Grading Policy for Spring 2020

In response to the disrupted learning environment created by the coronavirus and its potential effects on student performance, Westminster College is modifying the grading policy outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog, pp. 38-39. For the Spring 2020 semester only, the following policy will apply:

For all courses, students may elect to receive the letter grade they earn (A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F). The earned letter grade will be recorded on the transcript and the grade will enter into the calculation of the student’s term and overall grade point average.
Alternatively, students may elect to have all or some of their Spring 2020 coursework recorded on transcripts according to the following P/CR/NC grading system:

Pass (earned letter grade of C- or above). The course will count as credit toward degree requirements but the grade will not factor into the calculation of the student’s term and overall grade point average.
Credit (earned letter grade of D+, D, or D-). The course will count as credit toward degree requirements but the grade will not factor into the calculation of the student’s term and overall grade point average. Note that some courses require a “C-” or higher, and “Credit” will not meet that requirement without instructor approval.
No Credit (earned letter grade of F). The course will not count as credit toward degree requirements and the grade will not factor into the calculation of the student’s term and overall grade point average.

Students currently enrolled in a cluster must earn either a passing letter grade, Pass, or CR in both courses to complete the requirement. For repeated courses, the most recent grade—letter or alternative—will replace the previous attempt, but alternative grades will not factor into the calculation of the student’s term and overall grade point average. The P/CR/NC option may not be available in all programs or classes. Externally accredited programs in Education, Music, and Nursing may not permit P/CR/NC grades. Students in these programs should consult with their academic adviser or the Registrar about specific restrictions when considering grading options for Spring 2020 courses. In any instance where there is an external need for a letter grade—e.g., graduate and professional programs—and P/CR/NC is selected, Westminster College cannot take responsibility for the student’s choice and will have little, if any, ability to remedy the situation. The P/CR/NC option does not apply to S/U courses or Spring 2020 courses for which a grade has already been earned.

Students are not required to move to the P/CR/NC option, but they may opt into it for any or all classes. Students have until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 21 to opt into P/CR/NC via the grade selection form available on my.westminster/Academics. They may opt in prior to this time by submitting the form. Westminster College will include a designation on all students' transcripts indicating the extraordinary circumstances encountered in the Spring 2020 semester.