Southern Adventist University has approved optional pass/fail grading for Winter 2020 "in recognition of the significant disruptions caused by both the pandemic and the recent tornado," according to an email from President David Smith.
After receiving final grades, undergraduate students will be able to choose to keep their letter grade or convert it to pass/fail on a class-by-class basis.
The email reads as follows:
"Dear Students,
Thank you for continuing to meet the challenges of this semester. Please know that we continue to lift you up in prayer, relying on God’s faithfulness amidst so many challenges.
In recognition of the significant disruptions caused by both the pandemic and the recent tornado, Academic Administration has adjusted the grading policy for undergraduate students this semester to include a Pass/Fail option, which students will be able to choose on a class-by-class basis. This decision was made after further discussion with student leaders, Deans and Chairs, and University Senate.
Here is a summary of how the Pass/Fail policy will be implemented:
At the end of the semester, faculty will calculate, assign, and submit letter grades through the normal online submission processes.
Undergraduate students will review their final semester letter grades and, if desired, access an online form (available by May 18) on the Records and Advisement website, southern.edu/PF2020, to elect which classes they want converted to Pass/Fail grades. We strongly encourage students to speak with their academic advisers regarding this decision before electing this option, as it may affect placement in certain graduate and professional programs.
The Records office (not individual faculty members) will then convert students’ selected letter grades to “P” or “F” grades based on the policy and any approved exceptions.
Students have until May 22, 2020, to make this choice, and once an election has been made, students may not reverse their decision.
A note will be added to all students’ transcripts indicating the semester was disrupted by a global pandemic.
Here are some important points for you to know:
● This policy is effective only for the Winter 2020 semester. It is not a precedent for future, “normal” semesters.
● Grading Standards: This does not lower Southern’s grading standards. The policy provides for a moving “pass” level based on the type of class being converted to P/F. For example, a “C-“ or better qualifies for a “P” grade in most major or minor classes; whereas, a “D-“ or better qualifies for a “P” grade in general education and elective classes, in keeping with our current academic policies.
● Financial Aid: Under normal circumstances, students’ GPA is used in the determination of their Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). However, we have received guidance that this semester accommodations will be made so that financial aid is not negatively impacted by a student’s election of P/F grades for one or more classes. However, if students have specific questions or concerns about the impact this decision will have on their scholarships or financial aid, they should contact their Student Finance counselor (studentfinance@southern.edu).
● Potential Implications for Applying to Graduate and Professional Programs: Students planning to attend graduate or professional schools (either now or in the future) need to carefully consider the potential effects of selecting the P/F option. Many graduate and professional schools are making accommodations for students regarding this semester, but accommodations vary by institution. Some institutions may accept a “P” grade but will then use a more wholistic approach to determine admission eligibility.
tion for I/IP classes until a letter grade is finalized, they will be able to do so through an academic petition filed when the incomplete work is finished.
For more information, including the official policy and the form to request Pass/Fail grading, visit southern.edu/PF2020.
Please remember, you are not in this alone! The faculty and staff at Southern are here for you, working diligently to support you and your success. Additionally, as you stretch to reach the end of this semester, we encourage you to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged…[for] with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles” (2 Chronicles 32:7-8).
David Smith, President
Dionne Felix, Associate Vice President for Academic Administration
Tyson Hall, Graduate Dean"
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