Message from President Davenport, March 30, 2020
Good afternoon,
I am writing today to update the campus community on a decision I have made to allow students to choose Pass-No Credit grading for their Spring 2020 courses. The decision to allow this option for students reflects the unprecedented situation we find ourselves in, moving all of our more than 3,300 courses to online or alternative delivery in such a short time.
Many other universities in our region, including the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin and Iowa State, have offered students P/NC or a similar option.
Beginning in early April, we will allow students an opportunity, ending April 26, to choose a P/NC grading system for any of their classes this semester. We will provide students with information and resources they will need to make an informed decision here: http://www.mnsu.edu/grading. We also encourage students to consult with advisors and instructors so they can make the best decision possible for them.
We understand this decision will require additional work down the road to assure that students are held harmless for their choices. Until Thursday of last week, we were awaiting guidance from the System Office on this change. When we received word that it would be a local campus decision, Provost Cecil immediately sought input on the ramifications of the change through a survey of department chairs and consultation with FA leadership and others. Almost all of our chairs responded and we will use their feedback as a starting point in our work to address the implications of this change.
We have two goals during this crisis. First, we must keep everyone in our campus community safe. Second, we must assure that our students continue progressing towards their goals. This grading option will help our students stay on track.
If you have any questions about this change, please contact Provost Cecil in the Office of the Provost at provost@mnsu.edu.
I am proud of the way our faculty, staff, and students are dealing with this unprecedented situation. Thank you for everything you do.
Sincerely,
Richard Davenport
President
