Provost Goodman updates the campus community on important academic policy changes
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
As we near final exams for the Spring 2021 semester, I would like to remind you of important academic policy changes that were implemented to provide students with greater flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Importantly, some Spring 2021 courses are eligible for Pass/No Credit (P/NC) grading.
All completed eligible courses with passing grades under P/NC can be applied towards academic requirements, including University Studies, major, minor, program of study, and certificates. Students will be prevented from selecting ineligible courses as P/NC in COIN, so please visit our Spring 2021 Pass/No Credit (P/NC) website to find which courses are eligible for the P/NC option.
If you decide to select P/NC for an eligible course, please note that limits exist, including:
- full-time undergraduate students caregistrarn select up to two (2).
- Graduate students and part-time undergraduate students can select one (1).
- UMass Law and Honors (HON) courses are not eligible for P/NC.
For eligible courses, the P/NC option provides the following:
- A grade of “P” will be recorded on the transcript for grades of D- or better in undergraduate courses and grade of C or better in graduate courses.
- A grade of “NC” will be recorded on the transcript for grade of F in undergraduate courses and grade of C- or lower in graduate courses.
All other grading policies and procedures will be consistent with those listed in the University Catalogs.
To graduate, undergraduate students must complete the minimum number of credits required for their degree and have a final cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. Graduate students must complete the minimum number of credits required for their degree and have a final cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Specific college/school or departmental requirements will also apply and are listed in the University Catalogs.
Due to the importance of the decision to select P/NC, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic and financial aid advisor prior to making their choices. Answers to frequently asked questions related to these grading policy changes and additional information can be found on our Spring 2021 Pass/No Credit (P/NC) website. If you have further questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
Best,
Michael D. Goodman, Ph.D. (he/him)
Acting Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Professor of Public Policy