COVID-19 Spring 2020 Grading Policy

A:  A new grade option has been created for this semester. Students will be able to choose between the standard grade type (A-F) or the new PS/NS grade type for each eligible course completed in Express II or full-semester Spring 2020.  Students may choose the PS/NS option for one, some, or all their eligible courses.

• Undergraduate (PS/NS): If the PS/NS grade type is selected, a PS will replace standard grades A through D-. An NS will replace standard grades F and WA.
• Graduate (PS/NS): If the PS/NS grade type is selected, a PS will replace standard grades A-C. An NS will replace the standard grade F.

A: No. Some courses are not eligible for the PS/NS option.  

• The PS/NS grade type is only available for completed courses. An Incomplete (I) is not eligible for the PS/NS grade type.
• The PS/NS grade type is not available for audit, repeat, and courses designated P/NP (pass/no pass), S/U (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) or IP (in-progress).
• EDLS 100 Learning Strategies is not eligible for the PS/NS grade type.
• Students may not request the “PS/NS” grade type for courses that are under review for academic dishonesty.

A:  Credit earned in courses graded PS can be used to fulfill major, minor, certificate, general education, and degree requirements. A standard letter grade is required for courses or programs that have a minimum grade requirement.

A:  Yes. The deadline for students to academically withdraw from one or more full term or Express II courses has been be extended.  Students may withdraw between 12:01 am (EST) April 7, 2020 and 11:59 pm (EST) April 22, 2020 in Banner Self Service.  Students are responsible for clearing all registration holds in order to withdraw from a course.

A:  No.  Withdrawing from a course, or even all courses, during this extended withdrawal period will not make you eligible for a tuition refund.

A: On May 5, 2020, students will have access to their letter grades via the Significant Disruption (PS/NS) Grade Mode page in Banner Self-Service. Grades will not be located in the normal Student Grades channel in MyCharleston until they are finalized on May 7, 2020. Instructions on accessing grades in Banner-Self Service can be found on the Office of the Registrar webpage: https://registrar.cofc.edu/pdf/alternate-grade-ps-ns-guide.pdf.  

A: Students will have two days to review their letter grades and make decisions regarding the new Significant Disruption PS/NS grade option. The opportunity to select the new PS/NS option will open for students in Banner Self-Service starting at 12:01 am (EST) May 5, 2020. The decision deadline is 11:59 pm (EST) on May 6, 2020. Students may change their selections during the two-day period (May 5th and 6th, 2020). All decisions are final as of 11:59 pm (EST) on May 6, 2020.  If you would like to select the PS/NS grade for any of your eligible courses, detailed instructions can be found on the Office of the Registrar webpage: https://registrar.cofc.edu/pdf/alternate-grade-ps-ns-guide.pdf.  

A:  Standard letter grades (A-F) is the default.  If you do not want to select the PS/NS grade type for any of your courses, you do not need to take any action.

A:  Students will have two days to view their letter grades and make decisions regarding the new Significant Disruption PS/NS grade option. The opportunity to select the new PS/NS option will open for students in Banner Self-Service starting at 12:01 am (EST) May 5, 2020. The decision deadline is 11:59 pm (EST) on May 6, 2020. Students may change their selections during the two-day period (May 5th and 6th, 2020). All decisions are final as of 11:59 pm (EST) on May 6, 2020. Students should plan to be available with access to a computer and internet during this time period.  Students who do not have access to a computer or internet during this time should contact the Office of the Registrar (843.953.5668 or email registrar@cofc.edu) prior to the deadline.

A: In making the decision to retain standard grades or choose the new PS/NS grade type, it is critical for students to talk with their faculty, advisors, financial aid, and family.  The Center for Academic Performance and Persistence is a valuable resource for students making these decisions. Students should keep the following in mind:

• A PS grade will earn credit hours but will not count in GPA calculations.
• A NS grade will earn zero credit hours and will not count in GPA calculations.

A:  Most students will choose to take the letter grade of C or better.  For a C- grade, students should check their program requirements.  Students who receive a D+, D, or D- grade may want to consider the PS grade.  Any student who cannot finish a course should consider withdrawing before the April 22, 2020 at 11:59 pm (EST) deadline.  Students who receive an F or WA grade will want to carefully consider the NS option. The Center for Academic Performance and Persistence has created a Decision Tree to provide guidance for students when considering the new grading option. 

A:  Several majors (e.g. Communication) and courses (e.g. MATH 111) have grade based requirements or pre-requisites, and these can only be satisfied by a standard letter grade. If you earn a letter grade that satisfies the program requirement or course pre-requisite, you do not need to do anything. Students with questions should consult with the Department or their advisor.

A:  If you earn a passing grade, but do not meet the minimum grade requirement, you may select PS for Spring 2020. You will need to repeat the course in a future semester in order to meet the minimum grade requirement.

A:  A PS grade will earn credit hours but will not count in GPA calculations.  An NS grade will earn zero credit hours and will not count in GPA calculations.

A: For South Carolina state scholarships (Palmetto Fellows, LIFE or SC HOPE), credit hours for the PS grade do count towards scholarship eligibility, but not the GPA criterion since the GPA is not impacted by the PS grade.  For questions regarding how the PS/NS grade type will impact scholarship eligibility, please email meritscholarships@cofc.edu.

A:  If students anticipate needing their transcript to show a standard letter grade for transferability or future graduate school applications, the PS/NS grade type should not be selected.

A:  No.  Once you select the PS/NS grade type, the decision is permanent and cannot be changed.  

A:  Students who are on any type of learning contact should contact the Center for Academic Performance and Persistence for guidance regarding their contract requirements and grade type selections.

A:  Yes, a course may be repeated in a future term (in accordance with academic policy).  Only the standard grade type will be available.

A:  No. The PS/NS grade type is only invoked during a time of significant disruption or closure as determined by the Provost and President of the College of Charleston.  Currently, the PS/NS grade type only applies to Express II and full-semester courses taken at the College of Charleston in Spring 2020.

A:  Criteria for Dean’s List, President’s List, and Latin Honors remain unchanged.

A:  Yes. A notation will appear on all undergraduate and graduate official transcripts indicating significant disruption during the Spring 2020 semester.

A:  Each course will show a standard grade type (A-F) or a PS or NS depending on the grade type selected.  Both grade types will not appear on the transcript.

• Undergraduate (PS/NS): If the PS/NS grade type is selected, a PS will replace standard grades A through D-. An NS will replace standard grades F and WA. 
• Graduate (PS/NS): If the PS/NS grade type is selected, a PS will replace standard grades A-C. An NS will replace the standard grade F.