LSUE recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges and disruptions for you during the spring 2020 semester. We are writing to inform you of grading options that will be adopted only for the spring 2020 semester in order to help alleviate and address some of the stress. For the spring 2020 semester, on a class-by-class basis, you will have the opportunity to elect to have your final grades reported on your transcript as the conventional letter grade you earn in the course or as a Pass/No Credit (P/NC) grade.
Q. How do I take advantage of this opportunity?
Beginning at 8:00 am on April 20th and until 11:00 pm May 1st, you will be able to go to your myLSUE account and select which courses you want to designate as P/NC. If you prefer to keep the letter grade that you earn in the course, no action is needed. Those who want to change one or more courses to P/NC will need to certify that they understand the implications of doing so. There are potentially significant implications including: negative effects on academic standing, probationary status, financial aid and scholarships, student athlete eligibility, and even graduation. Each student will make their own informed decisions, and we encourage you to seek guidance from your academic advisor, coach, divisional dean, selective program director, and/or financial aid. Additional information on the specific consequences of P/NC will be added to Registrar’s page.
From May 8th through 11:00 pm May 29th, a student may submit a request to the Office of the Registrar to reverse the election made during the initial time period i.e. a student may elect to receive the grade rather than P/NC or elect to receive P/NC rather than the grade.
Please note that the P/NC option is not available to all dual enrollment students. The Board of Education is providing flexibility (P/NC) only for graduating seniors but the local school district will decide whether to do P/NC. Graduating high school seniors interested in this option should contact their high school and Ms. Sondra Cormier, Director of the LSUE Academy and Dual Enrollment.
The option is also not available to those students who are enrolled in the accelerated (8 week) Associate of General Studies through LSU Online.
Q. Should I discuss my options with my academic advisors and faculty members before making a decision?
YES. There are potentially significant implications including: negative effects on academic standing, probationary status, financial aid and scholarships, student athlete eligibility, and even graduation. Each student will make their own informed decisions, and we encourage you to seek guidance from your academic advisor, coach, divisional dean, selective program director, and/or financial aid. Additional information on the specific consequences of P/NC will be added to Registrar’s page.
Students in pre-nursing or any pre-allied health major should contact the appropriate program director before choosing a P/NC option for a course. The P/NC is not accepted when applying to these selective admissions programs nor is P/NC accepted in the clinical program unless the course was previously designated as such by the catalog.
Q. Do I have to choose the same option for all of my classes?
No. You may select a different grading option for each course.
Q. What is the minimum grade that can be changed to "Pass"?
A final course grade of A, B, or C will receive a Pass. Final course grades of D or F will receive No Credit.
Q. Will a P grade count as a prerequisite grade for the next class I need to take?
Yes. A Pass grade will meet prerequisites and major requirements for your program of study.
Q. Do I have to continue to attend class remotely or can I take a Pass grade for what I have already done in the class?
You must complete the course to receive either a letter grade or a P/NC grade.
Q. Will P/NC impact my satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and eligibility for federal financial aid, including Pell grants, loans, and work study?
P grades will be counted in your successfully completed courses. NC grades will count against your successfully completed courses. For SAP, you must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA and complete 70% of attempted hours.
Q. Will either a P or NC grade be calculated in my grade point average (GPA)?
Neither P nor NC grades will be used in calculating your cumulative or semester grade point averages.
Q. What does my instructor have to do to help me change my grade to P or NC?
Your instructor will submit a letter grade based on the grading rubric established in the course syllabus. You will complete the online election form in myLSUE to indicate whether you select a letter grade or a P/NC grade for each in-progress course. After your letter grade is submitted by your instructor, if you have elected P/NC for that course, it will be changed by the Registrar’s Office.
Q. How will P or NC affect my admissions into graduate schools, medical schools, law schools, etc.?
This is up to each individual graduate, medical, or law school. You should contact each of the institutions you are considering and inquire as to how they will view P or NC grades in their admissions decision.
Q. If I am using veteran benefits, can I select P/NC and what will the possible negative impact be?
If you select P/NC and receive a Pass grade, there are no negative repercussions. If you select P/NC and receive No Credit, it will be viewed as a withdrawal and you will be required to pay back the benefits you have received in conjunction with that course.
Q. If I choose P/NC or letter grades now, can I change later?
YES. From May 8th through 11:00 pm May 29th, a student may submit a request to the Office of the Registrar to reverse the election made during the initial time period i.e. a student may elect to receive the grade rather than P/NC or elect to receive P/NC rather than the grade.
Q. Will this impact my athletic academic eligibility?
Possibly. We are waiting for additional instructions but would recommend selecting the letter grade option to ensure that you may be evaluated for academic eligibility.
Q. I started the semester in an online course, can I opt for P/NC grading?
YES, with the exception of those students enrolled in the accelerated AGS through LSU Online and dual enrollment students.
Q. Will either a P or NC affect my scholarship?
The LSUE Foundation is currently working with donors to alter any language necessary to avoid students losing their scholarships due to P/NC grade option under these circumstances. If you have any questions or concerns, you can email foundation@lsue.edu and/or contact our scholarship office personnel at toubre@lsue.edu or cjones@lsue.edu.
Q. Can I request a P and still graduate?
A P in a course will earn degree credit. However, a P will not bring your GPA up. This is important to note for May 2020 degree candidates who have a GPA below the minimum standard required for graduation. Earning P grades would not raise your GPA to the necessary graduation standard.
Note: The FAQ’s presented are based on the FAQ’s posted by Southern Utah University at https://www.suu.edu/news/2020/04/faq-pass-no-credit.html.
