Q: Typically, the University has restrictions on the type of course and number of courses that students can take on a pass/fail basis. How does this new Pass (P) option apply?

A: The Pass (P) grade option will be available for undergraduate and graduate courses (formerly face-to-face and now remote) during the spring 2020 semester that are eligible to include a Pass (P) grade option. The spring 2020 (P) grade policy amendment will include elective and major courses at the undergraduate level as well as most graduate courses. The (P) option for spring 2020 will not count toward a student’s total Pass/Fail grade election.

Q: How will spring 2020 classes be graded?

A: Faculty members will continue to record letter grades. The new grading scale for spring 2020 full-term and term-B courses will replace the (D) grade with a (P) grade at the undergraduate level, and will replace a (C) grade with a (P) grade at the graduate level. All other grades will be recorded, e.g. Undergraduate: A, B+, B, C+, C, F, I, IP and now a P. Gradate grade scale will include: A, B+, B, F, I, IP, and P.

A (P) grade for a course is not computed in the student's grade point average (GPA); however, the credits earned are counted as credits toward graduation. An earned Fail (F) grade for a course will be included in the student's grade point average. An (I) grade also counts as an (F) grade in calculations until cleared. An IP grade will not count toward the GPA calculations.

Q. Will these courses count against any limits on pass/fail classes?

A: No. Classes for which students earn a (P) grade during the spring 2020 semester will not count toward any limits on pass/fail classes - either semester limits or limits for the academic degree career. Moreover, they will not be counted against students who are pursuing to graduate with honors. Typically, NDMU does not allow an undergraduate student to carry more than four courses with Pass/Fail grades; this (P) grade option for spring 2020 will not affect the overarching NDMU policy.

Q: Will these courses still count toward my degree requirements?

A: Yes. The course with a (P) grade will count toward all appropriate degree requirements.

Q: How will this change affect my GPA?

A: The (P) grade is not counted in the grade point average (GPA), nor used in the determination of honors.

Q: Is the change to the (P) grade option permanent?

A: No, these changes are for the spring 2020 semester only (due to the impact of COVID-19).

Q: What do we need to do now for spring 2020 courses in light of the (P) grade option?

A: You do not need to do anything at this time. The (P) grade option will be a grade choice for faculty grade recording in Web-Advisor during the standard grading period.

Q: I am enrolled in a consortium or visiting student how will the (P) option affect my course of study at my home institution?

A: It is important that students contact their home institution to determine if and/or how courses graded on a (P) grade will count toward their course of study at their home institution. 

Q: Who do I contact I have further questions about the (P) grade option for the spring 2020 semester?

A: Please contact the NDMU Registrar at registrar@ndm.edu  or your school dean.