SFU implements pass/credit/no credit pilot grading system for electives

by Jaymee Salisi, News Writer

SFU has approved a temporary undergraduate pass/credit/no credit (P/CR/NC) pilot grading system for the Spring, Summer, and Fall 2021 terms. The motion specifies this grading scheme can be used towards 12 elective credits per term. The use of P/CR/NC is optional, so students may also choose to apply standard letter grades towards their grade point average (GPA). This pilot also extends the withdrawal deadline for the Spring 2021 term to the last day of classes.

The memo from SFU explains that a “P” indicates a passing letter grade higher than a C-, whereas passing a course with a D authorizes a “CR.” Courses graded with “CR” will not be eligible to use as a prerequisite for further courses. No credit will go towards courses with “NC” grades. Courses taken under P/CR/NC will not count towards a student’s GPA calculation. 

Originally, the motion from the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) for pass/fail grading was not restricted to certain courses or limited to a number of units. The SFSS initially proposed that the grading system work retroactively for the Fall 2020 term.

“The [biggest] difference between the original pass/fail motion and the new P/CR/NC system is that now there are different levels of ‘pass,’” SFSS Vice President of University Relations, Gabe Liosis said in an interview with The Peak. 

The SFSS and the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies (SCUS) compromised on a joint motion in order for the SFU Senate to consider the alternative grading scheme. 

Liosis shared that many of the components from the original pass/fail motion had to be sacrificed in order to implement the new grading scheme. However, he is confident that the new system “will bring some much needed relief to students struggling during this pandemic.”

“This grading scheme also encourages students to explore courses outside of their program of study by reducing grade risk for elective courses,” explained University Registrar and Executive Director pro tem, Kathryn Verkerk in an email interview. She told The Peak that although it would have to be considered by the SFU Senate, there is potential for the pilot to become a permanent solution. 

She added that “[SCUS is] still finalizing many details, [including] the definition of an elective.”

Liosis acknowledged that the term “elective” is still unclear for students with undeclared majors or who plan on switching majors. Until the pilot is finalized, electives can be identified as “course[s] outside a student’s declared program.”

While “[t]he SFSS is beyond thrilled that the Senate was able to implement this new grading scheme,” Liosis was concerned that senator Spector requested to vote on the motion by secret ballot. He felt that it was “unsettling for one of the university’s highest governing bodies to conduct itself this way while voting on such a consequential matter.” Liosis added, “I hope to see more transparent voting and conduct in the future by these senators.” 

For more information on the P/CR/NC motion click here.