University Makes Academic Adjustments to Support Student Success During COVID-19 

Today, Grambling State University announced an extension for dropping classes as well as the addition of a pass or fail option for students following a Spring semester interrupted by the novel coronavirus pandemic.  

“This is a crisis moment in world history and it requires that we respond to student needs with extreme sensitivity to these unique learning circumstances,” said President Gallot. It’s understandable that student performance may be hindered by all sorts of trauma and challenges, including the virus itself. Adding a pass or fail option is an important indicator that we are in full support of those students who choose to persevere for the sake of their education.” 

The last day for Grambling State students to drop a class has extended to May 21, 2020, after they’ve seen their final grades in order to support a more informed decision on the overall effect of the semester on their collegiate transcript.  

After students have reviewed their final grades in May, they will have several other options concerning their semester courses including the following:  

1. A student who does not have adequate technology, but was passing a course at mid-term (mid-semester) is eligible to receive an IP grade (In Progress).  This student will be allowed to complete the coursework by a date that is agreed upon by the student and the instructor of the course.  The IP grade is being used instead of the Incomplete since the IP does not negatively impact a student’s grade point average.  Students who desire to receive an IP grade will be required to complete the request to receive an IP form.  This electronic form will be submitted to the registrar’s office and require the instructor of the class to verify the grade of the student at mid-semester.  Once the request is completed the student must contact the instructor to determine the steps that must be taken to complete the requirements for the course. The course will appear on the transcript with the In progress (IP) notation. Once the student completes the course requirements the faculty member will assign the appropriate letter grade. This letter grade will then replace the IP on the transcript.

*Deadline for submission of request to receive IP grade is April 24, 2020 (prior to final examination period)

2. Students who want to convert a grade earned in a course to a Pass/Fail must submit a request form to receive a Pass/Fail grade.  The Pass grade is reserved for final grades of C, B, or A for undergraduate students and final grades of B or A for graduate students.  The Fail grade is reserved for final grades of D or F for undergraduate students and final grades of C, D, or F for graduate students. 

• Courses that the undergraduate student earned a grade of C or higher will be listed on the transcript with the designation of Pass (P) attached.  Grades of D or F earned by undergraduate students will appear on the transcript with the designation of Fail (F) attached.  Graduate level courses that a student earned a grade of A or B will be listed on the transcript with the designation of Pass (P).  Graduate level courses with an earned grade of C, D, or F will appear on the transcript with the designation of Fail (F).   
• A Pass or Fail course has zero quality points.  These courses cannot raise or lower a student’s grade point average.  The Pass/Fail grade does however have the potential to impact scholarships, certain types of financial aid, and other eligibilities in a negative manner.  A student considering this option should discuss the possible impact with the appropriate advisor (financial aid, athletics, academic, agency that awarded the scholarship and others). 

*Deadline for submission of request to receive Pass/Fail grade form is May 21, 2020

3. Once a student reviews his/her final grades, that student may decide to drop a course.  To drop a course the student will be required to complete an electronic request to drop a course form. The electronic form will be routed to the appropriate department head.  The department head will discuss the request with the student and upon approval, the form will be routed to the dean of the college for approval.  Following both approvals, the request to drop a course electronic form will be routed to the registrar’s office. The course will appear on the transcript with the W designation indicating that the student withdrew from the course. 

*Deadline for submission of request to drop a course(s) form is May 21, 2020 

4. Once a student reviews his/her final grades the student may decide to keep an assigned grade for a course.  If this is the case, the student will not be required to complete any action for this course.  Many students may decide to keep the final grade for each course.

*Students must make the decision to keep a letter grade for a course by May 18, 2020.  This deadline will support students ability to pursue other choices prior to the May 21, 2020 deadline. 

“Flexible grading options will provide relief for students from some of the stress of this semester’s dramatic adjustments to their instruction model,” said Dr. Connie Walton, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We are very proud that our students have continued to work hard at learning and preparing to innovate in their chosen fields in spite of the circumstances, but we don’t want to let their transcripts suffer because of COVID-19.” 

University administration encourages students to consult with academic advisors for assistance in making choices concerning their Spring 2020 Academic Policy options.