Coronavirus Update

April 3, 2020


Changes to Undergraduate and Graduate Course Grading & Withdrawal Policies for the Spring 2020 Semester

As a result of Bowie State University’s decision to transition to a remote learning education model, the university will adopt a Pass/Fail grading option for the spring 2020 semester for undergraduate and graduate students and extend the deadline for withdrawing from courses.

In making this decision, I have endorsed the recommendation made by the shared governance working group composed of the Faculty Senate, Student Government Association and Graduate Student Association representatives. 

Access to Pass/Fail grading aims to reduce student anxiety during this stressful time, while still providing a pathway to fulfill program and degree requirements. While students may decide to continue to pursue a letter grade (A-F) in their spring 2020 classes, the Pass/Fail grade may be a sensible and healthy option, depending on individual circumstances. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an advisor to discuss the potential pros and cons to opt for a Pass/Fail grade to make an informed choice.

Undergraduate Students Spring 2020 Grading Policy

  1. The decisions should be student-driven.
  2. The grading options for the spring 2020 include: letter grade (A-F), Pass (P)/Fail (F) or withdrawing (W).
  3. The arrangements would be made through the Registrar’s Office, not with the individual faculty member. Faculty would assign the appropriate letter grade, which would then be converted to P or F. Information on how to request P/F will be provided at a later date.
  4. For all undergraduate courses, if a student opts for P/F, the instructor will assign grades of A, B, C, D, FN, or F to each student. The Registrar’s Office will then enter a grade of P for students earning an A, B, or C, but will enter a grade of F for students earning a D, FN or F.
  5.  Incomplete grades would follow the existing policy.
  6. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisor to discuss possible academic implications prior to electing Pass (P)/Fail (F) or withdrawing (W) from a course. For example, potential impacts on graduate admissions, licensure, financial aid, and athletic eligibility should be considered. 
  7. Students who are receiving financial aid or scholarships should also contact the Financial Aid Office (financialaid@bowiestate.edu) to determine any impact a P, F, or W grade may have on their future financial aid.
  8. Once a decision is made, it cannot be changed at a later date.
  9. All classes would be eligible for any of these choices with no limit to the number of courses students could convert.
  10. Courses taken P/F in spring 2020 will not count towards the total course limit on P/F courses.
  11. Undergraduate students will notify the registrar for P/F or W as follows:

    a.      Graduating seniors by April 24, 2020

    b.      Other undergraduate students by May 1, 2020

Graduate Students Spring 2020 Grading Policy

  1. The decisions should be student-driven.
  2. The grading options for the spring 2020 include: letter grade (A-F), Pass (P)/Fail (F) or withdrawing (W).
  3. The arrangements would be made through the Registrar’s Office, not with the individual faculty member. Faculty would assign the appropriate letter grade, which would then be converted to P or F. Information on how to request P/F will be provided at a later date.
  4. For all graduate courses, if a student opts for P/F, the instructor will assign grades of A, B, C, D, FN, or F to each student. The Registrar’s Office will then enter a grade of P for students earning an A or B, but will enter a grade of F for students earning a C, D, FN or F.
  5.  Incomplete grades would follow the existing policy.
  6. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisor to discuss possible academic implications prior to electing Pass (P)/Fail (F) or withdrawing (W) from a course. For example, potential impacts on graduate admissions, licensure and financial aid should be considered. 
  7.  Students who are receiving financial aid or scholarships should also contact the Financial Aid Office (financialaid@bowiestate.edu) to determine any impact a P, F, or W grade may have on their future financial aid.
  8. Once a decision is made, it cannot be changed at a later date.
  9. All classes would be eligible for any of these choices with no limit to the number of courses students could convert
  10. Courses taken P/F in spring 2020 will not count towards the total course limit on P/F courses.
  11. Graduate students will notify the registrar for P/F or W as follows:

    a.      Graduating students by April 24, 2020

    b.      Other graduate students by May 1, 2020

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Judith Kirkpatrick

Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs