Q: Which Spring 2020 courses are eligible for me to select the Pass/Fail Option?

A: Students may choose the Pass/Fail option on a course by course basis for undergraduate or graduate courses for which they are currently enrolled at The University of Alabama and have not yet received a final grade. Students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor prior to making this decision.

Q: If I select the Pass/Fail option for a Spring 2020 course, will it be allowed to count towards my degree/major/minor if I earn a P grade? 

A: Yes. Students may satisfy such requirements if they earn a P grade. All programs that normally require a course for a letter grade must accept P/F grades for all courses the Spring 2020 semester.

Q: Can I apply the Pass/Fail Option to a course for which I have already withdrawn?

A: No.

Q: How would the Pass/Fail Option potentially affect my GPA?

A: The P grade is not counted in the grade point average nor used in the determination of honors, therefore it would not help a student who is attempting to improve their academic standing. Like a standard F grade, the F grade earned under the Pass/Fail Option will be included in the calculation of the grade point average.

Q: What is the deadline for selecting Pass/Fail Options for my Spring 2020 class schedule?

A: The deadline is 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 24th.

Q. Will these courses count against the 12-hour undergraduate limit, or the 20% graduate limit, on pass/fail classes?

A: No. Classes for which you select the Pass/Fail Option for the Spring 2020 semester will not count towards the normal 12-hour limit for your undergraduate career, or the 20% limit for your graduate career.

Q. Can any undergraduate or graduate student pursue the Pass/Fail Option in courses this Spring 2020 semester regardless of classification, academic standing, or GPA?

A. Yes. This option is available to all undergraduate and graduate students.

Q: Are these changes to the pass/fail rules permanent?

A: No, these changes are for the Spring 2020 semester only due to the impact of COVID-19.

Q: How will this change affect Dean’s List and President’s List for the Spring 2020 semester?

A: To qualify for Dean’s List, students must complete the semester with at least 12 hours of UA coursework taken at UA and earn a 3.5 GPA or higher. The President’s List requires a 4.0 GPA in at least 12 hours of UA coursework. Courses completed with a P grade will count towards meeting the 12 required hours but have no effect on the GPA.

Q: How will this change affect Latin honors at graduation?

A: A course awarded a P grade will not impact the awarding of Latin honors. However, since an F does calculate in the GPA the awarding of Latin honors may be impacted depending on final UA GPA.

Q: Will selecting the Pass/Fail option impact my enrollment status (full-time, part-time, etc.)?

A: No. Changing to this option does not affect your enrollment status calculation.

Q. Can I use the Pass/Fail option in a Spring 2020 course that has already concluded?

A: No. This applies only to Spring 2020 undergraduate and graduate letter-graded courses for which you are currently enrolled and have not yet been assigned a final grade.

Q. I am currently taking coursework at another institution and plan to transfer my credit at the conclusion of Spring 2020. Will these courses be eligible for the Pass/Fail Option?

A: No. UA will accept the transfer courses and final grades in accordance with current policy. Students are encouraged to contact the institution at which they are currently taking courses with any questions related to grading options for courses they are currently taking. 

Q: Does this opportunity have any effect on classes that were previously designated to be graded as Pass/Fail?

A: No, these changes to rules and limits associated with Pass/Fail Options do not apply to classes that are set up to be graded as pass/fail.

Q: How will the changes to pass/fail affect repeated credit?

A: The existing policy on course repeats will apply. Students may receive credit for a course only once, but all final letter grades earned for a course will be calculated into the GPA. Degree Works will accept the most recent grade earned in determining if a degree or major/minor requirement has been met.

Q: I am considering applying to Law School or Medical School. Can I choose the pass/fail grading basis for my classes?

A: Please speak with your advisor and/or the pre-professional advising resources.

Q: If I receive a high final grade in a course that I have designated for pass/fail, may I later ask to substitute that grade for the grade of P?

A: No, once you have selected the Pass/Fail option in a course, you cannot later change to a letter grade.

Q: How will I make changes to pass/fail for my Spring 2020 class schedule?

A: Students may now make these changes through myBama. Please refer to the Instructional Guide for Students for more information.

Q: How will I know which of my Spring 2020 classes can be changed to pass/fail?

A: You will be able to select the pass/fail grading basis for any eligible class that has not already been graded.

Q: I am enrolled in an eligible undergraduate or graduate course which has not yet concluded but I am prevented from selecting the Pass/Fail option for this course. Who should I contact?

A: Please contact the college that offers the course for more information.

Q: Will this option apply for students who participated in Study Abroad programs during the Spring 2020 semester?

A: Yes. Students who participated in University of Alabama faculty-led Study Abroad programs (not sponsored programs) will be able to select any and all courses to be graded as Pass/Fail. Any passing grade would be recorded as a P; any failing grade would be recorded as an F. Please note that this does not apply to affiliate or exchange programs.

Q: I am an international student. Will changing my classes to pass/fail grading basis for the Spring 2020 impact my visa status?

A: As long as you remain enrolled as a full-time student, changing your enrollments to pass/fail grading basis for the Spring 2020 semester will not impact your status.

Q: Does the Pass/Fail option impact UA Early College students?

A: UA Early College dual enrollment students should weigh any impact a pass/fail designation may have on their high school transcript. Students should seek guidance from their high school counselors/administrators regarding pass/fail options and dual enrollment transcripting processes.  Only then should students make a final decision regarding spring grade options. We have encouraged high school counselors to send additional communication to students regarding these implications. Should students select a pass/fail option for any spring course, we will transcript the course pass/fail grade on the certified grade report. 

Q: I am enrolled at UA as a visiting student (consortium, transient, etc.). How will the Pass/Fail Option impact my course of study at my home institution?

A: It is important that you contact your home institution to determine if and/or how courses graded on a pass/fail basis can count toward your course of study at your home institution. 

Q: Who do I contact I have further questions about the changes to the Pass/Fail Option for the Spring 2020 semester?

A: Please contact your college’s student services office.