Interim grading policy for graduate and professional students

April 1, 2020

Dear Graduate and Professional Students:

Despite the challenges that COVID-19 has created, your success at University of Houston-Clear Lake is still a top priority. Therefore, the university is implementing an interim Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grade Policy to help mitigate these extraordinary circumstances. This policy allows you to choose between a traditional letter grading scheme or a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) grading scheme.

Important Policy Highlights

• The Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grade Policy applies to all graduate students in courses offered during the Spring 2020 semester. The policy will be reviewed for continuation through future terms, if necessary. Students in professional degree programs should check the full policy to determine eligibility and should contact their program with questions.
• You will have the opportunity to review your spring semester grades before choosing your grading option.
• It is strongly recommended that you speak with your academic advisor as well as the Student Financial Aid Office before switching any course to S/U grading. 
• You may make different grade choices for different classes, choosing to keep some letter grades, to receive a grade of Satisfactory (S) for letter grades of B- or above, or a grade of Unsatisfactory (U) for grades of C, D or F.
• Satisfactory grades will have no effect on GPA, and hours will count toward graduation. Unsatisfactory grades will have no effect on GPA, but hours will not count toward graduation.
• The deadline for instructors to post grades is May 21, 2020. You will then have until 5 p.m. on May 29, 2020, to select the grading option you prefer for each class.

Additional details about this policy can be found on the Interim Grading Option webpage. If you have questions, email provost@uhcl.edu. Despite the obstacles of the COVID-19 pandemic, your academic success is our highest priority.

Warm regards,

Steven J. Berberich, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost