Interim Dean Shih-Fu Chang and Vice Dean for Undergraduate Programs Barclay Morrison sent an email detailing a new P/D/F policy for SEAS students.

In an email sent to SEAS students today, Interim Dean Shih-Fu Chang and Vice Dean for Undergraduate Programs Barclay Morrison announced that SEAS students will have until December 13—the last day of classes—to exercise a new Pass/D/Fail option for one class. There will be no restrictions on the type of course a student can Pass/D/Fail, and students will have until January 28 to choose to uncover the grade for the class taken Pass/D/Fail.

The usual policy allows SEAS students to declare up to two non-technical courses at the 3000 level or higher as Pass/Fail, but no core classes, language instruction, or courses taken to satisfy a minor qualify for this option. Normally, the deadline to declare a non-technical course Pass/Fail for SEAS students is November 18, and only one class per semester can be taken Pass/Fail. If this existing option is exercised, the course grade cannot be uncovered. According to the email, the new policy will supplement, not replace, the usual policy.

The email notes a proposal made by the Engineering Student Council as well as “difficulties faced by students this semester due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic” as reasons for these policy changes. It also strongly encourages students to talk to their advising deans and consider the implications of taking a course Pass/D/Fail before exercising this option. 

The email can be found in its entirety below.

Email from Interim Dean Shih-Fu Chang and Vice Dean for Undergraduate Programs Barclay Morrison to Columbia Engineering students on Thursday, December 2 at 10:12 am:

Dear Undergraduate SEAS Students,

This past week the Engineering Student Council presented a proposal to the SEAS Faculty Committee on Instruction regarding possible academic accommodations for the fall 2021 semester. In acknowledgment of the difficulties faced by students this semester due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the SEAS Committee on Instruction has implemented the following undergraduate policy changes for the fall semester:

–        SEAS undergraduate students will be allowed to take one (1) ongoing course P/D/F this semester, with no restrictions on the type of course (core, non-tech elective, or major requirement).  The course will count toward its respective requirement.

–       SEAS undergraduate students will have until the last day of class (December 13, 2021) to choose this P/D/F option.

–       SEAS undergraduate students will have until the end of the second week of spring semester (January 28, 2022) to choose whether or not to uncover the grade in this class.  Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to uncover a grade after the deadline.

–       This option to P/D/F a course this semester is in addition to the existing undergraduate option to P/F a non-technical elective course (the latter needing to be >=3000 level per the existing SEAS policy).

To exercise the P/D/F option this semester, please send an email to your Center for Student Advising advisor with the complete course information.

It is hoped that these accommodations will provide you flexibility for dealing with the added stressors of this semester.

However, it is critically important that you understand the potential implications of choosing the P/D/F option on future plans that may require a transcript, including internships, jobs, or post-graduation education. Additionally, given the sequential nature of the SEAS curricula, electing to P/D/F a course could have impacts on student-success in future classes.

Students are strongly encouraged to speak with your advising deans in the Center for Student Advising before exercising this option. 

We appreciate the collaboration with ESC on such matters of importance and impact to our undergraduate student population.

Best wishes for a successful semester,

Shih-Fu Chang

Interim Dean

Richard Dicker Professor

Barclay Morrison

Vice Dean for Undergraduate Programs

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