on Linkedin and hope we can all connect there (please add me if you haven’t!) 

Students, it has been a joy to watch you grow and become such amazing people. I have been consistently inspired, from day one. This may sound mushy, but I mean it: I want you to never doubt your greatness. If ever you’re feeling down – or perhaps anxious about what’s to come – know that you are enough and beyond. The thoughtfulness, care, dedication, and hard work that I’ve seen from the UHP cohort is nothing short of inspiring. I sleep more soundly knowing the world will soon be in your hands. 

Just promise me that you’ll remember to take care of yourselves. Drink lots of water. Get 7-8 hours of sleep. Eat your veggies. Turn off your phone from time to time. Enjoy your hobbies. Go outside. Adopt some plants. Remember to have fun (seriously – even science agrees with me on that.) And in the words of the estimable poet Mary Oliver, “Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.”

I hope to ‘see’ many of you at the graduation celebration on May 15 (and hopefully before!)  

Always omnivorous, 

Ben

Upperclass Honors Housing 2021-2022

General News

We are pleased to announce that for the 2021-2022 Academic Year, the UHP will offer an Upperclass Honors Housing Living & Learning Community. Thank you to all who demonstrated their interest in this opportunity! 

The Upperclass Honors Housing LLC will be in Philips Amsterdam Hall. Amsterdam Hall offers Two Bedroom (4-Person) Quads and One bedroom (2-Person) Studios. You can take a tour of each floor-plan by clicking on the above link. 

Please note, the Upperclass Honors housing community is an established Living and Learning Community. This means that there will be a strong community development component to living in Upperclass Honors housing. We will have more information on programming soon. (Note: you do not need to apply for Affinity Housing to live in this community.) 

As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic still leaves us in the midst of uncertainty. While this housing plan has been confirmed by GW, we recommend that you stay updated on GW’s response to the pandemic by checking the GW Coronavirus page: https://coronavirus.gwu.edu/ 

Applying for the Honors housing community requires 3 steps:

  1. Fill out the Upperclass Honors Housing application by Monday, April 12th at 5PM ET. Through this application, you can request desired roommates, either for 2-person studio or 4-person quad room types. All roommates must be members of the Honors Program, and each roommate must fill this form out separately – no one can be signed up by proxy. UHPers can also sign up for housing individually and then be placed in a studio or quad with other students that applied individually.
  2. Confirm roommate assignment via email. Applicants will be contacted by an Honors Program Manager by email to confirm roommate assignment. Once assignments are confirmed, the UHP will send all honors roommate information to the Housing Office.
  3. Complete standard GW Housing application. You will need to fill out the standard GW housing application form and list UHP LLC as part of your application. (Note: that if you fill out the above application form, your placement in the UHP LLC is guaranteed.)  

Please reach out to benfaulkner@gwu.edu if you have any questions about the process. Thank you! 

UHP Peer Advisor Bios & Contact Information

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UHP Peer Advisor Bios & Contact Information

Welcome, prospective honors students! Peer Advisors are excited to answer your questions and share their experiences about the University Honors Program and beyond. Check out their bios and contact information below. 

To speak with a Peer Advisor, please reach out to them by email. They are happy to chat with you, set up a time to speak by video conference, and/or refer you to additional resources.

Please reach out to uhp@gwu.edu if you have any additional questions.

 

Abby Guen

Email: abby_guen@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: International Affairs (Development, Economics Concentrations)

Minor: Political Science

Study Abroad: Santiago, Chile

Extra-Curriculars: GW MotherFunkers A Cappella, GW STAR Tour Guide, GW Women in Economics, Work Study, Off Campus Internships

Can talk more about: Elliott School, Study Abroad, the Performing Arts Community, internship searching, Four-Year Planning

 

Alicia Harris

Email: aliciah@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: Environmental Studies, Political Science

Minor: Geographic Information Systems

Honors Housing: West Hall (first-year honors housing) 

Research experience: briefly a Research Assistant for the Geography Department doing a mapping project in India

Can talk more about: Literally anything! I live and breath residential life, but I also am very familiar with the music program and I know a fair amount about greek life

 

 

Alyssa Misiewicz

Email: amisiewicz@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Majors: International Affairs, Political Science

Minor: Spanish and Psychology (potentially)

Extra-Curriculars: International Affairs Society, College Democrats, PAD (pre-law frat) 

Can talk more about: Elliott School, time management, political involvement

 

Andrew Butt

Email: andrewbutt@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: International Affairs (Asia) and Chinese Language and Literature

Minor: Religion

Extra-Curriculars: Student theatre, Forbidden Planet Productions, Resident Advisor on the Mount Vernon Campus

Can talk more about: Living on the Mount Vernon Campus, connecting first years with the Foxhall/Foggy Bottom/wider DC community. Four-Year Planning

 

Bridget Carl 

Email: bridgetcarl@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Majors: Public Health, Economics

Honors Housing: West Hall (first-year housing)

Research experience: Fall 2019 Research Assistantship in environmental economics

Can talk more about: On-campus employment, being a STEM student, taking intellectual/academic risks

 

Brittney Ho (Peer Advisor Leader) 

Email: brittneyho@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Majors: Journalism and Mass Communication (School of Media and Public Affairs)

Minor: Communication

Honors Housing: District House (upper-level housing) 

Can talk more about: Work-life balance within UHP, finding community, transition from the suburbs into a city, internships

 

Caroline Clough

Email: cclough@gmail.gwu.edu

Major: International Affairs and History

Can talk more about: Elliott School, Four Year Planning, Double Majoring, and living in D.C.

 

Christina Peitler 

Email: chrispeit23@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: History

Minor: Creative Writing

Extra-Curriculars: Band, Roosevelt Institute 

Can talk more about: Classes, student life, DC, the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

 

Claire Shelby

Email: claireshelby@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Major: BS in Business: International Business and Business Economics & Public Policy

Minors: French and Philosophy

Extra-Curriculars: Delta Sigma Pi Co-Ed Professional Business Fraternity – Senior Vice President; Club Gymnastics member; GWSB First Year Development Program Mentor; GW STAR Tour Guide; GWSB Ambassador

Can talk more about: Business school, traveling more than 2,000 miles from home (California!), alternative fraternity and sorority life, making friends and connections, prioritizing what matters most, keeping in touch with family members, organization skills

 

Daniel Kassl (Peer Advisor Leader)

Email: danielkassl@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: Political Science

Minor: History

Can talk more about: D.C. living, course registration, undergraduate research, Peer Advisor Leadership

 

Declan Duggan

Email: Declanduggan@gwmail.gwu.edu

Major: International Affairs

Extra-Curriculars: I am a member in Sigma Iota Rho, GW’s gender inclusive international affairs honors society, I am also a member of strategic crisis simulation, and I write opinions for the Hatchet.

Can talk more about: The Elliott School, first-year honors program classes, navigating the four year plan, getting involved on campus, adjusting to college life.

 

Emma Stopek

Email: erstopek@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: Political Science

Minor: French

Extra-Curriculars: Forbidden Planet Productions, Greek Life, GW Star (Student Admissions Representative) 

Can talk more about: Future planning, which classes to take, housing and social life, work-study 

 

Emma Westcott

Email: ewestcott@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Major: Business Administration – Marketing

Minor: Music

Extra-Curriculars: Radio Show Host and Music Blog Columnist at WRGW, GW’s campus radio station; gear manager for the Student Music Coalition

Can talk more about: Switching majors/minors and/or switching home schools, four year planning, getting involved with music on campus, resolving roommate conflicts, adjusting to life in DC, living far from home.

 

Hailey Scatchard

Email: hmscatchard@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Majors: International Affairs, Economics

Study abroad: Paris with IES Abroad, Fall 2019

Research experience: research assistantship my sophomore year, where I worked on a paper about the sharing economy

Honors Housing: West Hall freshman year, District Hall sophomore and junior year

Can talk more about: managing career development and schoolwork!

 

Hope Ledford

Email: hopeledford@gwmail.gwu.edu

Major: Political Science

Minor: Statistics, Criminal Justice

Extra-Curriculars: IGNITE @ GW (Director of Internal Affairs); GWU Phi Alpha Delta (pre-law fraternity) 

Can talk more about: Internships, Federal Work Study, adjusting to city life, scheduling / organization

 

Jack Bentley

Email: jbentley23@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Major: Business Administration and Math (double degree)

Minor: Philosophy

Can talk more about: anything about freshman student life, music, video games; also, I can talk more about the Philosophy Club, and my experience as a Copy Editor at Current Magazine, and Web & Content Editor at Poptized Magazine

 

Jack Conway

Email: jconway11@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Majors: Political Science and Finance .

Honors Housing: West Hall Freshman Year

Can talk more about: Double majoring across schools. I can also talk about what it is like to live in West Hall.

 

Jennifer Schoppman

Email: jenschoppmann@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: Psychology

Extra-Curriculars: Mock Trial

Can talk more about: Pre-law, mock trial, LGBT issues, mental health resources, coffee spots in DC (very important), the DC food scene.

 

Jo Evard

Email: jse@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: Peace Studies and Political Science

Minor: Sustainability

Honors Housing: Lived in West Hall this year and will be living on the District floor next year!

Research experience: I did a Research Assistantship about climate change and its impact on companies with Sanjay Patnaik last semester 

Can talk more about: Transitioning from different academic environments, LGBTQ+ community presence on campus, political atmosphere on campus, opportunities available to honors students, the general atmosphere of both GW and the UHP, tips for living in West Hall, the pros and cons of the dining plan, cooking with dietary restrictions, general DC activities, and anything to do with my majors! 

 

Jonas Pearce

Email: jspearce@gwmail.gwu.edu

Major: Political Communications

Can talk more about: I love advising all things school related- especially integrating into the GW community. Being from Utah, I understand how crazy a transition it can be to be from living in your parents house to being with 3 other people in DC.

 

Jordan Bachman

Email: jordanbachman@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: Political Science, French

Extra-Curriculars: STAR Tour Guide, Executive Recruitment Board for Kappa Alpha Theta

Can talk more about: Adjusting to life away from home (especially for students not from the East Coast), finding a community, time management/balance 

 

Lilly Swank

Email: alexandralswank@gwmail.gwu.edu

Major: International Affairs and Economics 

Extra-Curriculars: Rookie Chair on the Women’s Club Rugby Team, Brother in Alpha Phi Omega community service frat 

Can talk more about: (Considering) changing majors, LGBT issues, adjusting to life in DC from suburbs, exploring student orgs, mental health support, finding the cheapest food on and off campus (vital)

 

Liz Szafranski

Email: eszafranski@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Major: Geography and Biology

Research experience: I do research in the geography department studying Siberian informal road network changes and threats

Can talk more about: I took a gap year before starting college and worked for the Americorps. I’m passionate about sustainability, food systems, climate justice, plants, and anything to do with the outdoors and nature. I also volunteer as an EMT with GW EMeRG, and I am a guide with GW TRAiLS

 

Mary Oehler

Email: moehler@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Major(s): Archaeology and Biological Anthropology

Minor: Classics (potentially)

Study abroad: Summer excavations to Ireland (4 weeks) and Israel (6 weeks)

Honors Housing: West Hall (first-year housing) and District (upper-level housing)

Can talk more about: Taking classes off-campus (i.e. at the Smithsonians), my experience in a professional Anthropology Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Theta (social sorority, where I’m in charge of education workshops), and volunteering at the National Museum of Natural History. 

 

Matthew Stauder 

Email: mstauder@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: BA – International Affairs (International Development); BS – Economics

Extra-Curriculars: March for Our Lives GW, GW Interfaith Council; off-campus faith-based organization, homeless outreach

Can talk more about: Four-Year Planning, choosing Honors Classes/Professors and creating a schedule, GW student life, greater DC engagement

 

Megan Greenstein

Email: megangreenstein@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Major(s): Political Communication

Minor(s): Art History, Philosophy

Study Abroad: GW Global Bachelor’s Program – Queen’s University Belfast, Bond University – Australia

Extra-Curriculars: DC Through a Lens (photography org), Philosophy Club, Wooden Teeth (literary magazine)

Can talk more about: Global Bachelor’s Program, Four-Year Planning, applying to the SMPA, Origins / Philosophy, studying abroad, the honors program community (the best thing about GW!) 

 

Meilian Kurlas

Email: mkurlas@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Majors: Biomedical Engineering

Extra-Curriculars: Engineers without Borders, George Hacks, Cherry Tree, SEASSPAN mentor, Clark Scholars program

Can talk more about: STEM majors/programs, taking honors courses as a STEM student, stepping out of your shell in college as an introvert

 

Mikaila Loughlin

Email: loughlinm2024@gwmail.gwu.edu

Major: Psychology & Cognitive Neuroscience

Minor: Sociology & Criminal Justice

Can talk more about: answering questions about the uhp, helping construct four-year plans, chatting with prospective and incoming uhp-ers, giving advice/input regarding courses and professors, and being a friendly face you can come to with any questions whatsoever 🙂

 

Morgan Drake

Email: mgdrake19@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Major: Nutrition Science (Pre-Med)

Minor: Public Health

Research experience: Nutrition Education, Health Policy research, Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, chronic disease, HIV, and public health broadly; FIESTA4HOPE 

Extra-Curriculars: Pi Beta Phi Vice President of Member Experience; One Tent Health volunteer; Little Friends for Peace volunteer; GW American Medical Women’s Association Advisory Committee; GW student admissions 

Can talk more about: Contract courses, pre-health track, course planning

 

Nicky Cacchione (Peer Advisor Leader) 

Email: nickycacchione@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Major: International Business

Minors: Spanish & Philosophy

Study abroad: Buenos Aires Argentina for half a semester (this semester)

Honors Housing: Didn’t live in Honors Housing, but was a Vernie! 

Can talk more about: Internships/career goals, financial aid, GWSB, and mentorship experience in the UHP Peer Advising program, Beta Theta Pi, and the First Year Development Program in the School of Business. 

 

Nina Bell

Email: ninabell@gwmail.gwu.edu

Major: Neuroscience

Minor: Biology

Research experience: Research Assistant studying the vestibular system in the Neurology Department at GW SMHS 

Honors Housing: West Hall, District House

Extra-Curriculars: Alpha Chi Sigma (chemistry fraternity) (Social Chair), First-Gen United (Peer Mentor), Biology Learning Assistant, Nu Rho Psi, Red Cross volunteer, hospital volunteer

Can talk more about: Pre-Health, Four Year Planning, STEM research, finding balance

 

Parker Blackwell

Email: Pblackwell33@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Major: Archaeology and Classical and Near Eastern Studies

Research experience: Completed independent research on Global Art Crimes in in Fall 2021 and currently researching illicit Antiquity trade in Africa

Honors Housing: I lived in West Hall my freshman year and loved it. I was very close with the people on my floor, and when the weather was nice, I’d do as much of my homework outside as possible.

Extra-Curriculars: Member of Delta Iota Gamma (Archaeology fraternity), Student Rights and Responsibilities Panelist, Member Eta Sigma Phi (Classics Honors Society)

Can talk more about: Exploring student orgs, utilizing advisors and making the most of office hours, and the self-discipline of self-care

 

Perry Santos

Email: perrysantos@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Major: Political Science & English

Research experience: research assistantship through the UHP

Extra-Curriculars: GW Philippine Cultural Society (Administrative Officer), GW Funkers A Cappella, CCAS 1001 (Peer Mentor/Teaching Assistant)

 

Tommy Naum

Email: nauma2@gwmail.gwu.edu  

Major: Biology (Molecular)

Minor: Philosophy

Can talk more about: Anything pre-med/STEM-related, adjusting to a city campus, UHP classes, finding extracurriculars that mesh with your interests, applying for org executive boards/internships/volunteer opportunities, and learning to organize a balanced college schedule (academically and socially).

Condemnation of Hate and anti-Asian/AAPI Racism

Community Life, Featured, General News

Dear UHPers,

The UHP condemns in the strongest terms the attack on all victims of the March 16 shooting – including Delaina Ashley Yaun, Xiaojie Tan and Daoyou Feng, and other members of the Asian community who have been killed or harmed as a result of racism and hate. The recent surge in violence against the Asian and AAPI community is deeply disturbing and we want to remind everyone that there is no place for violence and hate in our program and community of scholars.

The UHP extends our sympathy and support during this time of pain and loss. We understand that many in our community may be seeking spaces to process, share, and receive support. Please know that our university resources remain available to you during this time, including the Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement, Counseling and Psychological Services, Advocacy & Support, Student Affairs, Human Resources, and Faculty Affairs.

In solidarity,
The University Honors Program

Note on bias reporting: if you ever witness or are a target of an incident of hate or bias (involving any GW community members – students, faculty, or staff), please don’t hesitate to fill out this bias incident report form to make the university aware. If the incident occurred in a UHP space, please include that in your report. Reports can be submitted anonymously, though reports with names will enable easier support/communication from the office. 

Upperclass Honors Housing – Tentative for Next Year

Community Life, General News

In years past, upperclass Honors students have had the opportunity to live in an Honors Living & Learning Community after their first year. We are exploring this possibility for the upcoming Academic Year and would like to gauge interest.

If you are interested in living in an Honors LLC next year, please fill out this form. Please note that plans for on-campus housing are TENTATIVE; however, knowing the level of interest from the UHP cohort will help in the planning process.

While we’re unsure where the LLC would be located on campus, it would likely not be in District House. Here is a snapshot of what an Honors LLC in 2021-2022 could entail:

  • Early roommate selection/preference, depending on the space available.
  • Programming geared towards honors community development and the transition to on-campus life.
  • The chance to build and maintain friendships throughout the honors cohort.
  • Due to limitations of on-campus space, this option would unfortunately not be available to rising Seniors.
  • We would strongly encourage current First-Years / rising Sophomores to consider this option.

We appreciate your interest! Let us know if you have any questions.

Peer Advisor Program: Request for Student Input

Community Life, General News

In continuation of the work outlined in our Diversity & Inclusion initiatives statement, the University Honors Program has organized another task force to focus on the Peer Advisor Program. In this this task force, members will discuss ways to center diversity & inclusion in the Peer Advisor Program, as well as create measurable goals to implement for next year in order to make the Peer Advisor Program as impactful as it can be.

This admissions task force will consist of  1 faculty member (Professor Mark Ralkowski), 3 staff members (Brianna Crayton, Ben Faulkner, Joshua Mays), and is looking for a couple of students. This group will meet on Friday, March 26th from 10:30AM-12PM ET. If you are a student interested in joining this task force, please fill out the form below by Friday, March 12th 5PM ET.  Student task force members will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis but students not selected will have the opportunity to provide feedback. If you have any questions, please contact the uhp@gwu.edu for more information. Thank you!

*New for 2021* UHP Graduation Audit Form

General News

Calling ALL Spring & Summer 2021 grads!

To help us make sure we’re on the same page regarding your progress through the University Honors Program requirements, please fill out the following UHP Graduation Audit Request Form. This will allow us to confirm the following:

  • Your anticipated graduation term (please be sure you’ve also applied to graduate through G-Web.)
  • Your anticipated degree, major, and minors
  • Your mailing address where we will send you your honors graduation cords (we can’t send them to you unless you fill this form!) 
  • Your completed UHP courses and any remaining DegreeMap petitions/issues that need to be resolved

Please complete this by March 15, 2021. This is the same day your Application to Graduate from GW is due. Reach out to uhp@gwu.edu if you have any questions!

Apply to be a Peer Advisor – 2021-2022

General News

Peer Advisors are an integral part of UHP advising. They provide mentorship to incoming first-year students and advise on the UHP student experience, honors classes, housing, and all other facets of life at GW. They also are key to fostering an inclusive environment for all within the UHP. If you have a knack for mentorship, a passion for creating inclusive spaces, and want to lend a helping hand, this could be the position for you!

To apply, please access the forms below:

Please note that the Peer Advisor Leader (PAL) application is available to returning Peer Advisors. This is an exciting opportunity to lead Peer Advisors in the mentoring process. The PAL application will be included in the returning Honors Peer Advisor application form.

The application deadline is Monday, February 8th, 11:59PM. Please contact benfaulkner@gwu.edu with questions regarding the application. Thanks!

Fall 2020 End of Semester Guide

General News

Hard to believe, but here we are! As we wrap up the semester, here are some of the many resources available to help you finish strong. 

Academic & Pre-Professional Resources

We at GW/UHP want you to succeed at your highest levels. Check out these tools to help you get there. 

Academic pro tip: when in doubt, refer to the syllabus. That is your treasure map for success in any course. If you have questions about the syllabus, contact your professor or TA. 

Advising 

You’re not on a desert island. Let us help.  

Advising pro tip: our advising calendars are more open during the end of the semester. If you didn’t get a chance to talk with us during registration week, stop on by! We are also continuing our 15-minute appointment option going forward, in case you have a quicker question. 

Health & Wellness 

Remember to put your oxygen mask on first. 

Health & wellness pro tip: when in doubt, reach out!   

Registration Support 

General “add/drop” registration is open until the start of the spring 2021 semester. Continue to monitor closed classes and waitlists. You can use RTF-EZs for classes without an active waitlist. 

Scheduling pro tip: it’s normal to make changes to your schedule between now and the start of the semester. Remember, it’s a process! Continue checking the Schedule of Classes and GWeb for course enrollment changes. Waitlists are open until Friday, January 15th. 

UHP Study Tips

  • Make a study plan – stick to it as much as you can, revise as you need to.  
  • Give yourself long, uninterrupted chunks of time to get into “flow.” 
  • Minimize distractions – turn off phones, computers, TVs, video games, messenger apps, Apple Watches, gigapets (whaddup, 90s babies). 
  • Communicate proactively to friends and family when you’ll be unreachable.  
  • If you need accountability from your peers, organize Zoom study sessions. 
  • Or if you’re “Zoomed out,” disconnect completely.

Study pro tip: environment is key! With recent coffee-shop/cafe/library closures, it can be challenging to study only at home or in only one place. Try to change up your work/study space as much as you can. 

As always, let us know how we can help! 

Pass / No Pass FAQs for UHP

Community Life

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!

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