In an effort to provide flexibility due to campus closures and changes in course delivery modes related to COVID-19 measures, all NSHE institutions will make the “Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory” grading option available to students through the end of the Spring 2020 semester and after issuance of final grades for all courses.
Institutions are setting deadlines for student grade petitions and will advertise the deadlines widely so that students are aware of the option to change grades to S/U. As part of this process, students will be advised of the ramifications of petitioning for a change to “S/U” grading before submitting such a request. During an emergency meeting on Tuesday, the Board approved technical changes related to S/U grades such that institutions can determine the grade equivalency for S/U grades.
“This adjustment was needed to streamline grading for students and professors who are conducting remote instruction during this tumultuous and unprecedented time,” said Chancellor Thom Reilly.
Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory grades should be administered with prudence and in full consideration and consultation by the student with their academic advisor, as switching to “S/U” grading could impact scholarship eligibility.
“This adjustment during this turbulent time will allow flexibility for our students and professors while keeping them focused on our number one priority, student success,” Regents Chair Jason Geddes said.
Also - due to the financial hardships many students are facing related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Regents voted to temporarily suspend certain provisions related to delinquent accounts for students facing financial hardships through September 30, 2020.
“This will allow students facing financial hardships due to this turbulent and unprecedented event to move their education forward,” said Chancellor Thom Reilly.
Prior to the Board of Regents suspension of its policy, a student or former student with a delinquent account of $100 or more or an overdue loan would not be permitted to register at any NSHE institution. In addition, the student or former student with a delinquent account of $100 or more or an overdue loan would not be permitted to receive a transcript of academic record, a diploma, a certificate or report of semester grades. Suspending the policy through September 30, 2020, will allow students with delinquent accounts to register for courses and access their academic records for the summer and fall terms only.
Students with and without outstanding balances from spring or summer 2020 who register for the fall 2020 semester will be required to pay the balance for their courses or have a payment plan in place by the beginning of the semester, under the temporary policy suspension.
“This is the right thing to do for our students to make sure they have every opportunity to succeed,” said Regents Chair Jason Geddes.
(NSHE)
