Pass/Fail Grading Option Information and Application

Yes, students are expected to complete classes this semester as usual. Keep in mind that students may withdraw from a class and receive a “W” through April 30, 2020, or discuss the option of an Incomplete grade with their professors before the end of the semester.

A “P” grade will not be factored into GPA; however, eligible courses taken for a Pass will count toward earned semester hours, hours in residence, and prerequisite requirements (for courses or major admission) except where the catalog requires a specific minimum grade. Fail grades will be included in GPA calculations as an F.

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).

Many graduate and professional schools are making accommodations for students from this semester, but accommodations vary by institution. For this reason, we strongly encourage students to speak with their academic advisers and contact the prospective graduate/professional program before making a decision. Fore example, we know that Loma Linda University’s School of Medicine will accept “P” grades for required prerequisite courses; however, students with “P” grades in these courses will have their MCAT scores weighted higher than normal in the admission decision process. Others will use a more wholistic approach to determine admissions eligibility.

After a grade has been changed to P/F, it is not reversible. With this in mind, please consider carefully whether this grade option is best for your circumstances before requesting the change.

For classes in which students receive IP/I grades, they will be able to elect the P/F grading option at the same time as their other classes, by the May 22 deadline. If students wish to defer their election for IP/I 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.

If you anticipate having trouble meeting this deadline, contact the Records and Advisement office as soon as possible (423.236.2895 or records@southern.edu). These requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Here are some additional considerations from the Biology / Allied Health Department faculty:

1.  Choosing a P/F for a core class needed for professional or graduate school is not a good idea. 

• For professional schools, G.Bio., G.Chem., O.Chem., B.Chem., G.Phys., should not be P/F.  Even if a school says it is OK, they will certainly look to see if you are resilient enough to soldier through the challenges.  A slightly lower grade than you wish is better than a P/F.
• For graduate schools and to a slightly lesser extent professional schools, the P/F should not be used for the classes in your major.  They want to see the grades you made in specific classes that might affect your acceptance into their programs. 

2.  For students trying to get accepted into the nursing program, they really want to see a grade for A&P and Basic Micro., but they are a bit more flexible.  Please contact the department or program you are trying to enter. 

3.  Once a grade is converted into P/F, you CANNOT get a grade back.  If you need a grade for that class in the future, you will have to retake the class.  

In conclusion, the best way to use P/F seems to be for classes that are not as important and where these less crucial classes may lower your GPA.  But not for courses within your major.  Please feel free to contact your advisors as questions arise.  When you take our classes, you are now one of “ours”.  We are here for you.  We want to help you make the best decisions for your successful future!

Best wishes to you all,
Biology / Allied Health Faculty

1. Choosing Pass/Fail (P/F) for a Business core or major class and degree cognates:

• All business core and major classes require a grade of C or higher in order to count toward degree completion, as do degree cognates. Therefore, in order to choose a Pass rather than a letter grade, you must have earned a C or higher in the class.

• If you earned a C or higher and choose the P/F option, you will receive a Pass, which has no impact on your GPA—it does not hurt, nor does it help.

• If you earned a C- or lower in a core/major business class and choose the P/F option, you will receive a Fail, which impacts your GPA just like a letter grade of F. With any grade of C- or lower or a P/F: F, the course will have to be repeated.

2. Choosing a P/F for a core class needed for professional or graduate school is not a good idea.

• For graduate schools and to a slightly lesser extent professional schools, the P/F should not be used for the classes in your major. They want to see the grades you made in specific classes that might affect your acceptance into their programs. Contact your advisor to further discuss your graduate school plans and any potential implications.

• For pre-med/pre-dental business admin majors that intend to apply to professional schools, G.Bio., G.Chem., O.Chem., B.Chem., G.Phys., should not be P/F. Per pre-med and pre-dent advisors in the health science departments, even if a school says a P/F okay, "they will certainly look to see if you are resilient enough to soldier through the challenges. A slightly lower grade than you wish is better than a P/F."

• For students unsure of a future path and considering nursing rather than pre-med/pre-dent, a grade is preferred for A&P and Basic Micro., but there’s a bit more flexibility. Please contact the department or program for the degree you may pursue.

3. Once a grade is converted into P/F, you CANNOT revert to a letter grade at a later date. The university has stated it that it will not “undo” a grade that was converted to P/F. This means that if at some point in the future you need a letter grade for a specific class, yet chose to get a P this semester instead of a letter grade, you will have to retake the class.

In conclusion, it seems the best way to use P/F is for classes that are not within your major, or at a minimum not within your emphasis and may lower your GPA.

Please feel free to contact your Bussiness advisers as questions arise. We are here for you and want to help you make the best decisions for your successful future!

For additional questions, please contact Records and Advisement at records@southern.edu.