Dear Cleary Students,
We’re writing with an important update to our academic policies related to grades for the spring semester: Cleary University will provide students the option to receive their spring semester course grades as either Pass/No Credit or as letter grades. This includes 16-week courses for the Spring semester and 8-week courses for the Spring B term. This policy exceptions are only for those Spring 2020 courses currently in session.
The University’s decision to adopt these interim academic policies was made in consideration of the great complexity in your lives since the coronavirus outbreak. From differences in technological resources at home to work-life changes to caring for ill family members to homeschooling kids – many of you are facing inequities and stress in your lives that are no doubt impacting your ability to perform at your best academic level. While we are committed to delivering your academic courses in a distance learning format, we believe providing this flexibility in grading, and allowing you to choose the grading system that is best for your situation, will enable you to progress in your degree program to the best of your ability.
Because each student’s circumstance is unique, however, we strongly encourage you to contact your academic advisor (studentsuccesscenter@cleary.edu) to talk through and give thorough consideration to your options.
How will taking a Pass/No Credit impact my GPA?
Pass or No Credit grades will not be factored into the GPA calculation. Pass courses will earn credit. No Credit courses will have no credit assigned and therefore, those hours will need to be retaken. Seniors and students in their final semester should be especially mindful of the consequences of a No Credit grade given the potential impact it could have on their ability to graduate.
How are Pass/No Credit grades determined?
Any course in which an undergraduate student has earned a C- or above is eligible to be converted to a Pass grade based on the student’s choice. Graduate students must earn a B- or above to be eligible to receive a Pass if they choose.
When do I need to decide if I want a letter grade or Pass/No Credit for a class?
Students may convert any course grade to Pass/No Credit between now and May 15 (one week beyond the posting of final grades). At the end of the spring 2020 semester, faculty will submit final letter grades as they would at the end of any other term. This gives students one week to make a decision about whether to accept the final letter grade or to convert the grade to a Pass/No Credit status.
*We want to be sure students make informed decisions and consider all the possible implications of their choices, so we encourage them to be in touch with their advisor. Students who are planning to apply for graduate school should also consult with their advisor about the advisability of using the Pass/No Credit option versus the letter grade.
Will a Pass grade count toward my degree requirements?
Yes. All courses for which students earn a Pass grade will count toward degree requirements and support forward academic progression for both undergraduate and graduate degrees*. This action overrides some programmatic policies for this semester only. Students may elect this option including those required courses in their major, for this semester only.
*Some degree programs and classes may have specific grade requirements for certification. In addition, some graduate programs are offering other flexible options. We strongly encourage students to first consult their advising support team before making a determination.
If I’m on academic probation, how does the grade choice impact my situation?
If undergraduate or graduate students on probation elect the Pass/No Credit option, their probation period is immediately extended to the following semester. If students on probation are doing well and believe their grades will raise their GPA, they may elect to use the letter grade. Again, we suggest students discuss the option with their instructor or advisor if uncertain.
We are so proud of the way our entire Cleary community has rallied together to ensure your academic progress continues during these unprecedented times. Along with our dedicated faculty and staff, no one has worked harder, nor been more resilient than each of you as you navigate the various shifts in your life because of the coronavirus pandemic. We believe in you and your ability to move forward even through these challenges. We’re here with you every step of the way and are doing everything we can to help you achieve your academic goals.
Take good care of yourself and your family.
Sincerely,
Emily Barnes, Provost and CAO
Regina Banks-Hall, Dean, Graduate and Professional Studies
David Hayes, Dean, Undergraduate Studies
