Grading Policy from Spring 2020 till Fall 2020
Since the spring semester of 2020, and after considering all options, the University of Balmand reached the most plausible, practical, and fair solution for our grading policy, to be implemented exceptionally as a result of the existential challenges we are facing. Below is a list of FAQs which have been put together to answer any queries you may have. If you have additional questions, you may contact the office of Admissions and Registration on registrar@balamand.edu.lb.
What is UOB’s expanded course grading option?
UOB President, Dr. Elias Warrak, and the University Council decided to adopt an expanded Pass/No Pass option for students due to the crisis. Typically, the option to be graded on a Pass/No Pass basis, rather than being given a percentage grade, is available to students for all the classes they registered for during this spring 2020. It is believed that this grading policy will give students the flexibility during the crisis and can mitigate their anxiety. In addition, the policy could help promote strong engagement, allowing faculty and students to focus on the learning outcomes of courses more than just on the grade itself under the prevailing circumstances.
A grade of P indicates satisfactory performance under circumstance of unprecedented academic disruption. It means that you have successfully completed the course and can count the corresponding course credits as earned. A grade of P also means that you have satisfied minimum grade requirements, as well as requirements to use the course as a prerequisite.
A grade of NP indicates a less than satisfactory performance under circumstance of unprecedented academic disruption. You will not earn credits for a course in which your final grade is NP.
Can graduate students opt into the expanded course grading option?
Yes. Graduate students can opt into P/NP grading.
What is the minimum grade to get a P?
If you are an undergraduate student, the minimum grade to get P is 60, unless indicated otherwise by the department.
If you are a graduate student, the minimum grade to get P is 70, unless indicated otherwise by the department.
Will P or NP enter in the calculation of my GPA?
No. P and NP grades do not enter in the calculation of the GPA.
What is the difference between NP and W in the P/NP grading option?
A W means that you withdrew from a course by the last day for withdrawal from courses, which for spring 2020 is Monday April 27, 2020. NP indicates that you decided to opt for the expanded course grading option. Neither W nor NP enters in the calculation of your GPA.
Is the P/NP grading option mandatory?
No. If you do not opt into the P/NP grading option by the specified deadline, the default/regular final course grading system, i.e., percentage or letter grading, will be applied.
How and when can I decide to opt into P/NP grading?
After course grades are posted on your SIS, you will be given seven days to decide whether you want to opt into P/NP grading by completing an online form. Once you submitted your choice, there will be no opportunity to change or reverse this decision, even by petition.
Can I choose the courses for which the P/NP grading option will apply?
Yes. You can choose the courses you want to change to P/NP grading, and the courses you want to keep on percentage grading.
Can I petition to change a P to a regular percentage?
No. If you opt for the expanding grading option, there will be no opportunity to change a P grade to a percentage, even by petition.
Can the P/NP grading affect my Entrance Merit Scholarship?
Students who earned a scholarship whether via merit or via protocol must make sure to maintain the semester or cumulative average end of spring 2020 as stipulated in the conditions for scholarship renewal. So they need to choose the grading option which suits them the most and to make sure that they do not get an NP on any course.
If I am in the process of raising my GPA and I opt to choose the P/NP grading, what happens?
Before choosing the P/NP grading, you will be able to see the percentage grades and therefore you need to compare those grades with the ones you have achieved in previous semesters and then you have seven days from the posting of the grades to select the best option resulting in the highest GPA.
Whom to contact if I need help about which grading system to choose?
First, we advise you that you contact your advisor. You may as well contact the Registrar to assist you in your selection and both will be advising you to select the option which serves better your academic standing.
Can I choose to get a P/NP grade if I am repeating the course?
Yes.
If you are repeating a course and get a P grade, the old grade will not be counted in your cumulative average (GPA).
If you are repeating a course and get an NP grade, the old grade will remain counted in your cumulative average (GPA).
Can I choose to get a P/NP grades and be eligible for Dean’s Honor List and Merit Scholarship for this Spring 2020 semester?
Yes, but you should have at least 12 undergraduate credits graded numerically in order to be eligible for Dean’s Honor List and Merit Scholarship accordingly and meet all other academic conditions stipulated in the Academic Rules and Regulations.
If I am graduating, can I choose to get a P/NP grades?
Yes, on a condition that your cumulative average end of spring 2020 is above 70 (80) if you are an undergraduate (graduate) student and you meet all other graduation requirements.