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University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point > Office of the Registrar > COVID 19 Pass Fail

​Pass/Fail COVID 19 Policy and FAQs - Spring 2020 only

From Greg Summers, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs: 

At the request of the student, and with permission of the advisor, instructor, and chair of the department offering the course, students may change the grade basis of courses to P/F. For Spring 2020 courses only, several restrictions on this policy have been removed: 

  • Current policy limits the number of P/F credits each student may take in a semester to five. This restriction has been removed. 
  • Current policy notes that P-graded courses will not count for fulfillment of GEP requirements. This restriction has been removed. 
  • Current policy imposes a deadline for making such requests as the 11th day of the semester. This deadline has been extended to 11:59 p.m. May 1, 2020. 

There are several points to note about this policy change: 

  • Any change to a student’s grading basis will come at the request of the student. No change will be imposed by the university or by a course instructor.
  • There are potential ramifications associated with changing a course grade to P/F. Students are strongly encouraged to confer with advisors, instructors, and department chairs to understand the implications prior to requesting any change. Moving a course to P/F may have unintended consequences on a student’s major or future career, especially where course prerequisites, minimum GPA thresholds, or professional licensures are concerned. 
  • Exploring all the possible consequences is important because all approved requests to change the grade basis of a course to P/F are final and cannot revert to the A-F grade basis. 
  • Current policy still suggests that a course graded on a P/F basis cannot count for majors, minors, or certificates. Department chairs maintain the authority to waive this restriction. Thus, if a student wishes to change a course in their major, minor, or certificate to P/F, they should first consult with their department chair.  
  •  Under P/F grading, a course assigned a P will not impact a student’s GPA, but the student will earn credit. A course assigned an F will count as a zero in the GPA calculation and will earn no credit. These GPA implications are especially important for students on academic warning or probation, so please be sure to discuss P/F grading implications with your advisor. 
  • Students wishing to request to change the grade basis of a course to P/F will do so through an electronic form found in the Forms tile in accesSPoint. When submitted, the form will be automatically routed to the appropriate advisor, instructor, and department chair for approvals.  
  • As noted above, the deadline for students to initiate requests to convert courses to P/F will be 11:59 p.m. May 1, 2020. (Note that the deadline to withdraw from a course has already been extended to April 10. Withdrawals will not result in any refunds of tuition.) 

Frequently Asked Questions (This section will be updated frequently)


Question: How do I change a Spring 2020 semester course from graded to Pass/Fail?
Answer: From your accesSPoint homepage, click the 'Forms' tile and select the Pass/Fail Grading Request form.

Question: What is the deadline for submitting a request to change my course to Pass/Fail?

Answer: The deadline for students to initiate requests to convert courses to P/F will be 11:59 p.m. May 1, 2020.

Question: How many courses can I change to Pass/Fail?

Answer: There is no limit; however, there are potential ramifications associated with changing a course grade to P/F. Students are strongly encouraged to confer with advisors, instructors, and department chairs to understand the implications prior to requesting any change.

Question: If my course is in a different session than a full semester course (i.e. an 8-week-1 course, 8-week-2 course, ect.), can I still request it be changed to Pass/Fail?
Answer: Yes, any course, regardless of session, can be changed to Pass/Fail as long as the course has not ended. Please note that the deadline, regardless of session, to change any course to Pass/Fail is 11:59 p.m. May 1, 2020.

Question: Do courses I change to Pass/Fail count in my GPA?

Answer: A grade of P will not impact a student’s GPA, but a course assigned an F grade will impact a student's GPA and count as a zero. These GPA implications are especially important for students on academic warning or probation, so please be sure to discuss P/F grading implications with your advisor. 

Question: What if I want to change my course back to graded after it has been changed to Pass/Fail?
Answer: All approved requests to change the grade basis of a course to Pass/Fail are FINAL and cannot revert to the A-F grade basis.

Question: Do courses I change to Pass/Fail satisfy prerequisites?
Answer: Courses will satisfy prerequisites except in cases where a specific grade is required to move on to the next courses (i.e. C- or better). In those cases, a Pass grade will NOT satisfy the prerequisite.

Question: Do courses I change to Pass/Fail count towards my required 120-credits for graduation?
Answer: Yes

Question: Do courses I change to Pass/Fail count towards my required 40-credits of Upper-Level work for graduation?
Answer: Yes

Question: Do courses I change to Pass/Fail count towards my General Education Program (GEP) requirements?
Answer: Yes. No additional approvals will be necessary for this to happen.

Question: Do courses I change to Pass/Fail count towards my Associate Degree General Education requirements?
Answer: Yes, unless a grade of "C or better" is required.

Question: Can I change a graduate-level class to Pass/Fail? 

Answer:  While the P/F option is technically available for graduate coursework on a course-by-course basis, graduate students must confer with graduate advisors and program directors prior to initiating any request for a change to P/F basis for a course.

Question: Do courses I change to Pass/Fail count towards my major/minor/certificate requirements?

Answer: See Chart 1 below for majors/minors/certificates that are allowing all courses with a grade of P to count automatically in their programs.

Chart 1 - Programs that WILL accept Pass grades for program requirements ​
Accounting MinorHealth Science: Pre-Physical Therapy Option, B.S.
Accounting, B.S. History Minor
American Studies MinorHistory Minor for Teacher Certification
American Studies: American Studies Option, B.A.History, B.A.
American Studies: American Studies Option, B.S.History, B.S.
American Studies: Working in a Global Economy Option, B.A.History: Race and Ethnicity, B.A.
American Studies: Working in a Global Economy Option, B.S.History: Race and Ethnicity, B.S.
Aquaculture/Fish Culture MinorInterior Architecture, B.F.A.
Aquaponic Certificate ProgramInternational Business Certificate
Art History MinorInternational Relations Certificate
Art: Graphic Design Emphasis, B.F.A.International Resource Management Minor
Art: Studio Art Emphasis, B.A.International Studies Minor
Art: Three-Dimensional Emphasis, B.F.A.International Studies, B.A.
Art: Two-Dimensional Emphasis, B.F.A.Invasive Species Management Certificate
Arts Management, B.A.Language Study Interdisciplinary Certificate
Arts Management MinorLife Science Certificate
Astronomy MinorManagement, B.S.
Basic Second Language Proficiency CertificateMarketing, B.S.
Bilingual-Bicultural Education Certificate ProgramMedieval and Renaissance Studies Interdisciplinary Certificate
Biology MinorMentoring Certificate
Biology, B.S.Museum Studies Minor
Biomedical Writing MinorNative American Studies Minor
Brewing Science CertificateNatural Science Broad-Field Minor
Business Administration MinorNatural Science Broad-Field Minor for Elementary Education
Business Administration, B.S.Natural Science: Earth Science Option for Teacher Certification, B.S.
Business Economics, B.S.Natural Science: Life Science Option for Teacher Certification, B.S.
Captive Wildlife MinorNatural Science: Physical Science Option for Teacher Certification, B.S.
Child Life Specialist Preparation CertificateNeuroscience and Behavior Minor
Child, Youth & Family Studies MinorPeace Studies Minor
Communication MinorPhilosophy, B.A.
Communication: Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, B.A.Philosophy, B.S.
Communication: Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, B.S.Philosophy: Environmental Ethics, B.A.
Communication: Media Studies, B.A.Philosophy: Environmental Ethics, B.S.
Communication: Media Studies, B.S.Philosophy: Religious Studies, B.A.
Communication: Public Relations, B.A.Philosophy: Religious Studies, B.S.
Communication: Public Relations, B.S.Philosophy Minor
Conservation Biology MinorPhysical Education for Teacher Certification (Early Childhood through Adolescence), B.S.
Conservation Law Enforcement MinorPhysics and Engineering, B.S. Dual-Degree (3 + 2 Track)
Creative Writing MinorPhysics Minor
Credit Analysis CertificatePhysics, B.S.
Criminal Justice MinorPhysics: Applied Electronics Emphasis, B.S.
Data Analytics, B.S.Physics: Applied Mechanics Emphasis, B.S.
Early Childhood Education, B.S.Physics: Teacher Certification, B.S.
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Minor for Teachers (birth - 8 years old)Political Science Minor
Earth Science MinorPolitical Science, B.A.
Economics MinorPolitical Science, B.S.
Elementary Education, B.S.Professional Writing Minor
Energy Education Certificate ProgramPsychology Minor
English MinorPsychology, B.S.
English Minor for Elementary Education MajorsPsychology: Human Services, B.S.
English Minor for Teacher Certification (Secondary)Public Administration and Policy Analysis Minor
English: Literature, B.A.Religious Studies Minor
English: Teacher Certification, B.A.Resource Management Minor
English: Writing, Editing, and Publishing, B.A.Resource Management: Conservation Law Enforcement, B.S.
English as a Second Language Minor with K-12 Teacher CertificationResource Management: Environmental Education and Interpretation, B.S.
English as a Second Language Minor without Teacher CertificationResource Management: Environmental Science and Management, B.S.
Environmental Communication MinorResource Management: Natural Resource Planning Option, B.S.
Environmental Education and Interpretation Professional CertificateResource Management: Sustainability, B.S.
Environmental Education and Interpretation Undergraduate CertificateResource Management: Wildland Fire Science, B.S.
Environmental Education Minor for Elementary/Middle SchoolResource Management: Wildlife Education, B.S.
Environmental Education/Interpretation MinorSocial Science - Broad-Field: Teacher Certification (Secondary/Middle), B.A.
Environmental Ethics CertificateSocial Science - Broad-Field: Teacher Certification (Secondary/Middle), B.S.
Environmental Geography MinorSocial Science in Health Minor
Environmental Studies MinorSocial Science Minor
Family Adversity and Adaptation CertificateSocial Studies Minor
Family and Consumer Sciences: Child Life & Family Studies Option, B.S.Social Work, B.A.
Family and Consumer Sciences: Teacher Education Option, B.S.Social Work, B.S.
Finance, B.S.Sociology Minor
Financial Literacy CertificateSociology Minor for Teacher Certification
Fisheries and Water Resources: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Option, B.S.Sociology, B.A.
Fisheries and Water Resources: Hydrology Option, B.S.Sociology, B.S.
Fisheries and Water Resources: Water Resources Option, B.S.Soil and Waste Resources: Soil and Land Management, B.S.
Forest Recreation MinorSoil and Waste Resources: Soil Science, B.S.
Forestry MinorSoil and Waste Resources: Waste Management, B.S.
Forestry: Ecosystem Restoration and Management, B.S.Soil Science Minor
Forestry: Forest Management, B.S.Spanish Minor
Forestry: Forest Recreation, B.S.Spanish, B.A.
Forestry: Urban and Community Forestry, B.S.Spanish: Teacher Certification, B.A.
French MinorSpecial Education Undergraduate Certificate
French, B.A.Special Education, B.S.
French: Teacher Certification, B.A.Special Educational Needs Minor for Teachers
Geodesign Capstone CertificateSustainable Energy Certificate Program
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) CertificateSustainable Energy Minor
Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis MinorSustainable Food and Nutrition, B.A.
Geography, B.S.Sustainable Food and Nutrition, B.A. + M.S. (3 + 2 Track)
German MinorTimber Marking Certificate
German, B.A.Urban Planning and Geodesign Minor
German: Teacher Certification, B.A.Water Resources Minor
Health Education MinorWetland Science Certificate Program
Health Promotion and Wellness, B.S.Wildlife Ecology and Management, B.S.
Health Science: Health Care Administration Option, B.S.Wildlife Minor
Health Science: Pre-Athletic Training Option, B.S.Women's and Gender Studies Minor
Health Science: Pre-Occupational Therapy Option, B.S. 

See Chart 2 below for majors/minors/certificates that will not accept grades of P in their programs, except by special consideration by the department chair. (Note: Not all programs can or will allow P grades to count toward requirements).

Chart 2 - Programs that WILL NOT accept Pass grades for program requirements ​
Applied Computing, B.S.Mathematics Minor for Teacher Certification (Secondary/Middle)
Applied Mathematics MinorMathematics, B.S.
Biochemistry, B.S.Mathematics: Actuarial Emphasis, B.S.
Biofuels Engineering MinorMathematics: Teacher Certification (Secondary/Middle), B.S.
Chemical Engineering, B.S.Military Science Minor
Chemistry (ACS Certified), B.S.Music Education: Choral (Early Childhood through Adolescence), B.M.
Chemistry MinorMusic Education: General Music (K-12), B.M.
Chemistry: Teacher Certification, B.S.Music Education: Instrumental (Early Childhood through Adolescence), B.M.
Clinical Laboratory Science: Cytotechnology Option, B.S.Music Jazz Studies, B.M.
Clinical Laboratory Science: Histotechnology Option, B.S.Music Minor
Clinical Laboratory Science: Medical Technology Option, B.S.Music Performance: Percussion, B.M.
Communication Sciences and Disorders, B.S.Music Performance: Piano, B.M.
Communication Sciences and Disorders: Teacher Certification, B.S.Music Performance: String instrument, B.M.
Computer Information Systems MinorMusic Performance: Voice, B.M.
Computer Information Systems, B.A. Music Performance: Wind instrument, B.M.
Computer Information Systems, B.S.Music, B.A.
Dance MinorNursing (RN to BSN), B.S.N.
Dance, B.A.Paper Science and Engineering, B.S.
Dietetics, B.S.Theatre Arts: Drama - Acting, B.F.A.
Dietetics, B.S. + M.S. (4 + 1 Track)Theatre Arts: Drama - Design/Technology, B.F.A.
Health and Wellness Management, B.S.Theatre Arts: Drama Option, B.A.
Health Information Management and Technology, B.S.Theatre Arts: Musical Theatre Option, B.F.A.
Instrumental Music Performance Certificate ProgramTheatre Arts-Drama Minor
Instrumental Music Repair Certificate ProgramWeb Development Minor
Jazz Studies MinorWeb Development, B.A.
Mathematics MinorWeb Development, B.S.
Mathematics Minor for Elementary Education 

**If you do not see your major/minor/certificate listed in these charts, we have not received confirmation from the department of their policy. Please check back later.
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