The spring 2020 semester has presented many unprecedented circumstances for Central Methodist University’s students, faculty, and staff as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Our students’ lives have been disrupted,” said Provost Rita Gulstad. “They have been torn from their friends, their teams, and their faculty. To expect them to be able to put forward their best effort toward academics cannot be expected.”
In recognition of these challenges and out of compassion for its students, CMU has modified its grading options for the spring 2020 semester. This policy modification is for the spring 2020 semester only and does not apply to courses that ended prior to March 16, 2020.
Once grades have been posted at the end of the semester, all undergraduate students will have the opportunity to elect to convert their spring course grades to Pass/Withdrawal. Students will be able to select the Pass/Withdrawal option from Monday, May 18, 2020 at 8 a.m. through Friday, May 29, 2020 at 5 p.m. (CDT).
“When the needs of physical/mental health, family and survival are a priority, it is difficult to ask students to place school at the same level,” Gulstad said. “CMU faculty hold their students in high regard and believe that the offering of the changed grading system is the right choice.”
All students are encouraged to discuss the implications of selecting the Pass or Withdrawal for course(s) with their academic advisor and other university offices (e.g., Financial Aid, Veteran’s Services, International Services, Athletics, Business Office). Additionally, students enrolled in programs with additional licensure and accreditation expectations should work closely with their program director to ensure they are adequately informed.
Basic principles of the Pass/Withdrawal option include the following: