This information was emailed to all enrolled graduate students on April 24, 2020.
We hope this email finds you and your family doing well during these extraordinary times. At the University Senate meeting this week, three new policies were approved. Pending administrative approval, these policies will give you additional options and flexibility toward completing your courses this semester.
Policy 1: Pass/Low Pass/Fail option
Pending administrative approval, graduate students will be able to change the grading mode of their classes with letter grades to pass/low pass/fail. Pass/low pass/fail grades will not be included in a student’s GPA calculation. See the next section of this email for information on how these grades may be considered for degree completion and the University’s FAQ page for more information. Research credits will not be eligible for conversion, as they are already graded as Progress (“P”) or Inadequate Progress (“Q”).
Graduate students will be able to view their spring grades and have until 11:59 PM Eastern on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 to decide if they would like to switch any spring 2020 classes to pass/fail grades (grades of SCV, LCV, or ECV).
- A pass grade (SCV) will be assigned for a grade of C or better.
- A low pass grade (LCV) will be assigned for grades of CD or D.
- A fail grade (ECV) will be assigned for a grade F.
To change your grade from the letter grade earned to a Pass (SCV), Low Pass (LCV), or Fail (ECV) option, go to Banweb and click on the Student tab and then click the Student Records link. Finally, select the COVID-19 Pass/Fail Grade link.
Policy 2: Scholastic Standards
Pending administrative approval, and at the discretion of the graduate program, a limited number of SCV grades may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
A graduate program may allow up to six (6) credits of BC, C, or SCV grades to count toward degree requirements. The BC or C grades may be from any semester. At the discretion of the graduate program, an additional three (3) credits of SCV may be allowed to count toward degree requirements. Please consult with your graduate program director to determine the scholastic standards in your program.
Policy 3: Repeating courses
Pending administrative approval, students may repeat any course taken during Spring 2020, regardless of the grade they earned in that course or the number of times they have taken the course.
The following policy changes have been previously announced and are already in place:
- Drop deadline extended: The deadline to withdraw from classes with a “W” grade has been extended to 5 p.m. on April 24. W grades do not impact cumulative GPA calculation. Please email the Registrar’s Office (registrar@mtu.edu) with your M-number and the course(s) you would like to drop. International students and supported students can be registered with fewer than nine credits without impacting their support or student status.
- Probation and suspension: The process to place graduate students on probation or suspension will be placed on hold for spring 2020. Students will maintain their current academic standing after semester grades are posted and no student will be suspended. Students currently on probation may return to good standing if their academic performance has improved in spring 2020. Dismissals (if any) will be handled on a case-by-case basis after consulting with the graduate program.
We are concerned about your health and well-being. If you have concerns about your workload, educational experience, or personal matters, please contact us (gradschool@mtu.edu) so we can connect you with resources. Anna McClatchy, our Student Support Coordinator, is available to help students. HuskyFAN is available to provide emergency food for those in need. The University has gathered a wide variety of resources to assist students. Finally, Counseling Services is providing individual services, group sessions, and seminars through remote services and referrals.
We understand that you might have reservations about openly discussing your concerns. If you prefer, you may address concerns or questions confidentially. Students may contact Counseling Services at 906- 487-2538, or the Office of the Ombuds at speters@mtu.edu or 906-487-2391. Concerns can also be reported anonymously online.
Take the time you need to take care of yourself and your family. We wish you the very best as we navigate through these extraordinary times. Please reach out to us with any questions or suggestions you may have.
Sincerely,
Michigan Tech Graduate School