COVID-19 Update: Pass/No Credit Option Approved

Dear Students,

In this period of fear and uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we understand that you may have concerns about how you will transition to remote learning and, ultimately, how successful you will be in completing your spring semester 2020 coursework. After reviewing the actions of a growing number of institutions that have instituted emergency grading protocols, Andrews University’s administration and faculty have approved a pass/no credit option for students.

As a result, graduate and undergraduate students may elect, in consultation with their academic advisor, to receive a pass/no credit grade to apply to your spring 2020 main campus courses that currently use the standard letter grades (A–F). The conversion of the letter grade to the pass/no credit scale is: 

• Undergraduate students: Students electing this option and receiving a "C-" grade and higher will be issued a "P" grade. Students electing this option and receiving a grade of "D" or "F" will be issued an "NC" grade. A "D" grade counts toward degree completion for general education (ACE) and general electives courses.
• Graduate students: Students electing this option and receiving a "B-" grade and higher will be issued a "P" grade. Students electing this option and receiving a grade of "D" or lower will be issued a "NC" grade. Since graduate programs have differing program standards and accreditation, a student receiving a grade of a C+, C, C- will need to consult with their program.

Spring 2020 Grade Options: While the pass/no credit option is now available, we encourage you to consider all grade options available to you. A summary of your options is noted below, and additional details with corresponding deadlines are found on the Academic Records website:

• Withdraw from the course (W)
• Request an incomplete contract from your instructor (I)
• A deferred grade (DG) is available for approved practicums, thesis and dissertations as noted in the bulletin
• Receive the earned letter grade (A–F, S/U)
• Elect a pass/no credit grade with your advisor (P/NC)

Considerations: As you weigh the above options in light of the transition to remote learning, it is important for you to be aware of the implications before making a decision. For a comprehensive list of considerations, please go to the Academic Records website.

• Is there a minimum number of credits needed for you to maintain your status (semester load of full-time or half-time)?
• Does this grade impact my GPA?
• Does this grade count toward my total credits?
• Does this grade count toward completion? What is the minimum grade needed in order to count toward my major, cognate, ACE, degree? You can find those answers in consultation with your advisor.
• Does this grade negatively impact my satisfactory academic progress and financial aid eligibility? Consult your Student Financial Services advisor to determine how this relates to your financial aid package.
• Is the course required for my degree? Is it a prerequisite? Will it impact the timely completion of my degree?
• Other considerations: percent of work completed, unforeseen circumstances, etc.

Process for Electing the Pass/No Credit Option:

1. Faculty will be expected to submit the standard grades for all classes by Wednesday, May 6.
2. Following the official posting of grades, students may elect the pass/no credit option for main campus courses which have an A–F grading option.
   • Students graduating May 2020 will have until Wednesday, May 13, to select the option. Once selected, students may not revert back to a letter grade.
   • All other students will need to elect for the option by Monday, June 15. Once selected, students may choose to revert back to a letter grade no later than Tuesday, June 30.
3. A student should submit the request to their advisor using the COVID-19 Grade Change form.
   • Advisor approval may be dependent on the considerations noted above specifically as they relate to accreditation, prerequisites, program standards and degree completion.

All of the information noted above can be found on the Academic Records website.

Please contact your academic advisor as you consider these options. For questions regarding the policy or process, email registrar@andrews.edu.

Our prayers are with you and your family.

Sincerely,

Aimee Vitangcol Regoso
University Registrar