COMMENTARY: Interim grading policy alleviates some of students’ stress

As the new normal is starting to set in for the spring and summer 2020 semesters, a new policy for final grade options has been put into motion. The Interim Grading Policy will allow students, both undergraduates and graduates, to choose the option of receiving either their traditional letter grade or a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) grade.

Undergraduate students who are opting for the S/U option will receive an “S” when the grade in the course is a C- or better. A “U” is received when the letter grade in the course is below a C-.

Graduate students opting for the S/U option will receive an “S” when the grade in the course is a B- or better. A “U” is received when the letter grade for the course is below a B-. The university’s website includes a section that gives all the information concerning the interim grading policy. The webpage includes a webinar, policies, and frequently asked questions.

Under the S/U option, students who receive an “S” will have their course show up as successfully completed and will not impact their grade point average (GPA); students who receive a “U” will not have their GPA impacted, but the course will not show up as successfully completed.

Before making a final decision, students should consult with an academic, college and/or financial aid advisor, to grasp the overall implications of the selection. This choice can impact not only one’s degree progress but also financial aid distribution.

With what could be considered as a huge decision being set in the laps of students, questions begin to arise concerning how this will affect financial aid, international students, graduate program applications, students who are looking to transfer, and if this option is even a good idea for students overall?

Having an optional policy like this put in place for students is beneficial because it gives students the option to choose. Having the option to choose a traditional letter grade or an S/U allows students room to breathe.

It gives students an understanding that, with the circumstances we are in, everyone may not have the opportunity to dedicate a great percentage of their time to their classes like normal, but that does not mean that a student’s academic career will be over or setback.

A student’s GPA is very important, especially when financial aid, scholarships and grants are awarded to a student. Choosing the S/U option may help protect a student’s GPA during these uncertain times.

Another aspect in question is, how this will affect international students. As of right now, the campus is still investigating. International students are encouraged to check-in and stay in close contact with their international advisors. Not having a concrete answer may bring concern because, unlike other students, some international students do not have the privilege to go through this transition with their family.

Students who are looking to enter graduate programs or looking to transfer to another school are also encouraged to stay in close contact with both their current UHCL advisor and an advisor from that future school. Not every university will adopt the same or similar policies like UHCL or the other University of Houston System campuses.

Even though there are parts to the policy that could be tweaked, like having more information for international students and students preparing to apply for graduate school/transfer, students have to keep in mind that this is new- not just for the students, but for the faculty and administration. Everyone is working to figure it all out as the semester continues to go on.

What is most important is that this policy option gives students the opportunity to choose. Not all students will choose an “S” or “U” and will, instead, choose to take the letter grade that they receive.

Decisions for which choice a student wants to make does not need to be made until after grades are posted. This gives students time to weigh the decision, talk to their advisors, and make the best choice for them.

With the university giving students an option to choose, UHCL is also providing students with a sense of relief. Students are able to see that our campus does care and wants to see every student succeed, no matter the circumstance.