Winter 2020 Grading Choices

Reposted from UFV Urgent News

UFV recognizes the transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has required adjustments for many students as we collectively try and flatten the curve. The University is preserving the current grading system to allow most students to earn a letter grade. While the University encourages students to complete their courses on time, we have made some adjustments and clarifications to Winter grading. These adjustments reflect our goal of giving choice to students in determining how best to complete their semester given the circumstances, while also reflecting the diverse range of program requirements at UFV.

Withdrawal

You may withdraw from a course without academic penalty up to May 8, 2020.  A Withdraw (W) notation will appear on your permanent record, but the course will not count as an attempt for course repeat and program completion purposes.

  • If you have not yet received a letter grade, you can withdraw from a course now through myUFV.
  • If you have received a letter grade and wish to withdraw, the Registrar’s Office will have a simplified process to request a W. No additional approval will be required.

If you are close to completing the course but not quite finished you may request from your instructor:

  • Informal accommodation for a slightly later submission for work to be assessed or
  • Formal accommodation through an Incomplete Contract (I grade notation) to complete the course, normally with 2 months.

Incomplete Grades are granted at the instructor’s discretion, “when a student is unable, due to extenuating circumstances, to complete all of the requirements of a course by the end of the semester and has made sufficient progress and achievement to warrant additional time for completion.”

In some instances, instructors might also provide an “In Progress” (IP) temporary grade. This is only awarded in extraordinary circumstances where the course work continues into the next semester.

Credit grade notation in lieu of a letter grade:

Following completion of the course if you receive a C- or D grade and can show that the switch to remote and virtual learning affected your results, or if you encountered other difficulties in March and April such as illness, you may petition for a Credit instead of an earned grade.  This process will be available through the Registrar’s Office towards the end of the semester and will require approval of the Dean’s Office.

Refunds:

Refunds for courses dropped after the switch to remote and virtual learning will not normally be considered.  However, students encountering extraordinary circumstances may use the Late Withdrawal Appeal process, presenting supporting documentation, to request a partial tuition refund. Use the “Appeal for Late Withdrawal Form” and indicate which courses you are requesting be considered.

We recognize that the move to remote learning has required adjustments for everyone. We hope that the above options will relieve the anxiety that some students are experiencing during this time. If you have questions please contact reginfo@ufv.ca