FAQs for P/NP COVID-19 Policy Change for Spring 2020 Semester

General questions

What grade is a P for an undergraduate student?

Pass: a “C- or better“ is a pass. C- as determined by your instructor in the course syllabus. Not Pass (NP) would be D+, D, D- or F.

Student Note: consider this - a D- meets graduation requirements for many majors however would be a NP and would not meet graduation requirements.


What is an NP?

NP= Not Pass. This means that a student will receive no credit for the course and the course, if needed, will need to be repeated.


How do students request to take their course(s) Pass/Not-Pass?

A student will request this change in Scheduling Assistant. There is no approval by instructor or advisor needed. (How-to )


When students request P/NP grade mode option for their courses, do they need to select all classes or is the decision course by course?

Students can select P/NP grade mode for any or all of their courses.


Do students need any approvals to drop any of their current courses for Spring 2020?

Any course drop request made through the last Friday of classes (May 1, 2020, at 5 p.m.) will need approval from the student’s academic advisor. (How-to)


How can a student who wishes to withdraw completely from the semester and drop all courses do so?

Students wishing to withdraw completely from the semester by May 1, 2020 by 5:00pm will need to complete the withdraw process outlined on the Dean of Students website.


How will future employers and universities know the university’s decision to allow P/NP grading for Spring 2020?

The following comment will be added to the transcript key as part of the Spring 2020 term information:

“For Spring 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic required significant changes to delivery of instruction. The deadline to elect a Pass/Not Pass grade also was extended to the end of the term.”


Can the decision to take a class P/NP be reversed?

No, once a student has elected P/NP, the choice cannot be reversed.


Can a student change a grade mode for a course (5- or 8-week) that ended prior to spring break?

Grades for courses that ended prior to spring break were finalized and filed before March 24 and therefore are not subject to these exceptions (the grades and grade modality will remain as they were).  Exceptions to student academic regulations were developed to accommodate the multitude of challenges students and instructors are now facing due to COVID-19 in this new remote learning environment, which began on Monday, March 23.   


How will faculty know to submit a P/NP for a student that changed their grade mode?

Students electing for P/NP grade mode will reflect this on the faculty’s class roster. Faculty can submit the letter grade in Blackboard for all students and then when grades are pushed to Banner, the grade will automatically convert the letter grade to P/NP for the appropriate students based on the letter grades entered.

Will a student be dropped from the university for academic deficiency if a student is on academic probation during the spring 2020 semester?

No. Undergraduate students will not be dropped for academic deficiency from the university for reasons of academic standing at the end of the Spring 2020 semester, regardless of semester or cumulative GPA.


Will students be placed on probation this semester?

No, undergraduate students will not be placed on academic probation at the end of the Spring 2020 semester, regardless of semester or cumulative GPA.


If students are on academic probation for the Spring 2020 semester and they choose to have at least one graded course for Spring 2020, will their overall and cumulative GPA be evaluated to return to academic good standing?

Yes, students who meet University Regulations to return to academic good standing will be returned to Academic Good Standing with their graded courses from Spring 2020. University Regulations


If a student is on academic probation for the Spring 2020 semester and they they elect to have all of their courses P/NP or do not receive GPA high enough to return to academic good standing, what will happen?

Students who are on academic probation for the Spring 2020 semester and do not have the GPA to return to academic good standing per the University Regulations will have their current status carry over to the fall 2020 term. University Regulations

Can a student’s P satisfy a course requirement for their intended CODO to a new major?

Yes, a P will satisfy any course requirement for a student’s intended new major, even if the course has a specific grade requirement. Reminder: a P is a “C-“ or better.


Will a P count in a GPA requirement?

P/NP would not be calculated into ANY GPA (overall, cumulative, CODO, major, etc.).

Does a P/NP from Spring 2020 count towards a student’s 3 attempts in a course?

Both graded and P/NP courses taken in Spring 2020 do not count toward the maximum number of times a course can be repeated.


If a student is retaking a course this semester will a P replace their previous graded attempt and exclude the previous attempt from their GPA?

Courses repeated in Spring 2020 do not need to be taken in the same grade mode as a prior attempt. A course taken as a repeat and passed in the pass/no-pass mode in Spring 2020 will replace a prior graded attempt, and the prior grade will be removed from the GPA calculation.


Will a NP exclude a previous graded attempt?

Yes, the most current attempt would exclude the previous attempt. A course taken as a repeat and not passed in the P/NP mode in Spring 2020, a NP will replace a prior graded attempt, and the prior grade will be removed from the GPA calculation.


Can a student who receives a P/NP in Spring 2020 retake the course in a future term for a grade?

Yes. Spring 2020 courses repeated in future terms do not need to be taken in the same grade mode. If a student repeats a Spring 2020 P/NP the grade will replace the P/NP.


Will a W from Spring 2020 count in a student’s number of attempts for a course?

No. W, P/NP from Spring 2020 will not count towards a student’s 3 attempts in a course.


If a student is taking a different course but it will replace the grade, will that still apply if it’s P/NP?

Yes, if the course is an approved course to replace the previous course then this policy will still be in effect for a P/NP (ex. MA 16100 grade replacing a MA 16500 grade).

If a student drops one or all courses by May 1, 2020, how will it be reflected on their transcript?

All courses dropped from the semester will show as W on a transcript. No WF’s will be issued.


If a student dropped a course prior to the changes to the Spring 2020 semester and the instructor indicated a WF will that be changed to a W?

Yes. Only W’s will be included on student’s records in Spring 2020.


Can a student who dropped a class after the announcement was made can add it back?

This is a case by case basis. Instructor and advisor approval needed. Advisors please contact Keith Gehres.

Will students' GI benefits be affected if they change any or all of their courses to P/NP?

Their GI Bill benefits will not be affected by changing their grade mode to P/NP.


If a student drops all of their classes, will they receive a tuition refund?

No. The student's refund past the 6th week of classes is 0%.


If a student elects for any or all of their courses to be in P/NP grade mode will their merit based aid be affected? Even if a student does not have a GPA for the Spring 2020 semester?

It depends. P/NP is acceptable for merit-based aid. However, P/NP would not be included in any GPA calculations. Therefore, if a student needs to improve their GPA to meet end of year scholarship check then that will need to be considered.

Will students receive foreign language credit back credit for completing their first language course with a P?

Yes. A P would grant students credit for the previous courses in foreign language. Example: if a student receives a P in SPAN 10200, they would receive Department Credit for SPAN 10100.

If a graduate student is enrolled in a 500-/600-level courses, will P/NP be a grade mode option?

Yes. Graduate students select P/NP for any coursework in which they are enrolled. Please note that the minimum threshold for a grade of “P”, for Spring 2020, for graduate students in a graduate level class (50000 and 60000) is defined as a “B-“ if the course is listed on the Plans of Study (POS). For non-plan of study courses, the student could elect P/NP grade option and earn a P for “C-“ or higher.  P/NP grades will be allowed on the POS for Spring 2020 semester only.


If an undergraduate student is enrolled in a 500-/600-level courses, is a P still a “C-“?

Yes, an undergraduate student enrolled in 500-/600-level course a P is “C-“?

How will a course graded as P/NP count towards a student’s degree requirements?

Degree requirements will be updated within myPurduePlan to allow for courses completed with a P to meet the appropriate requirement, or exceptions will be applied by the student’s advisor and the registrar.


Will students be able to use a course taken in a different semester with a P grade towards their degree requirements?

Only courses taken during Spring 2020 with a P grade will count towards degree requirements if they would otherwise not meet the requirement. Grades earned in courses in other semesters will be subject to normal university policies and degree requirements.


How will courses taken during Spring 2020 as P/NP count towards the limit of no more than 20 percent of total credit hours required for graduation?

Degree requirements will be updated within myPurduePlan to exempt courses taken during Spring 2020 as P/NP so they do not count towards the maximum of 20 percent of the total hours required for graduation, or exceptions will be applied by the student’s advisor and the registrar.

How will graduate schools view P/NP on graduate admissions applications?

It is unknown at the moment how P/NP will be viewed for graduate admissions. However, we do know that more than 200+ schools across the country have changed their grading policy due to COVID-19. We will continue to update as we know more.

What if student cannot drop a class because of a hold on their account?

The student or their advisor should contact the Bursar’s Office to temporarily lift the student’s hold so the student can drop a course.

Will a P count towards a student’s Honors College curriculum?

Yes, a P in an H grade mode course will satisfy Honors College Curriculum for graduation.

Can an international student change any and all classes to P/NP?

P/NP are acceptable grades for international students. The grades will not impact their visa status.


Can an international student drop any and all classes in Spring 2020?

International undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours to maintain their visa status. Any questions please contact International Students and Scholars. Note: International undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours to maintain their visa status.

Nursing

If a student is in the Nursing program, can the student select P/NP in any or all of their courses and still be eligible for an Indiana State RN License after graduation?

It depends. Students should consult with their academic advisor on whether this is an option for them to still meet licensing requirements.


Will a student be eligible for a RN License with a P in any required or selective course?

It depends. Students should consult with their academic advisor on whether this is an option for them to still meet licensing requirements.

If a student is in a Teacher Education Licensure program, can the student select P/NP in any or all of their courses and still be eligible for an Indiana State License after graduation?

It depends. Students should consult with their academic advisor on whether this is an option for them to still meet licensing GPA requirements.


Will a student be eligible for a Teacher Education License with a P in student teaching?

It depends. Students should consult with their academic advisor on whether this is an option for them to still meet licensing GPA requirements.

Will a P/NP affect a student’s MAI or EAI for Krannert majors?

A P will satisfy Management Admissions Index and Economics Admission Index courses. However, a P would not be calculated into a student’s MAI or EAI average.


Will a P affect my Engineering Transition to Major?

A student may use a P to satisfy their Transition to Major required courses. However, a P would not be calculated into a student’s GPA.

Will a P satisfy requirements for a student’s minor?

Yes, a P will satisfy course requirements for a student’s minor.


Will a P satisfy the Spanish Minor requirement of “A minimum grade of “C” is required for a course to count for the minor?

Yes, a P will satisfy the Spanish minor requirement of a “C” or better.

How will pre-professional schools view P/NP on graduate admissions applications (Med, Law, etc)?

Please consult the Pre-Professional Advising website.

Will a P count as a pre-requisite for future consecutive classes?

Yes, a P in the Spring 2020 term will satisfy the pre-requisite requirement for courses. NP will not satisfy a pre-requisite.


The next course a student needs has a pre-requisite of a B- or better but a P is a C-, will that still satisfy the pre-requisite?

Yes, a P from Spring 2020 will satisfy the pre-requisite. NP will not satisfy a pre-requisite.

Will a P be accepted for a Certificate in Public Accounting?

Yes, a P is accepted for the Indiana and Illinois CPA requirements. NP would not satisfy these requirements.

Will P/NP affect a ROTC student?

ROTC students are not authorized to change to P/NP grade mode. Questions - please consult your ROTC officer.

Will students have the opportunity to be recognized by the Dean’s List or Semester Honors for Spring 2020?

Yes, the Dean’s List and Semester Honors will be calculated based on the graded courses on a student’s record for Spring 2020 and will still follow the University Regulations for hours included in a student’s GPA.


Will graduating seniors have the opportunity to be recognized that they have graduated with Distinction?

Yes, calculations for “Graduation with Distinction” will continue for graduating seniors. A P/NP would not be included in a student’s GPA.

If a student is enrolled in courses as part of a study abroad or exchange program, will students have the option to change the grade mode to P/NP?

Yes, a student can change the grade mode on a study abroad course through May 1, 2020 by 5 p.m. The student will need to follow Study Abroad course processes to make the change.

If a student is in a Teacher Education Licensure program, can the student select P/NP in any or all of their courses and still be eligible for an Indiana State License after graduation?

It depends. Students should consult with their academic advisor on whether this is an option for them to still meet licensing GPA requirements.


Will a student be eligible for a Teacher Education License with a P in student teaching?

It depends. Students should consult with their academic advisor on whether this is an option for them to still meet licensing GPA requirements.

What if a student had planned to transfer a course from another college this semester and the college change to P/NP or S/U grading, will the credit be accepted at Purdue West Lafayette?

Yes. Any P/NP, S/U grade that is a indicated a C- or better from another college/school will be accepted as credit to Purdue West Lafayette from the Spring 2020 semester.

Will a P satisfy University Core Curriculum courses?

Yes, a P will satisfy graduation requirements for the University Core Curriculum.

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