Colleagues,

Yesterday we sent a message to Deans and Associate Deans regarding student options for this term, and it raised a number of additional questions about process and fairness. I’m hoping to provide some clarity.

Students may, as always, file an appeal through their advisor to get a late withdrawal from a course. They may expect more leniency than in a more normal semester, but the appeal should not rely solely on poor academic performance (i.e., “I didn’t do well and don’t want the course on my transcript”) or on the difficulty of online coursework. A valid reason would include specific extenuating circumstances that made success impossible. A change to C/NC may also be considered by an advisor at their discretion, but would not typically be granted at this point in the term.

In all cases, the best path to determining the way forward is a conversation between a student and an advisor. Thanks for all of your hard work as we near the end of the term.

Take care,

Johannes

Johannes Britz
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs