Q: Is Idaho State University moving to a P/NP (Pass/No Pass, equivalent to P/F) grading system for the Spring 2020 term?
A: No, ISU will retain the original grading structure of the courses as they were programmed at the beginning of the Spring 2020 term.
Q: Wouldn’t it be better for students if we moved to a P/NP structure campus-wide?
A: Most students will not, on an individual basis, benefit from a blanket P/NP structure. Reasons for this include:
- There may be detrimental Financial Aid implications to moving to a P/NP grading system. P/NP grades are not included in the GPA and therefore may negatively impact a student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress calculation. Students should speak with the Financial Aid Office or Central Academic Advising regarding the implications of transitioning to a P/NP grade.
- Medical Schools, Graduate Schools and other post-baccalaureate training opportunities often do not accept P/NP grades for the purposes of meeting prerequisite requirements.
- P/NP grades will not replace a letter grade in repeat processing. If a student opts to change a C or better grade to a Pass grade, that course will count towards degree requirements but will not replace a historical poor grade in the same course.
- A number of our specialized accreditations require the use of a letter grading system.
Q: Do students have any options to receive a P/NP grade due to the extraordinary circumstances of this term?
A: Yes. ISU is allowing students to petition to transition to a P/NP grade after Spring 2020 grades post and prior to July 1, 2020. The online petition will require review by the faculty member and an adviser. This method will allow students with justification for a P/NP grade the means to receive the advising needed to ensure that the P/NP choice is the right one for their individual circumstances. A student must earn a C grade or better to transition to a P grade, as the C grade is the lowest recognized at ISU as “
always acceptable toward an undergraduate program and graduation requirements unless specifically excluded for a particular course, program, or degree
." A student who earns a C- or less may transition to a NP grade. P/NP grades are not calculated as part of the GPA.
Q: Where do I send students to get questions answered about grading and their Financial Aid?
A: Students should speak with the Financial Aid Office or Central Academic Advising regarding the implications of transitioning to a P/NP grade.
