University suspends interim Pass/Fail policy, updates academic resources for students

Melody Tankersley is the senior vice president and provost at Kent State University.

The interim Pass/Fail policy the university enacted to support students during remote learning is no longer in effect, according to an email statement sent Wednesday by Senior Vice President and Provost Melody Tankersley. 

The statement described the Pass/Fail policy as “temporary” as it allowed students to expand the number of courses they could request a Pass/Fail option for. 

The Provost and Faculty Senate approved the interim Pass/Fail policy for the summer 2020, fall 2020 and spring 2021 to support students during remote learning semesters.

This policy allowed students to switch from a letter grade to a Pass/Fail grade for up to two courses a term. The Pass/Fail grade would not be computed in any Kent State GPA. The redaction of the policy limits the amount of courses students can elect for Pass/Fail.

Students should contact their regional campus office, school or college for information about the application of Pass/Fail before selecting their specific courses for the spring semester, Tankersley said.

Other important information includes Counseling and Psychological Services, which has moved to Van Campen Hall from DeWeese Health Center. The services include telepsychology appointments and in-person counseling. 

“Our top priority is your health and safety, and we are always here for you,” the announcement stated.

Important and upcoming dates for students included in the statement are as follows: 

Tankersley also encouraged students to continue to attend classes, and to reach out to Student Accessibility Services for accommodations and remote class options for those concerned about COVID-19.

Important resources for students include the Academic Success Center where they offer free scheduled tutoring, supplemental instruction and success workshops and the Career Exploration and Development Center for students looking for internships, career guidance and more. For those looking to graduate in Spring 2022, the Academic Diversity Outreach program helps students with access to need-based funding to stay on track to graduation.

Annie Zwisler is Managing Editor. Contact her at [email protected]