Grading Policy Spring 2021
Posted March 3, 2021
March 3, 2021
Students,
I understand the challenges that many of you have faced during this pandemic, and that the process of teaching and learning in the various environments in which we now live have not been ideal for everyone. As we were pushed to transition in spring 2020, we made it possible for students to receive a grade of pass or no credit in their courses. At the end of the fall 2020 semester, we again made changes to our grading policy and converted any failing grades (F) to no credit (NC). We are now in our third semester of navigating through these teaching and learning environments, but the option to continue these types of shifts to our grading policy is not sustainable.
After careful consideration today, I am sharing that the University will not be implementing any modifications to the grading policy this semester. Failing grades will remain as assigned. We do understand, however, that some students are still adapting to this learning environment, as well as other circumstances that can be attributed to the pandemic.
Therefore, we are implementing a temporary modification to the withdrawal policy. The deadline to withdraw and receive a grade of W will be extended from week 10 to week 13 or the equivalent for condensed term classes. Students will not be required to gain permission to withdraw, nor will grades of WP or WF be recorded for withdrawal during this period.
It is my hope that students will take this notification as an opportunity to evaluate how they are doing in their courses, and where necessary, seek the advice and resources available from their instructor, Academic Advisor, Learning Support Services or from our new Student Success Coaches. Students can access all of these contacts through Starfish either from the Help Request page or from your My Success Network page.
I thank you for your efforts as we continue to deliver our academic mission amidst the challenges of this pandemic.
Sincerely,
Denise
Denise Cobb, Ph.D.
Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Professor of Sociology
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
618-650-3779
