Fall 2020
Finish the semester strong, Bucs!
Pass/Fail Policy in place for Fall 2020
In September, SGA President Shivam Patel presented a request on behalf of the student body to the ETSU Academic Council that consideration be given to a modified Pass/Fail (P/F) grade option for the Fall 2020 semester. The Council convened a working group to immediately review the request and to make recommendations regarding Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 grading accommodations. The university’s Academic Council is committed to ensuring ETSU students are successful in their pursuit of a college degree, and we recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges. Based on the recommendations from the working group, the following has been approved by Academic Council and President Noland:
ETSU undergraduate students who are enrolled for the Fall 2020 semester will have an extended time period to request a P/F grade for one course.
Students will need to meet with their academic advisor to review their options and to discuss the potential impact that earning a P/F might have on financial aid, scholarships, future graduate school applications and licensure. Final approval will rest with the academic dean or the respective designee.
Pass/Fail Policy for Fall 2020
Highlights of the policy include:
- Undergraduate students can request a P/F grade for one course beginning December 15, 2020 and will have this option through the close of business on January 5, 2021; however, given that the university will be closed for holiday break, and that financial aid awards may be affected by this decision, students are encouraged to make a decision between December 15-24.
- Graduate students will not have the option of requesting a P/F grade, but faculty are encouraged to use broader discretion in assigning an Incomplete (I) grade. Undergraduate students will continue to have the option of requesting an Incomplete grade.
- Please note that the Fall 2020 Grading Accommodations Policy is different than the policy adjustments that were made for the Spring 2020 semester.
For Spring 2021, the deadline for requesting a P/F option in accord with existing
policy will be extended to the 14th day of class. All other criteria for being eligible
for P/F grading in the standing university policy will remain the same. Students should
direct any questions they have to their academic advisor.
Revised Academic Calendar
November 20 | Last day of in-person classes (November 21 for Saturday classes) |
November 23-27* |
ETSU will be closed for Fall/Thanksgiving Break |
November 30-December 4 | Classes will continue remotely (online) |
December 5-10 | Final exams will be offered remotely (online) |
December 12 | Virtual Commencement Ceremony at 10 a.m. |
*Following the Fall/Thanksgiving Break (November 23-27) ETSU will be open and students will continue their classes remotely (online) through the end of the fall semester.
Course formats for fall 2020
In the interest of public health in the time of COVID 19, each of the courses scheduled for the fall semester was carefully reviewed in order evaluate the possibility of altering the format of course delivery, such as transitioning some on-ground courses to online, or providing remote options for select on-ground courses. In making these decisions, our academic deans, department chairs and faculty have considered several factors, including which course competencies must be taught on ground and evaluating the ability to accomplish physical distancing guidelines in the classroom.
On-ground required: At least some of the course competencies cannot be taught without some on-ground experience. The student must be able to be on campus, or at another designated location, for at least part of the semester.- On-ground with remote options: At least some of the course competencies are offered in an on-ground format. While the student is encouraged to take advantage of the on-ground learning opportunities, they are not essential to completing the course competencies.
- Traditional Online: The course was developed specifically for online delivery. All course competencies
are offered in an online format. The student does not need to come to campus for any
of the course.
- Online Synchronous: Students meet online as a class at the specific day and time noted on the class schedule.
- Online Asynchronous: Students complete the course online, working on their own schedule within course deadlines. The day and time will NOT appear on the schedule for asynchronous online courses.
What's next?
Registration is open for Winter Session and Spring 2021 classes.