Pass/Fail: All You Need to Know!
*Editor’s note: The following information was obtained from Bloomsburg University’s PDF on pass/fail protocol for the Spring 2020 *COVID-19* semester. Your questions can likely be answered here!
Below is a series of Frequently Asked Questions and their associated answers. Apart from these questions and answers, an important aspect of this entire COVID-19 PASS/FAIL election process is to consult with your advisor early and often. Any questions related to this information, or more general questions, may be directed to the student assistance form, located here.
Q: How will I know details regarding the PASS/FAIL window and other aspects of this process?
A: Reminders will be sent via the student COVID announcements and posted on the COVID webpage during finals week and the weeks following. Reminders will also be emailed to students via the BU Student List Serv and a sign on reminder will be posted on MyHusky for students once grades are available.
Q: I received my final grades and am not sure if I should take the PASS/FAIL option for one or more of my courses. Who should I speak with?
A: We strongly encourage you to reach out to your advisor to discuss. If your advisor is not available, please refer to the Chairperson of your department (listing here). You can also use the GPA calculator (here) to inform your discussion with your advisor or Chairperson.
Q: I am a graduate student – does the COVID-19 PASS/FAIL election process apply to me?
A: Yes, however for graduate courses, a student must earn a C or higher to select the Pass option. Graduate students are strongly encouraged to discuss these decisions with their advisor and/or program coordinator.
Q: How does a student complete the form?
A: Please refer to the associated file, How to Submit a Pass-Fail Option Spring 2020.
Q: How many times can I use the COVID-19 PASS/FAIL election form on MyHusky?
A: You can only complete and submit the form once. Once the form has been submitted, it cannot be edited.
Q: How many courses may I use the COVID-19 PASS/FAIL option for?
A: While there is no limit to the number of courses to which this PASS/FAIL election may be applied, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisor during the decision-making process. There are also certain majors and/or programs of study that require a letter grade is entered on the student’s transcript. A document is being produced separately with this information.
Q: I am an undergraduate student and concerned about academic dismissal. How will that work?
A: There will be no academic dismissals at the conclusion of the Spring 2020 semester. The academic review process will begin again with the Fall 2020 semester. However, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisor regarding their academic progress and to also consult with the Office of Financial Aid (buaid@bloomu.edu) regarding what impact, if any, their progress may have.
Q: I understand I can only use the COVID-19 PASS/FAIL election form once. However, what if I receive an Incomplete (“I”), an “X” (no grade received), or an “R” (research in progress) for the Spring 2020 semester? Can I still use the PASS/FAIL option once I receive the final grade for the course?
A: Yes, the student would need to submit via their BU Husky email a request for the grade to be changed. The request goes to the Office of the Registrar (buregistrar@bloomu.edu).
Q: When will I be able to see the results of my Covid-19 Pass/Fail form submission?
A: Starting Monday, May 18, the Office of Technology will be processing form submissions by 9 a.m., Monday – Friday. This will continue until June 6.
Q: If I complete all of my program requirements and my degree is conferred, can I go back and change my grade to PASS/FAIL or make a change to receive the letter grade?
A: No, once the degree has been conferred that student’s academic record is final.
Q: If I complete all of my program requirements in May 2020, what will the process be for degree conferral related to the PASS/FAIL elections form?
A: If your PASS/FAIL election form has been submitted, your degree can be conferred. Degrees cannot be conferred until either a PASS/FAIL elective form has been submitted or the 3 weeks has passed. Degrees can take 4-6 weeks for conferral and will be mailed to the diploma address on file.
Q: I am taking a summer course. Can I use the COVID-19 PASS/FAIL election form that was available for the Spring 2020 semester?
A: No, the COVID-19 PASS/FAIL election form only applies to the Spring 2020 semester.
Q: If I receive an F, is that F automatically converted to the PASS/FAIL option, because an F in the PASS/FAIL option does not affect my GPA?
A: Yes, that process is already in place. It will automatically convert to PASS/FAIL and the F will not negatively affect your GPA.
Q: If I receive an A, will the PASS/FAIL option be available for that course?
A: No, A grades cannot be changed because they will only positively affect your GPA. Students do have the option of converting an A- to a P if desired. As before, consult your advisor.
Q: I know I have three weeks to opt in to the PASS/FAIL option. What are the precise dates?
A: The PASS/FAIL election form for students will be available no later than 12:01 a.m., May 16, 2020. The PASS/FAIL election form will close on June 5, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
Q: I chose a PASS/FAIL option, but would like to reconsider. Is there a way for me to work with my advisor to look up the original grade so that they can help advise me about reverting my PASS/FAIL grade back to the initial letter grade in that three-year period?
A: Yes, grades will be archived for these and related discussions with advisors. Advisors can use a tool called “OnBase” to look up archived grades.
Q: Some time has passed and I don’t remember my original grade. Is there a way I can find out my archived, original grade?
A: If you have access to MyHusky, you can view the original COVID-19 PASS/FAIL election form that you submitted. This will have your original letter grades. Please refer to the associated file, How to View a Pass-Fail Option Spring 2020. If you need assistance, contact the Office of the Registrar (buregistrar@bloomu.edu).
Q: If my advisor is not available over the summer, to whom should I direct my questions that I would normally ask of my advisor?
A: Please contact your department chairperson, listing here.
Q: I am a student-athlete. How does the PASS/FAIL option impact me?
A: Please get in touch with Kathleen Heitzman (Associate Athletic Director: kheitzma@bloomu.edu).
Q: Does PASS/FAIL affect financial aid?
A: Students should reach out to the Office of Financial Aid (buaid@bloomu.edu) about specific issues related to their aid package.
Q: I receive some grants and scholarships that require a minimum GPA. Will there be exceptions for the COVID-19 semester? Or will these grant/scholarship recipients have no choice but keep their earned grades and not choose the Pass/Fail option.
A: Students should reach out to the Office of Financial Aid (buaid@bloomu.edu) about specific issues related to their aid package.
Q: I missed the June 5, 2020 deadline to submit the COVID-19 PASS/FAIL election form. Who do I contact if I still would like to elect one or more courses as PASS or FAIL?
A: Students may contact the Office of the Registrar (buregistrar@bloomu.edu) for assistance.
Q: I have an incomplete from a previous semester. Will I be able to opt for the PASS/FAIL option?
A: No, the COVID-19 PASS/FAIL election form is only available for students enrolled for the Spring 2020 semester.
Q: How does this apply to Dean’s list for the Spring 2020 term?
A: Students must have a letter grade recorded for at least six (6) credits to be considered for Dean’s list for the Spring 2020 term.
Q: I am seeking to enroll in a course that has a prerequisite that requires a minimum grade to progress into that next course. Does that still apply?
A: Yes. Minimum grades in prerequisites still apply even if you elected to take a PASS or FAIL in that prerequisite.
Q: How many courses may I use the COVID-19 PASS/FAIL option for?
A: While there is no limit to the number of courses to which this PASS/FAIL election may be applied, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisor during the decision-making process. There are also certain majors and/or programs of study that require a letter grade is entered on the student’s transcript. Information available here.
