Coronavirus Update: Deadline for Dropping Classes and Switching to Pass/Fail Extended

Dear Syracuse University undergraduate students:

As you prepare to transition to online classes following spring break, I am writing to share information to help you navigate the remainder of the spring semester.

This message applies to undergraduate students enrolled in traditional face-to-face Syracuse University courses this semester. It does not apply to graduate students, law students, students enrolled in our world partner programs or students enrolled in University College online undergraduate courses.

For students transitioning from in-person instruction to online instruction, the deadline to drop classes and the deadline to switch the grading option to pass/fail has been extended to April 3. To drop a class, or to switch to pass/fail, you must secure the permission of your academic advisor. Here are some important details to consider before acting:

• Dropping a class. Full-time undergraduate students may drop classes so long as they remain registered for 12 or more credits. Advisors will help students ensure that they will not jeopardize progress toward their degree by dropping one or more classes.
• Switching to pass/fail. Specific rules for taking classes pass/fail vary from college/school to college/school, and remain in place. Generally speaking, undergraduate students may not take more than 24 credits pass/fail during their program of study. Furthermore, schools, colleges and programs have identified specific courses and sets of requirements that may not be taken pass/fail, and those rules remain in effect. Your academic advisor will help you navigate any specific rules of your school or college.
• Financial aid implications. Dropping classes and switching to the pass/fail grading option have potential consequences for financial aid. You must remain enrolled in at least 12 credits to maintain full-time status. If you opt for pass/fail grading and receive a “fail” grade, it could adversely affect your “satisfactory academic progress” for financial aid purposes. Before dropping below 12 credit hours or switching any classes to pass/fail, I encourage you to speak with your financial aid counselor to ensure that your financial aid is not affected in future semesters.

If you wish to drop a class, or convert to pass/fail, please notify your academic advisor by email. Feel free to share this message with your advisor. Your advisor will work with the staff in your school or college, and the Office of the Registrar, to make the changes. You must act by April 3.

This is a challenging time for our community, and especially for our students. Thank you for your patience as we work through the issues that this sudden change to online education presents. We are committed to ensuring your long-term success and your timely graduation.

Best wishes,

Chris Johnson
Associate Provost for Academic Affairs