For Students:
Modified Grading Policy for Spring Semester

April 2, 2020 @ 2:15 p.m.

Dear CU Denver Students:

We are committed to helping you continue to pursue your educational goals during these challenging times. We have heard your concerns about the need for flexibility in grading due to our unique circumstances this spring, and are writing today about a temporary grading option that will give you the maximum opportunity for success.

For the spring 2020 semester, you may choose between standard letter grades or the CU Denver Spring 2020 Modified Grading Policy option.

Key information you need to know about this temporary policy change, which applies to both undergraduate and graduate courses:

• You may request a grade change to Pass Plus/Pass/NoPass (P+/P/NP) for any undergraduate or graduate course taken in this semester.
• There is no rush to make this decision now. You may see how the remainder of the semester goes before deciding.
• You will first receive a standard letter grade for each course. If you take no action, that will be your grade.
• If you decide to request a change to Pass Plus/Pass/No Pass grade, you must make this request to your advisor by 5 p.m. on June 5 (two weeks after the end of the semester).
• Pass Plus (P+) is defined as a grade of C- or higher. Pass (P) is defined as a grade of D+, D, or D-. No Pass (NP) is defined as lower than D-. None of these options will impact GPA calculations.
• Before you make your decision, you must talk with your advisor (or program director for some graduate programs) about potential impacts. Be sure to do that soon, rather than waiting till the last minute. This will enable you to receive individual attention. Find your advisor here.
• Changing to Pass Plus/Pass/No Pass could have implications on satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes, scholarship eligibility, veterans’ benefits, prerequisite and major requirements, and competitiveness of graduate program applications, among other areas.
• The deadline to request a Withdrawal (W) has been extended to May 16, 2020, the last day of the term.

Find more details, including the full policy and FAQs, on the CU Denver Spring 2020 Modified Grading Policy webpage.

We hope that these changes in grading policies will help you successfully complete the semester and remain on the path toward your goals. Please talk to your professors/instructors about any extenuating circumstances you have. And check our COVID-19 website for the latest updates for resources to help you navigate this new world of remote learning. 

Thank you for your patience as we continue to address issues and develop processes to ensure your success here at CU Denver, to which we are wholeheartedly committed.

Roderick Nairn, PhD
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs