Registrar

COVID-19 Update - Pass/Fail Option

For the Spring 2020 semester only, due to the COVID-19 virus, undergraduate students will be given the option to change any or all their courses to pass/fail.  The grade earned in a pass/fail course is not included in the calculation of the student's GPA.

Undergraduate students wishing to change a class to pass/fail must first read the guidelines in the frequently asked questions to understand the implications. Next they must submit the form to the Office of the Registrar.  This form should be filled out electronically and submitted from the student’s Lincoln email to registrar@lincoln.edu using the button below or a screenshot/markup of the completed form. The email subject should be “Pass/Fail request.”

+ Pass/Fail Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the University giving me the opportunity to convert spring 2020 courses to pass/fail?
A: The University is offering this grading flexibility for undergraduate courses in recognition of the extraordinary circumstances with COVID-19. As classes move to alternative modes of instruction and adapt to a “new normal” environment, it is unreasonable to hold students and faculty to the same expectations that were originally constructed for the in-person instructional experience.

Q: If I chose pass/fail, do I still need to finish all assignments and exams?
A: Yes, otherwise you may earn an F and not a P.

Q: What does it mean to have pass/fail credits?
A: While instructors will record letter grades, the grades for students who have elected pass/fail credits for this semester will be automatically converted to P for all grades A though D and to F for F grades. Pass/fail grades do not calculate into the GPA. To that end, those students with pass/fail grading will not be eligible for dean’s list as there is no way to calculate the GPA.

Q: What should I consider before deciding to convert a course to pass/fail?

1. A student who is doing well may decide not to convert a course(s) to pass/fail because a strong letter grade might improve his or her GPA.
2. A student who is concerned about not having a letter grade for graduate or professional school may not want to convert to pass/fail.
3. A student who plans to enter a profession where a letter grade is critical for competitive employment may not want to convert to pass/fail.
4. A student who plans to pursue overseas employment where a letter grade is essential may not want to convert to pass/fail.

Q: I'm an athlete. How does receiving a pass/fail grade affect my eligibility for athletics next year?
A: Taking a pass/fail class may have a negative effect on a student-athlete’s eligibility. Student-athletes should contact Mr. Keith Merritt before taking a class pass/fail to discuss the specific situation.

Q: How do I request to change my courses to pass/fail?
A: To request the pass/fail option, complete the Pass/Fail Petition form located on the Office of Registrar’s webpage and submit to registrar@lincoln.edu from your Lincoln email address with a subject of “Pass/Fail request” by 5 p.m. April 17.

Q: Can I pick and choose which courses to take pass/fail?
A: Yes, undergraduate students may request any or all courses be changed to pass/fail grading.

Q: Will I know what my grade would have been if I choose to take pass/fail?
A: Students cannot view any final grades in WebAdvisor other than the P or the F for the course(s) taken using this grading option. Instructors will not be informed as to whether a student is taking a course for a letter grade or pass/fail.

Q: What if I change my mind and want it changed back to regular grading?
A: Once a student submits the change request for pass/fail grading, it cannot be changed back to regular grading.

Q: Will this affect my graduation because I need to have a C or better?
A: For spring 2020 only, P grades will be accepted toward major requirements and/or general electives toward graduation. Remedial courses, as always, will not count toward graduation.

Q: How will I know my pass/fail request has been received and completed?
A: View the class schedule in WebAdvisor and the second to last field will have a “P” indicating the request has been processed. Please allow up 7-10 working days to process the pass/fail request.

Q: What if I need letter grades for professional programs, employment or graduate studies?
A: Because letter grades will be recorded, students may request an official letter attesting those grades if necessary. This letter would attest only to grades, not to GPA.

Q. Can my professor use my midterm grade as my final grade?
A: This decision can only be made by the course instructor; students should communicate directly with the instructor.

+ Pass/Fail Petition

Make sure that you have read the Frequently Asked Questions, then fill out a Pass Fail Petition.  You must save the form, then email it to registrar@lincoln.edu.

The Office of the Registrar provides academic and enrollment services. We coordinate services in the areas of course information, course offering, grading, major declaration, degree progress, classroom assignment, certification of enrollment and degrees awarded, administration of final examinations, and protection and release of academic records.

Location
1^st Floor Lincoln Hall
1570 Baltimore Pike
Lincoln University, PA 19352

Phone:  800-739-4461
Email: registrar@lincoln.edu

Hours: M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.