Administration Allows ‘Pass/No Credit’ Option for Remainder of Semester
In an email sent out to the entire Marist student body, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, Thomas Wermuth announced Spring 2020 classes would be following an optional Pass/No credit policy.
Why is this being done?
The option of electing specific classes to be counted as pass/no credit can allow students to lighten their workloads and allows proper adjustment in time of this global pandemic. Since the announcement of transition to online class, Marist has been working to accommodate the mandatory changes and adjust over 5,000 students into an online format.
“I would like to give you a sense of the endeavor,” Vice President Wermuth stated in an email sent March 27. “1,700 courses, taught by over 600 faculty with more than 5,000 students enrolled, have been transitioned to an online format.”
“The P/NC option is not something you should opt into lightly. I encourage you to take time to think about this decision, and to consult with your academic advisor and faculty mentors about any potential implications this might have on your future academic goals.”
This move to a pass/no credit policy is not unprecedented. Penn State University, Boston College and Iona College are among a growing group of institutions that have adopted this policy, an observation stated in the Spring 2020 Grading Policy memorandum attached in Wermuth’s email.
“In light of unique challenges faced by students amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and consistent with many other colleges and universities in the United States, Marist College has modified its “Pass/No Credit” (P/NC) policy,” as stated in the aforementioned revised Spring 2020 Grading Policy statement.
What does this mean for students?
Students have an extended window to opt-in for the pass/no credit policy, allowing them to notify the registrar as late as April 15 at 5 p.m.
The attached file in the email distributed by Wermuth, a six point list is outlined for students to understand what the implications are pertaining to the new policy.
As Marist students finish their Spring 2020 coursework online, the administration has offered students the option to choose whether their classes adhere to a P/NC credit policy. The decision follows the COVID-19 outbreak and the unprecedented changes in higher education. Source: Marist
Vice President Wermuth emphasized students should not take the decision to opt-in to pass/no credit lightly. “The P/NC option is not something you should opt into lightly. I encourage you to take time to think about this decision, and to consult with your academic advisor and faculty mentors about any potential implications this might have on your future academic goals.”
A document is currently being produced by the Registrar and will be available April 6 for students to make final decisions about their semesters grading policy.
Check back at maristcircle.com later this week to read more about student reactions and the administration's decision to move Marist College to an optional pass/no credit policy.