Pass/No Pass (PA/NP) FAQ: Undergraduate Students

FAQ

• Open/Close If I choose to do PA/NP, does it apply to all of my classes or can I pick which classes to apply it to?

  You will make the decision about which courses you want to take PA/NP and which you want to take for an A-E grade. It could be one or all of your courses. Any decision to convert courses to PA/NP should be discussed with an academic advisor.

• Open/Close Will the PA/NP impact my overall GPA?

  No. PA/NP does not figure into your GPA. You receive credit for the course if you receive a PA and no credit if you receive a NP.

• Open/Close How do faculty translate the regular letter grade into PA/NP?
  • A grade of D or better, completion of the class, and fulfillment of other course requirements, such that a student would have otherwise received an A to D letter grade in the course, will be marked as “Pass/PA”
  • A grade below D, failure to complete the class, or failure to complete other course requirements, such that a student would not have otherwise received an A to D letter grade in the course, will be marked as “No Pass/NP.”
• Open/Close I changed my grade option from graded (A-E) to PA/NP. However, now I am doing well in the class, can I change the grade option back to graded (A-E)?

  No. Once you change a course(s) to PA/NP, you cannot change back to graded (A-E).

• Open/Close Can I take specialization courses PA/NP?

  Yes. However, keep in mind a minimum 2.0 cumulative point hour ratio is required in the specialization to meet graduation requirements. If your current GPA in the specialization is below a 2.0, you will need to take graded courses to increase your cumulative GPA in the specialization.

• Open/Close Can I take my specialization core course PA/NP?

  Yes. You can use the PA/NP option for your specialization core course. However, the content of this course provides a critical foundation to the specialization and contains important material that will be needed to be successful in specialization classes.

• Open/Close What if I am interested in applying for honors, industry immersion, or other competitive programs? How will PA/NP be viewed by those making decisions about selective programs?

  The honors directors for our four selective honors programs at Fisher (Accounting, Cohort, Contract and Finance) have indicated that PA/NP grades for classes would not be viewed negatively in the selection process. Students who are interested in the Finance Honors Program may take Bus Fin 3220 PA/NP. For honors status reviews, we will use the GPAs that students have and will make sure they have the number of honors courses needed (whether graded or PA/NP).

• Open/Close I am going to sit for the CPA/apply for CFA/other certifications. Can I take accounting or other specialization courses that may apply to a certification PA/NP?

  As a general rule, we would advise you not to take any of these courses PA/NP. For any exceptions to this, you would need to check with the Accountancy Board in the state you plan to take the CPA exam, and with the certifying agency for certifications that you are pursuing or planning to pursue in the future.

• Open/Close What if I want to apply to graduate school? How will graduate or professional schools view PA/NP courses?

  We don’t know exactly how different graduate and professional schools will review transcripts with PA/NP grades from Spring 2020. However, because the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted academic institutions worldwide and resulted in many programs adopting similar Pass/No Pass policies, it is possible that students will not be disadvantaged by adopting this grading scheme. We hope, but cannot guarantee, that programs will consider grades from Spring 2020 in this larger context. Students may choose to err on the side of caution in keeping A-E grading, and those with concerns should reach out to an academic adviser.

• Open/Close How will employers look at PA/NP courses?

  Margie Bogenschutz, senior director for undergraduate students in the Office of Career Management, indicates that it will depend on the employer and industry. However, as a general rule, employers are being very understanding of the situation. Some exceptions to this may occur for highly competitive industries or in areas that prefer/require/offer certifications or licensure, which may still require letter grades in certain related courses. Any student with concerns should reach out to an academic adviser and/or Fisher’s Office of Career Management.

• Open/Close Can I take courses for a business minor (business, business analytics, entrepreneurship and innovation, insurance, international business, and real estate) PA/NP?

  Yes. However, keep in mind a minimum 2.0 cumulative point hour ratio is required for the minor. If your current GPA in the minor is below a 2.0, you will need to take graded courses to increase your cumulative GPA in the minor.

• Open/Close I am currently repeating a course and using Grade Forgiveness. Can I take this course PA/NP?

  Yes. However, you should speak to an academic advisor to understand the impact this will have on your overall grade point average. Using the PA/NP option for Grade Forgiveness and receiving a PA grade will remove the original grade in the course. While this may help your overall academic standing, it will not have the same effect as repeating the course for a grade (A-E) and doing well (earning an A or B). In addition, this will still count as one out of the three opportunities you have to use Grade Forgiveness.

• Open/Close I have to maintain a certain GPA for a scholarship. How will PA/NP impact my scholarship?

  A PA/NP grade will not affect your GPA. However, if you need to improve your GPA to meet a scholarship minimum, then you should consider taking the class for a letter grade.  Contact Buckeyelink with any questions about your university scholarships or other financial aid.

• Open/Close I am a student athlete. Will taking a class as PA/NP impact my eligibility?

  You should speak with your SASSO advisor and your academic advisor before making a decision about PA/NP.

• Open/Close I am in ROTC, active, or on the GI Bill. Will taking a class PA/NP be a problem?

  You must take ROTC classes for a letter grade and if you are a Naval ROTC student, you must also take math and physics for letter grades. If you have questions about how taking a course(s) PA/NP would impact your benefits, you should speak to an academic advisor in Military and Veterans Services.

• Open/Close I am an International student, how will taking a class PA/NP impact my immigration status?

  Review the following information on the OIA web site about how to maintain immigration status.

• Open/Close When the university announced that the remaining classes for the semester were going to be taught using remote delivery, I dropped a course. Now with the option to use PA/NP, I want to re-add the course and take it for PA/NP. Can I do this?

  Yes. If you dropped a course any time after March 1, you may re-add the course and take it PA/NP. See your academic advisor to discuss this option.

• Open/Close Can I use the PA/NP option for a course I completed in Session 1?

  No. The PA/NP option can only be used for Full Term and Session 2 courses in Spring Semester 2020.

• Open/Close Will I still be eligible for the Dean’s List if I take courses PA/NP?

  Yes. Students who are registered for 12 or more credits with at least 9 graded hours and a 3.5 term GPA will be eligible for the Deans' List. A grade of E, EN or NP will disqualify you from making the Dean’s List even if you have a term point-hour ratio of 3.5 and 12 graded hours.

• Open/Close I am graduating in Spring 2020, can I still receive Latin Honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude) and choose to take courses PA/NP?

  Yes. You typically need 60 "graded" hours at OSU to be eligible for Latin Honors. However, courses taken ​PA/NP in Spring 2020 can count towards the 60 credits earned at Ohio State.The 60 "graded" hour requirement will be waived.