Undergraduate Student Optional Alternative Grading:

Penn State is reimplementing its opt-in alternative grading system for the fall 2020 semester to support and provide flexibility to undergraduate students who may be facing significant challenges academically due to circumstances beyond their control related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Students should use alternative grading very cautiously and with a great deal of attention to the potential long-term implications of these decisions, especially for the selection of SAT (Satisfactory) grades.

For the fall 2020 semester, undergraduate students will be able to choose to keep the grade earned in each of their courses, or to have one or more grades replaced with one of three alternative grades that have no impact on GPA calculation: — SAT (Satisfactory); V (Pass); or Z (No Grade). More information is included below.

Alternative grades will be available for selection in LionPath starting December 23 and must be selected by the deadline of midnight on January 12, 2021. Penn State strongly encourages students to strive for the best grade possible in all classes to best support their future learning and success, and to think about the use of alternative grading cautiously before selecting any alternative grades. Learning is measured in additional ways beyond GPA, and students considering any alternative grades should meet with their academic advisor to consider the potential implications of using alternative grades on future academic and professional pursuits – including future applications to graduate, law or medical school, applications to professional licensing organizations, and employment opportunities. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisor about the implications of using alternative grading.

The three alternative grades are:

SAT (Satisfactory). This grade will be available if a student earns a C or better in a course. A course with a SAT grade can be used to meet prerequisites for future courses requiring a C or better.
V (Pass). This grade, which will be available if a student earns a D in a course, will be considered a passing grade. The student will earn credits for the course, and a V grade can be used to meet requirements for which D is an acceptable grade. The V grade cannot be used to meet C or better requirements.
Z (No Grade). This grade will be available if a student earns an F in a course. Z can be used to replace an F grade and will be treated similarly to if the student had late-dropped the class.

Click on the following link (https://keeplearning.psu.edu/alternative-grading/) to find answers to the questions below as well as a step-by step on how students can use the alternative grade calculator on Lionpath:

Does this alternative grading option apply to me?
When do I have to make this decision?
Is there some guidance on which courses I should convert to alternative grading?
Will switching to alternative grades negatively impact my financial aid eligibility?
If I am found responsible for violating Penn State's Academic Integrity (AI) policy in one of my courses, can I still use alternative grading for that course?
If I am taking a course which requires a C or better. Will a SAT grade meet this requirement?
What if I earn a D in a course that is not in the C-or-better category for my program? Will I be disadvantaged if I elect alternative grading?
Will a SAT or V grade in a course be accepted in meeting the prerequisite for a subsequent course?
In the future, I am considering graduate and professional schools. Does this impact how I make this decision?
I am a student-athlete. Is this option available to me?
I am considering a major that requires a specific grade point average across a suite of specific courses for Entrance to Major (ETM). Does this change how I should approach this?
I am a Schreyer Scholar. How does this apply to me?
I am an undergraduate student taking a mix of undergraduate and graduate courses. Can I use alternative grading?
I am in an Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) program. How does this affect me?
I completed a course prior to the announcement of alternative grading. Can I elect to use alternative grading for that course?
Are there specific courses for which I should not select alternative grading?
Will courses taken for alternative grades be counted as attempts in the course repeat policy?
Is there a limit to how many courses can be converted to alternative grading in fall 2020?
If I have one of my grades changed by faculty after I have selected alternative grading, will the system automatically use alternative grading for this new grade?
What if I want to change my alternative grading election for one or more courses?
How might my use of alternative grades impact scholarships, honors, or awards?
Graduation with distinction requires students to earn at least 60 credits at the University. Do courses taken for alternative grading count toward reaching this total?
Can I qualify for the Dean’s List if using alternative grading?
If I earn an SAT or V grade in a course I am repeating, am I eligible to use that grade in the grade forgiveness policy?
Will I be able to transfer credits to Penn State that are earned from another institution using alternative grading?

Click on the following link (https://keeplearning.psu.edu/alternative-grading/etm-considerations-for-administratively-controlled-majors/) to review the administratively controlled majors and what classes students in these majors should opt for the letter grade in.