Graduate Student General FAQ

When can I make the switch to S-U grading?

Anytime up until April 22. This window of time allows time for necessary conversations and information-gathering to make informed choices.  For Spring 2020 only, courses taken S-U will be accepted for all degree credit requirements with S grades if a student opts for this route.  However, graduate students will need to think about longer-term impacts of their decision to shift to S-U grading.  For example, some graduate schools and professional schools do not accept S grades in courses, and, as of yet, associations representing these schools have not released any information concerning courses taken in Spring 2020.  Every student contemplating shifting to S-U grading should consult guidance prepared by their departments, schools, and/or college, reach out to aspirational professional schools to ask whether they will accept an S grade, and/or reach out to their Supervisory Committee chair or Graduate Coordinator for guidance in making the right choice for them.

 

Also, the disruption in living at a time when courses transitioned has not afforded graduate students and faculty time to equilibrate to the new academic environment.  Because the decision to change grading scales has the potential to have significant impact on the future, graduate students need to develop a clearer understanding of their educational progress during this time.  After over two full weeks in the new environment, we believe graduate students will have a better sense of whether their new environments will allow them to perform in their classes in a manner that can be reflected in a letter grade.   

 

Once a graduate student elects the S-U grading option, they cannot revert to a letter grade.  Therefore, graduate students should put time and thought into making this decision, considering all potential effects on GPAs and/or degree requirements.

Why did UF decide to give graduate students the opportunity to choose?

The University and the State University System recognize that transitioning to new living and learning environments mid-semester because of the pandemic of COVID-19 has resulted in upheaval in many students’ lives.  Policy targeted to providing undergraduate students with an S-U grading option was developed in response to this situation.  Not every student will be impacted at the same level and in the same way.  Recognizing this, UF is extending a comparable option to graduate students. By consulting with Supervisory Committee Chair or Graduate Coordinator and faculty seeking their guidance, each student will have the ability to make a decision that weighs their own unique current circumstances and future aspirations.  

Since the S-U grading has been moved to the last day of classes (April 22), should I ask my instructor to provide me a final grade before April 22 before I make a decision?

No. You should make a decision on whether to shift to S-U grading based on the grades and other assessments you have received prior to April 22. Faculty are not obliged to accelerate their grading for the class prior to the typical final grading period and thus a tentative final letter grade may not be available before you make a decision now through the April 22, 2020 submission window.

Do I have to choose S-U grading?

No. You can continue in your courses with letter grading by taking no action if that is your choice. The important thing is that you have a choice, and you can opt for S-U grading if, after you have studied these FAQs and consulted with your Supervisory Committee Chair or Graduate Coordinator (and, where appropriate,  college), you think it is the best option for you.

How do I request S-U grading?

Starting now, you will find an online form available on your ONE.UF page.  For each eligible course in which you are enrolled this Spring 2020 semester, this form will allow you to opt into S-U grading.   

What happens after I submit my choices through the ONE.UF form?

You will see a confirmation page and receive a confirmation email message in your ufl.edu email address inbox.  After then, no further action is required of you.  Your request will be routed directly to the Registrars’ office and cannot be reversed once requested. 

Will this policy extend into the summer since Summer A/C classes will be online?

No. This policy covers only Spring 2020 classes.

Does this policy apply to undergraduate students who wish to elect S-U grading for graduate-level courses?

Yes. But undergraduate students who contemplate transferring the graduate credits (for example toward a graduate degree) should be aware that many universities, including UF, allow the transfer of credits only for letter graded courses in which a grade of B or better is obtained.

Does this S-U grading policy apply to graduate students?

Yes.  This policy applies to graduate students enrolled in eligible graduate courses. 

I am an international student. Will switching to S-U grading for a course impact my visa status?

The S-U grading option doesn't impact an international student’s visa as long as they are registered for a full course load.