Pass/Fail
Actively enrolled degree-seeking undergraduates may select up to four standard-grade elective courses in Arts & Sciences and Education as Pass/Fail. The selection occurs when a student is a social junior or senior.
Information about the full policy, a chart of eligible social classes for upcoming academic years, details about the pass/fail election process, and answers to frequently asked questions are included below.
Note: Social junior and senior, non-business students can submit a petition to [[m|bba]] to request to change a BUAD course to Pass/Fail. Petitions must be received by the pass/fail deadline for the semester and if approved count towards the maximums outlined in the university policy. All questions regarding this petition should be directed to Mason School of Business.
Read the Full Policy (click to expand)Actively enrolled degree-seeking undergraduates may select up to four standard-grade elective courses in Arts & Sciences and Education as Pass/Fail. The selection occurs when a student is a social junior or senior. A maximum of two courses may change to Pass/Fail from any one semester. Up to two of the four Pass/Fail selections may be applied retroactively to courses that have already received a letter grade. The remainder must be selected by the published deadline of the current semester. The selection of any retroactive Pass/Fail grades must occur by the published deadline of the student's last semester. The published deadlines shall not be earlier than the withdrawal deadline in the given semester. Deadlines will be listed on the Office of the University Registrar undergraduate academic calendar. A student's decision to designate courses as Pass/Fail is irrevocable. For this reason, when changing a graded course to a Pass, students are required to consult with their Major Advisor or Department Chair/Program Director. The following guidelines apply to Pass/Fail designations:
Exceptions to the policy should be submitted to the Committee on Degrees. |
Process to Elect Pass/Fail (Fall/Spring)
Students graduating in Fall 2024 must have their election form(s) submitted by 11:59 p.m. on October 28, 2024.
The pass/fail election process will open each fall and spring after add/drop has ended and will close at the end of the withdrawal period. Specific dates are available on the undergraduate academic calendar. When a form is fully submitted, the action will take place immediately in Banner and a PDF confirmation will be created.
Fall 2024 Pass/Fail Election Form: Open September 10 - October 28
Eligible Social Classes based on Academic Year
Eligibility for the pass/fail election process is based on a student's social class. Eligible social classes for upcoming academic years are listed in the chart below.
Academic Year | Eligible Social Classes |
---|---|
Fall 2024 - Summer 2025 | 2024, 2025, 2026 |
Fall 2025 - Summer 2026 | 2025, 2026, 2027 |
Fall 2026 - Summer 2027 | 2026, 2027, 2028 |
FAQs
When does the election form open and close for fall and spring?The form will be available after add/drop has ended for the current term. The form closes when the withdrawal period for the current term ends. Specific dates are available on the undergraduate academic calendar. |
When does the election form open and close for summer?Electing pass/fail for courses taken during the summer term depends on the session that your course(s) take place. The form will be available through the withdrawal period for Summer Session Two (S2), but whether your pass/fail election is considered a current term election or a retroactive election depends on the summer session your course is in and the date you submit the form. If you have questions about a specific course, email [[w|grades]]. Specific dates are available on the undergraduate academic calendar. |
How many courses can I pass/fail?
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Where can I view current semester pass/fail elections in Banner?Once processed, pass/fail elections for the current term will be available for students to view in Banner Self-Service under the Student tab > Registration > View Your Schedules & Prepare to Register:
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Where can I view retroactive pass/fail elections in Banner?Once processed, retroactive pass/fail elections will be available for students to view in Banner Self-Service under the Student tab > Student Records > Student Profile in two locations:
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My course starts after the election form closes for the semester but I'm not sure yet if I want to elect to pass/fail it. What can I do?W&M has a few courses each semester that are considered non-standard. These courses end earlier or start later in the semester than typical courses. If you are registered in a late starting course, you have until the withdrawal deadline for that specific course to elect to pass/fail it. If the election form is not available, email [[w|grades]] to inquire about electing that course as pass/fail. |
Does a retroactive pass/fail change my Dean's List status?Retroactive pass/fail elections may result in a change to Dean's List status for a prior semester. Students should consult with an advisor before making any retroactive pass/fail elections. |
Does a pass or fail grade impact my W&M GPA?A successful Pass will not count toward a student's GPA, but a Fail will count toward the GPA. |
Further Questions?
Students with questions should contact the [[w|registrar,Office of the University Registrar]]. Students seeking an exception to the pass/fail policy should submit a petition to the Committee on Degrees.