Given the extraordinary challenges confronted by the Alvernia University community during the COVID-19 pandemic, the following academic policies have been temporarily instituted for Spring and Summer 2020.

 

The following pass/fail option has been created for all current mod and semester courses in Spring and Summer 2020. 

 

  1. Undergraduate programs: after grades have been posted, students may select an undergraduate course or undergraduate courses in a program or programs that is/are eligible for the “P” (Pass) or “F” (Fail) option. Ineligible programs are listed below. If students choose to receive a grade of “P,” important conditions apply to undergraduate courses:
  • By June 5, 2020 for Spring semester-long and MOD IV courses, by June 19, 2020 for Mod A courses, by July 17, 2020 for MOD B courses and by July 24, 2020 for Mod V courses, students who wish their grade to be switched to a “P” will inform the Registrar’s Office who will change the grade. 
  • Neither a grade of “P,” nor a “F,” will be included in a calculation of GPA credits on a student’s transcript.
  • “P” grades will be included in earned credits on a student’s transcript. 
  • “F” grades will not be included in earned credits on a student’s transcript.
  • Courses in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training are ineligible and other accredited programs may elect to be ineligible for the Pass/Fail option.
  • Students who are enrolled in courses that (i) satisfy related requirements for their major(s) and (ii) include a minimum progression grade requirement, are eligible to opt for the pass/fail option in those courses but the P will only satisfy the progression requirement at the discretion of the department chair.
  • Students must complete the course with a grade average of 60% or higher to receive a “P” in the selected course.
  • Students must acknowledge that they have carefully considered how a “P” on their transcript will affect their GPA, academic progression requirements.
  • Scholarship levels will not be affected by a “P.”
  • After selecting a “P,” students may revert their grade to a letter grade by contacting the Registrar’s Office which will change the grade.
  • Grades of “P” or “F” are eligible for repeat/delete.
  1. Students who transfer to Alvernia University from other accredited academic institutions with a grade of “P” (“Pass”) in a course taken during the Spring 2020 semester will receive transfer credits at Alvernia University which will count toward progression in their major as determined by the degree granting department.
  1. The option to receive a grade of “I” (“Incomplete”) at the end of the semester will continue to be made available to students who have communicated with their Instructor regarding challenges in her/his course. Furthermore, the time for completion of coursework by students who request the grade of “I” will be extended beyond the usual four-week period at the option of the course instructor.The decision to grant an Incomplete will continue to be determined by the instructor in consultation with the student 
  1. Graduate programs and classes: Programs that are graduate programs or include graduate components may, at their choice, offer the Pass/Fail option as described above in courses at or above the 500 level. Similarly, a program that is responsible for the offering of an individual course at or above the 500 level may offer a Pass/Fail option in that course.
  1. Those graduate programs that choose to offer such options may set the minimum grade average required to achieve a “P” but in no instance may they set a “passing” grade point average lower than 73%.

 

FAQS 

 

Is the change to Pass/Fail automatic? 

No, each student must elect the Pass/Fail option for any Spring 2020 semester, Mod, or Summer 2020 undergraduate course.

After grades have been posted, students may select a course or courses that is/are eligible for the “P” (Pass) or “F” (Fail) option. This can be done through the Registrar’s Office. Ineligible programs are listed below. 

How many courses can a student elect for the Pass/Fail option? 

Students can elect Pass/Fail for as many courses as they would like. However, students must carefully weigh whether this is the best option for their personal circumstances.

When can a student elect to change a course to Pass/Fail? 

Undergraduate students taking Spring, Mod, or summer courses can elect the Pass/Fail option. For Spring traditional semester courses and Mod IV, students have until June 5th to make this decision.

Can choosing Pass/Fail hurt a student’s GPA? How does Pass/Fail work?

If the student passes each class, electing Pass/Fail for a course(s) can’t hurt a student’s GPA. If a student receives an F and the course is a requirement or a pre-requisite, then the student must repeat the course to progress. 

What grade is considered passing?  

Undergraduate students must complete the course with a grade average of 60% or higher to receive a “P” in the selected course.

What if a student elects Pass/Fail before then changes their mind? 

A student can revoke the Pass/Fail option. Students have until June 5, 2020 to select a letter or pass grade for Spring and Mod IV courses.

Can a student elect Pass/Fail for any requirement (e.g. major, college, etc.) or General Education course? 

Undergraduate courses in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training are ineligible. Other accredited programs may elect to be ineligible for the Pass/Fail option. Students should discuss this option with their academic advisor. Students who are enrolled in courses that (i) satisfy related requirements for their major(s) and (ii) include a minimum progression grade requirement, are eligible to opt for the pass/fail option in those courses but the P will only satisfy the progression requirement at the discretion of the department chair. 

Is there someone a student can speak with about choosing the Pass/Fail option? 

Students can speak with their Instructor or Academic Advisor about the benefits of choosing Pass/Fail. Additionally, students pursuing a special program(e.g., pre-med) or are concerned about graduate school admission requirements, should speak with an advisor. Students who are considering changing majors or colleges should consult the new program’s director/chairperson. 

If a student elects Pass/Fail for a course, can they later document the grade they earned, for instance for a graduate school or scholarship application? 

Yes, the student may request an official letter from the Registrar’s Office indicating the letter grade that was submitted by the faculty member. 

When deciding whether to opt for the grade this semester, all students and faculty are strongly encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns related to disciplinary-specific accreditation or licensure requirements.  Questions about professional accreditation and licensure should be directed to the appropriate accrediting associations for guidance. 

How will grading impact my financial aid, including but not limited to my federal, state and institutional aid?

Students who receive a P grade will be meet financial aid progress requirements. Students receiving a grade of F, while not meeting financial aid progress requirements, will not have this status count against them for the spring semester. The current financial aid progress status of warning and probation will carry into the next registered semester and a review of progress will be evaluated at the completion of that semester.

Under what circumstances should I consider an Incomplete, instead of P/F option? 

An incomplete is reserved for rare instances in which there is a temporary circumstance that prevents a student from receiving a grade. It is not designed to delay a failure. The option to receive a grade of “I” (“Incomplete”) at the end of the semester will continue to be made available to students who have communicated with their Instructor regarding challenges in her/his course. Furthermore, the time for completion of coursework by students who request the grade of “I” will be extended beyond the usual four-week period at the option of the course instructor. The decision to grant an Incomplete will continue to be determined by the instructor in consultation with the student.

 

Student Handbook