Overview

Montana State University has implemented a new policy for an optional Pass/Fail grading structure for the Spring 2020 semester. This policy aims to help students remain engaged in learning with minimal risk to their overall progress toward their degrees.

  • Students may choose to receive a P/F grade in place of a letter grade for any course or no course.
  • Grade Point Average (GPA) is not affected when a student chooses Pass/Fail. Only classes that remain as traditional (A, B, C, D, F) letter grades will be calculated in GPA.
    • Pass grades will count towards earned semester hours.
    • Fail grade will not count towards earned semester hours in either the A-F or Pass/Fail options
  • Grades of C- or higher translate to Pass in courses where this option is selected.
  • Courses converted to Pass/Fail grades that are Passed for Spring 2020 will count towards CORE, curricular, major, minor, prerequisite, progress toward degree, graduation requirements, transfer requirements and application to MSU graduate school programs.
  • Students have 5 business days after grades are posted to indicate if they prefer the Pass/Fail option in any of their classes (changes must be submitted by May 20th)
  • MSU will include a notation on students’ transcripts, indicating the extraordinary circumstances of the global public health emergency during the Spring 2020 semester.

Process

  • Selecting Pass/Fail will occur through MyInfo.
    • Log in to MyInfo > Student Services tab > Choose Pass/Fail Grading > indicate the courses you would like to convert to Pass/Fail > complete by May 20th

Recommendations Guide

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This graph is intended to be a guide for students to evaluate their progress in each individual course and to make a decision regarding whether to keep the earned letter grade they will receive at the end of the semester or to switch to the pass fail option. It explains to students based on their perceived progress in each individual course what the recommendation is in order to preserve current gpa and/or academic standing and also to ensure that a course is counted toward various degree requirements. In general, the recommendation for each course is as follows: If a student predicts that he/she will earn an A or an A- in the course, it is best to keep the earned letter grade, with the caveat that If the grade point value of the course is less than the student's' current GPA, he/she may want to consider the Pass Fail option in order to preserve his/her GPA. If a student predicts that he/she will earn a B+, B or B- in the course, it is best to keep the earned letter grade, with the caveat that If the grade point value of the course is less than the student's current GPA, he/she may want to consider the pass fail option in order to preserve his/her GPA. If a student predicts that he/she will earn a C+ or C in the course, it is best to keep the earned letter grade, with the caveat that If the grade point value of the course is less than the student's current GPA, he/she may want to consider the pass fail option in order to preserve his/her GPA. If a student predicts he/she will earn a C- in the course, to consider the pass fail optin in order to ensure course counts toward degree. If the studen predicts he/she will earn a D+, D or D-, that the course might count as free electives, but that it is otherwise best to change to the pass fail option in order to preserve GPA and academic standing. If the student predicts earning an F in the course, it is best to request a Fail in the pass fail option, as this fail will not negatively impact his/her GPA, whereas an F earned in the default letter grade scale will negatively impact his/her GPA.

This graph is intended to be a guide for students to evaluate their progress in each individual course and to make a decision regarding whether to keep the earned letter grade they will receive at the end of the semester or to switch to the pass fail option.

It explains to students based on their perceived progress in each individual course what the recommendation is in order to preserve current gpa and/or academic standing and also to ensure that a course is counted toward various degree requirements.

In general, the recommendation for each course is as follows:

  • If a student predicts earning an A or an A- in the course, it is best to keep the earned letter grade, with the caveat that If the grade point value of the course is less than the student's' current GPA, he/she may want to consider the Pass Fail option in order to preserve his/her GPA.
  • If a student predicts earning a B+, B or B- in the course, it is best to keep the earned letter grade, with the caveat that If the grade point value of the course is less than the student's current GPA, he/she may want to consider the pass fail option in order to preserve his/her GPA.
  • If a student predicts earning a C+ or C in the course, it is best to keep the earned letter grade, with the caveat that If the grade point value of the course is less than the student's current GPA, he/she may want to consider the pass fail option in order to preserve his/her GPA.
  • If a student predicts earning a C- in the course, to consider the pass fail option in order to ensure the course counts toward fulfilling his/her degree requirements.
  • If a student predicts earning a D+, D or D- in the course, that the course might count as free electives, but that it is otherwise best to change the course to the pass fail option in order to preserve his/her GPA and academic standing.
  • If a student predicts earning an F in the course, it is best to request a Fail in the pass fail option, as this fail will not negatively impact his/her GPA, whereas an F earned in the A-F letter grade scale will negatively impact his/her GPA.

Petition for Pass/Fail Grade Change 

Montana State University has implemented a new policy for an optional Pass/Fail grading structure for the Spring 2020 semester. This policy aims to help students remain engaged in learning with minimal risk to their overall progress toward their degrees.

In order toaccommodatefor the difficult circumstancescausedby COVID-19 and the Spring 2020 Semester the GARC Committee is providing a "Petition for Pass/Fail Grade Change." This formmustbe filled out by the student, reviewed with their Academic Advisor, and submitted to the Registrar's Office for review by the GARC Committee. It is recommended that once the Student has reviewed their petition with their Academic Advisor that the Academic Advisor submits the form electronically to the Registrar either by email or DocuSign. 

How to petition for P/F Grade Change: 

  1. Fill out Petition for P/F Grade Change 
  2. Review Document with Academic Advisor and obtain signature
  3. Submit Petition to the Registrar's Office (Preferred that the Advisor submits electroinically, or the student can drop off in person to Montana Hall) 
Petition for Pass/Fail Grade Change 

Questions?

 

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