Dear SCU Undergraduates:

We hope that your spring quarter is off to a great start. We write with an important reminder about spring quarter pass/no pass (P/NP) and withdrawal (W) academic grading policies. 

Pass / No Pass (P/NP) Option and Class Withdrawal (W) Extension

All undergraduates, regardless of class standing, may select the pass/no pass (P/NP) option for any undergraduate course this spring quarter 2021. In addition, the deadline by which undergraduates may withdraw from a class with a “W” will be extended.

The online form for making a grading change request can be found on the Office of the Registrar Forms webpage and is available beginning April 12. The deadline for selecting the pass/no pass (P/NP) option has been extended from the end of week 4 to the end of week 10: Friday, June 4. The deadline for withdrawing from a class (with a "W") has also been extended from the end of week 6 to the end of week 10: Friday, June 4.

The pass/no pass (P/NP) grading option is permitted for all core, major, minor, elective, and prerequisite courses. Courses taken pass/no pass (P/NP) in Spring 2020, Winter 2021 and Spring 2021 will not count toward the limit of 6 pass/no pass courses taken in total at Santa Clara. Per the Undergraduate Bulletin, a passing (P) grade is equivalent to a letter grade of "C" or better.

Important Considerations for Students:

Choosing to withdraw from a course late in the quarter or to take courses with the “P/NP” grading option may have implications for international students, students receiving Financial Aid, NCAA athletes, students with ROTC or GI Bill scholarships, and recipients of some privately funded scholarships. Therefore, we encourage students to consult with their academic advisor, Office of the Registrar, or Drahmann Academic Advising Center, in addition to any other relevant office (e.g. Financial Aid, ISS, Athletics, ROTC, and Veterans Administration) before choosing either of these options. 

Students who are considering a pass/no pass (P/NP) option should note that a pass/no pass (P/NP) grade is not factored into a student’s grade point average. Additionally, students who receive a grade of no pass (NP) will not earn academic credit for the course, whereas credit is earned for a letter grade between “C-” and “D-”. Finally, it is important to note that some external organizations (external funders, graduate and professional schools) have specific letter grade requirements.

Requests for the “P/NP” grading option can be made at the Office of the Registrar (OOTR) website beginning April 12, using the online form for making a grading change request found on the OOTR Forms webpage Withdrawals from courses can be completed via eCampus.

Requests to change a grading option for courses completed in Summer 2020 and Fall  2020 will not be considered.

Sincerely,

 

Ed Ryan
Acting Co-Provost

Kate Morris
Acting Co-Provost

Duane Voigt
Registrar