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COVID-19: Emergency grading policy approved; summer session moves to online only

COVID-19: Emergency grading policy approved; summer session moves to online only

 

Amid the COVID-19 global pandemic, Southern University has released an emergency grading policy for Spring 2020 and announced that all summer classes will be online.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a significant disruption in the teaching learning process for our students and faculty,” states the policy issued by Academic Affairs. “We wish to remain flexible and responsive to student issues and hardships that have arisen as a result of COVID-19. In response to the challenges faced by students and to maintain academic integrity and quality instruction, Southern University and A&M College has established grading guidelines that will facilitate student academic progress.”

 

The regular grading scale will be used, and a “pass” option is offered. Students are encouraged to review their grades and seek the advice of academic deans and advisers, before making a final decision that could impact GPA or financial aid eligibility. For the full policy and all options, click here.

 

Campuses of the Southern University System — Southern University Baton Rouge, Southern University at New Orleans, Southern University Shreveport and Southern University Law Center — will all hold summer sessions online this year. The move from traditional classes to remote platforms continue in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

“While we are hopeful that the COVID-19 outbreak is over sooner than later, we have a duty to continue to offer accessible, quality classes to our students while ensuring everyone’s health and safety,” said Ray L. Belton, president of the Southern University System and chancellor of Southern University Baton Rouge. 

 

Southern University Baton Rouge’s summer session is June 8-July 30.

 

For continued updates on COVID-19 and University responses, go to sus.edu/coronavirus.

 

 

 

 

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY (SUBR)
SPRING 2020 GRADING OPTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

1. What are the Spring 2020 grading options?

 

Option 1: Keep the final grade(s) as earned.

 

Option 2: Request an Incomplete (I) in a course.

 

Option 3: Request a Pass (P) as a final grade in a course.

 

Option 4: Request a Withdrawal (W) in a course.

 

2. What do I need to do if I want to keep my final grade(s) earned?

If you want to keep the grades you earned there is nothing you need to do. You will retain the grade issued by your instructor.

 

3. What is an Incomplete (I) grade?

An Incomplete (I) grade means you will be given extra time (until end of fall 2020 semester) to complete the assignments you are unable to complete now then have your final grade calculated.

 

This option must be chosen before final exams. You must decide by April 28, 2020.

 

You must be passing the course at the time you request the Incomplete.

 

4. What does an Incomplete (I) grade mean for my financial aid?

An Incomplete (I) grade will impact your completion rate because it counts as an attempted hour but does not count as an earned hour until you are awarded a passing grade for the class.

 

Additionally, an Incomplete (I) grade does not count in your GPA.

 

You will have to meet the 67% completion rate even with the Incomplete (I) grade and you must meet the GPA requirement for your classification even with the Incomplete (I) grade to be eligible for financial aid.

 

For more information on this, please contact your Financial Aid counselor.

 

5. How do I request an Incomplete (I) grade in a course?

You will need to complete the Request for Incomplete Grade (New) Form form and return to your instructor by April 28, 2020

 

6. What is a Pass (P) grade?

Instead of a letter grade, you will be granted a Pass (P) for a course in which you earned an A, B, or C as an undergraduate student or A & B as a graduate student.

 

You can only receive a Pass (P) for courses in which you earned a D if your major allows a D as passing in the chosen undergraduate course.

 

You will have two weeks after final grades post to choose this option. You must decide by May 27, 2020.

 

7. As a graduate student, can I have the option of receiving a Pass (P) grade if I earned a C in the course?

The Pass (P) grade is reserved for final grades of A or B for graduate courses unless the graduate program considers a C a passing grade.

 

8. What does a Pass (P) grade mean for my financial aid?

A Pass (P) counts as an attempted hour and as an earned hour for the calculation of your completion rate.

 

This grade is not calculated in your GPA. It will not hurt nor help your GPA.

 

You will have to meet the 67% completion rate even with the Pass/Fail grade and you must meet the GPA requirement for your classification even with the Pass/Fail grade to be eligible for financial aid.

 

For more information on this, please contact your Financial Aid counselor.

 

9. What does a Pass (P) grade mean for my major (graduation criteria)?

This grade will only be allowed for courses that your major allow a D as passing.

 

For more information on this, please contact your Academic Department.

 

  1. How do I request a Pass (P) grade in a course?

You will need to complete the forthcoming Electronic Request to Receive a Pass Grade Form and submit to the Registrar’s Office by May 27, 2020.

 

11. What is a Withdrawal (W)?

Instead of a letter grade you will be withdrawn from the course and will receive a grade of “W” on your transcript

 

You will have two weeks after final grades post to choose this option, must decide by May 27, 2020.

 

12. What are the criteria to request a Withdrawal (W) from a course?

The Withdrawal (W) grade is reserved for final grades of D or F for undergraduate courses unless a D is considering passing grade for the major. The Withdrawal (W) grade is reserved for final grades of C, D, or F for graduate courses unless a C is considered a passing grade for the major.

 

13. How is this Withdrawal (W) grade different under the COVID-19 Policy from what is in effect during normal operations?

Withdrawals approved in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will not count towards limits in effect during normal operations as described in the Withdrawal Policy or Repeat/Delete Policy in the Catalog. Withdrawals will not affect eligibility for graduate assistantships, fellowships or scholarships.

 

14. What does a Withdrawal (W) mean for my financial aid?

A Withdrawal (W) drops the course and replaces the course with a W. It will not count in your GPA. However, it will negatively impact your completion rate. You are able to retake the course and replace this W grade.

 

You will have to meet the 67% completion rate and meet the GPA requirement for your classification with that course being a W to be eligible for financial aid.

 

For more information on this, please contact your Financial Aid counselor.

 

15. How do I request a Withdrawal (W) for a course?

You will need to complete the forthcoming COVID-19 Electronic Request to Withdraw form and submit to the Registrar’s Office by May 27, 2020.

 

16. What are my options if I am failing a course?

If you are failing a course, you have the option to withdraw from the course after your grades have posted. You will receive a grade of W. To withdraw, you will follow the steps above (No. 15).

 

17. Can I file an academic appeal if necessary, with an Incomplete (I), Pass (P), and/or Withdrawal (W)?

Yes, you can access the Academic Appeal form online. Please select the form you need and follow all directions on the form.

 

18. Can I file a Financial Aid (SAP) appeal if necessary, with an Incomplete (I), Pass (P), and/or Administrative Withdrawal?

Yes, you can access the SAP Appeal form online. Please select the form you need and follow all directions on the form.

 

19. How will this grading period be reflected on my transcript?

SUBR will include a transcript note, “Semester of COVID-19” on all academic records to indicate the extraordinary circumstances of the spring 2020 Semester.  

 

20. How can I determine if a Pass (P) grade or Withdrawal (W) is my best option?

Students should contact their Academic Advisor, Instructor, Chair, and Academic Dean to be advised of all possible implications of a Pass (P) grade or Withdrawal (W) on all aspects of their academic and student career.

 

21. Can I send the forms for an Incomplete (I), Pass (P) or Withdrawal (W) using my personal email?

No, all students requesting either an Incomplete (I), Pass (P) or Withdrawal (W) should submit the request on the required form using your SU email.

 

22. If I still have questions after I read all these, who can I contact?

Registrar’s Office at registrar@subr.edu

Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@subr.edu

Center for Student Success at success@subr.edu

Respective Academic Departments