Message to students about Spring 2020 Alternative Grading Scale


From: “Rita Dunston (rdunston)” <rdunston@umw.edu>
Date: Monday, April 6, 2020 at 3:48 PM
Subject: Spring 2020 Alternative Grading Scale

Dear Students,

We are pleased to share with you an important update regarding the Spring 2020 alternative grading scale option that has been developed in response to COVID-19.  Courses in which you elect to be graded according to the alternative grading scale will not factor in to the Spring semester GPA and involves the following grades:

  • Credit (CRT):for grades of C or higher and will count for General Education, the major, and pre-co-requisites).
  • Pass (P-19):for grades of C-, D+ or D and will count for General Education and many (but not all) major requirements.
  • No Credit (NCRT):for failing grades which will receive no credit.

Please review the FAQ Document for a comprehensive list of common questions regarding the alternative grading scale and how it may benefit you this spring.  To opt into the new grading scale for any or all of your Spring 2020 classes, you will make this change yourself in Banner.  The Office of the Registrar has prepared a How To Guide to provide step-by-step instructions for making this change.

In addition, you are invited to attend an upcoming information session hosted by the Office of Academic Services.  These sessions will provide a general overview of the alternative grade scale and provide basic information that may help guide you in assessing whether or not the alternative grade system is beneficial to you.  Sessions are limited to 100 students and will be held via Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/790016309) on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, April 7 (4-5pm)
  • Thursday, April 9 (11-12pm)
  • Wednesday, April 15 (1-2pm)
  • Friday, April 17 (11-12pm)
  • Monday, April 20 (4-5pm)
  • Tuesday, April 21 (10-11am)

If you still have individual advising questions after attending one of the information sessions, you are encouraged to speak with your academic advisor.  Please also send general questions to the Office of Academic Services (advise@umw.edu) or the Office of the Registrar (registrar@umw.edu).  We are here to help!

Sincerely,

Rita Dunston, Registrar

Wes Hillyard, Director of Academic Services