UHCL implements interim grading policy for spring 2020 semester
On April 1 the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) announced an interim grading policy for the spring 2020 semester in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessity for UHCL to move all courses online.
The policy allows currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students to opt for a satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading scheme (S/U grade) or a traditional letter grading scheme.
The interim grading policy comes 12 days after Tony Nguyen, double major in marketing and business management, started a petition for currently enrolled students at UHCL to help alleviate the stress of the transition to online classes.
UHCL, as well as all schools in the University of Houston System, made the decision to implement the interim grading policy to support the online transitions students are facing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“[The interim grading policy] will help students alleviate stress by it not counting toward their GPA,” Nguyen said. “So, students [who are] not too fond of online classes have a backup plan if they don’t [do] too well this semester.”
The S/U Grading Basis Change form will be available May 17. Faculty will submit grades by 5 p.m. on May 21. The S/U Grading Basis Change form is due by 5 p.m. May 29.
Any class that a student wishes to opt-in for the S/U grading scheme will be submitted individually. A student can choose to keep the letter grade of one class while opting to submit the S/U form for another.
The UHCL Provost webpage contains extensive information regarding the interim grading policy. Through the webpage students have access to a webinar, policies and frequently asked questions. For more information, email provostoffice@uhcl.edu.
The webpage states it is “strongly advised” students consult with an academic, college and/or financial aid advisor to learn more of the implications to future plans by selecting a S/U grading scheme.
“While it is 100% your decision, and that’s part of the flexibility of this policy, your decision is not reversible,” said Bryan Heard, registrar.
When the S/U option is chosen, it will appear on a transcript as an “S” or a “U.” If chosen, the back of the transcript will explain what either the “S,” “U” or both represent.
The interim grading policy affects both undergraduate and graduate students. However, the undergraduate policy differs from that of the graduate policy while still implementing the satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading scheme.
An undergraduate student opting for the S/U scheme receives 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-.
A graduate student opting for the S/U scheme receives 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-.
Kialyn Yendell, director of advising for the College of Science and Engineering, said that each student faces unique circumstances when deciding what grading option to choose.
“Some of our majors specify that you have to have a certain grade in a class in order to continue and move, so not just completing the course, but actually getting a certain grade,” Yendell said. “If you are in that situation then you’ll want to carefully weigh out and talk to your academic adviser, talk to your program about if taking an ‘S’ will impact your ability to move forward.”
If a student chooses the S/U grading option, those classes will not affect GPA. Only the classes that a student receives traditional letter grade for will be counted toward GPA.
“If you decided to take an ‘S” in one course and you are going to take your grade in your other three courses, then only those three courses [that you receive a grade in] are going to impact your GPA,” Yendell said.
GPA and course completion affect what kind of financial aid a student receives for the academic school year. For students who receive financial aid, the “S” represents the completion of the course and the “U” represents incompletion of the course.
Students receiving financial aid are advised to contact the Financial Aid Office for more information on how the interim grading policy will affect individual financial aid awards prior to making a decision to utilize the interim grade policy.
Veteran students at UHCL with questions on the interim grading option should contact the Veterans Services Office (VSO).
“So, for students specifically registered with the VA, the VA has adjusted their policy for a switch to S/U grading related to COVID-19,” said Iliana Melendez, associate dean of students. “So, should a VA student choose the S and U option and receive a U for the course, VSO is able to report COVID-19 as a mitigating circumstance preventing debt.”
It is advised for students to contact the appropriate faculty and advisers in advance before finalizing a decision.
“We do not want you to make a rash decision,” said Heather Kanenberg, associate professor of social work and president of faculty senate. “Take a deep breath, perform to the best of your ability in your courses and then see what letter grade you earn. Then with advisement, considering the impact to your degree, to your progress, toward completion, toward your next steps and goals for yourself whether it’s additional advanced study or licensure. You can make the decision that’s right for you.”
