New Paltz is offering undergraduate students a temporary expansion to the S/U option to add flexibility to the grading options for fall 2020 and spring 2021.
Current: Policy and benefits of the regular S/U option
Additional “special benefits” for fall 2020 and spring 2021 only
- Students will be allowed to elect two additional S/U grades for fall 2020 or spring 2021. If both are not used in fall 2020 or spring 2021, they do not carry over to a future semester.
- All elected “S” grades will meet the same requirements as the regular letter grades. If the course meets GE, major and/or minor requirements, so will the S graded course.
- Students can elect two S/U grades (up to 8 credits) in a semester instead of having a limit of one per semester; this may include using the regular allotment of S/Us.
- The “S” grade will meet most prerequisite requirements where C- is the minimum grade.
Considerations before opting for the S/U
- “S” grades may not be honored for every program that has accreditation or certification requirements.
- “S” grades may not be honored when applying for certain graduate and professional programs (e.g. law school and medical school).
- Students should consult with their major or general advisor to help make the best decisions for them.
|
|
Expanded S/U Option |
Regular S/U Option* |
|
Timeframe |
fall 2020 and spring 2021 |
Academic lifespan until graduation |
|
Max courses/credits allowed |
Elect up to two S/Us a semester (max 8 credit) |
Elect up to one S/U a semester (max 4 credits) |
|
“S” grades will meet GE, major and minor requirements |
YES |
NO |
|
Two extra total S/U options |
YES |
NO |
|
“S “meets most prerequisite requirements with minimum C- or better |
YES |
YES |
|
S/U has positive impact on GPA, Dean’s list, Academic Standing and Latin Honors |
YES |
YES |
|
Can change S/U back to earned letter grade within one calendar year or before graduation |
YES |
YES |
*Students who entered New Paltz with less than 60 transfer credits can elect the regular S/U option for up to 4 courses (max 12 credits). Students who transfer 60 credits or more can elect the regular S/U option for up to 2 courses (max 8 credits).
