Spring 2020 Graduate Pass/Fail Grading FAQ
All graduate students are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor PRIOR TO submitting the pass-fail grade request form to discuss individual academic implications.
For financial aid implications, please speak with a Financial Aid Counselor in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Download a copy of the Academic Pass/Fail FAQs [pdf]
Eligibility
If you are a graduate student enrolled in full term Spring 2020 courses or Spring 2 2020 courses that issue standard letter grades (A through F), you will be eligible to opt in to the Spring 2020 Pass/Fail system of S+/S/U.
Earned grades of A, B+, B, C+, and C will be replaced with S+.
Earned grades of D+ and D will be replaced with S.
An earned grade of F will be replaced with U.
All graduate students are eligible to request a grade of S+/S/U through the Spring 2020 Pass Fail Grade Request Form
No, students who chose to take a course on a traditional Pass/Fail basis will continue on a Pass/Fail basis using the University’s established S/U system (e.g., Grades will be assigned as described in the course syllabus).
No. Students who elected to take a course on a Pass/Fail basis prior to campus closure in Spring 2020 will continue on a Pass/Fail basis using the University’s established S/U system.
Selecting the Pass/Fail Option
No, this is optional not mandatory.
No, your request goes directly to the Office of the University Registrar for processing.
No, faculty members will not be notified if you choose to request a S+/S/U grade.
You will have until July 1, 2020 to submit a Spring 2020 Pass/Fail Grade request.
Credit Hours & GPA
Grades of S+/S/U do not impact the GPA.
Courses with S+ and S will count towards earned semester hours and a course with a grade of U will not.
Degree Applicability
Courses graded with the S+ will be eligible to appear on a Program of Study. If a degree requires a course to be passed with a grade of C or better, a student must have earned an S+ in the course to meet that requirement.
Courses graded with a U will not count toward any requirements.
Please consult with your academic advisor prior to submitting a pass-fail grade request.
Choosing this option does not waive any progression requirements for a grade of B or better.
Academic Standing
Graduate students on academic probation this semester will have one additional semester to improve their GPA so they can choose the S+/S/U without risking academic suspension.
No graduate student will be placed on academic probation or academic suspension based on Spring 2020 grades.
Transcripts and Attestations
UofSC will include a transcript note on all academic records, regardless of grading basis, indicating the extraordinary circumstances of the global public health emergency during Spring 2020.
Because some graduate and professional programs require letter grades to be reflected on transcripts, when necessary, students will be able to request an official letter attesting to the letter grade earned in any classes that were converted to S+/S/U. This letter would attest only to grades, not to GPA and students can be assured that those who need evidence of your academic achievements this spring will be able to receive it. Such letter can be obtained from the Office of the University Registrar once a Pass/Fail Grade request is processed.
Other Considerations
Because professional schools may require a letter grade for admission into a professional program, the Office of Pre-Professional advising (OPPA) has compiled a list of how some U.S. health professions schools are considering a pass/fail grade on a student's transcript. This list is maintained by OPPA and updated often.
U.S. Physician Assistant Schools
For additional questions or considerations, please contact the Office of Pre-Professional advising.