Academic Policies and Guidelines for Changes in Campus Operating Status

Overview

The academic information on this page is a resource for faculty/instructors during changes in campus operating status. Please contact Executive Director Edwin Arevalo (emarevalo@ucdavis.edu) with questions or suggestions for information to add.

For updates on campus operating status, visit UC Davis News and UC Davis Operating Status.

For information on wildfire-related events that might impact campus, visit UC Davis Wildfire Season Weather Impacts.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Academic Policies

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Campus COVID-19 Resources and Communications

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Fall 2022

In line with the planned return to fully in-person instruction, the campus will return to normal academic policies. Should circumstances warrant revisiting flexibilities for fall 2022, the Academic Senate will do so.

Guidance on New Hybrid and Virtual Course Proposals

Given the return to in-person instruction, the Academic Senate does not anticipate allowing requests for continued emergency remote instruction. All instruction will be in person except for courses approved as Y (hybrid) or V (virtual) by the Academic Senate’s Committee on Courses of Instruction (COCI). 

If you (faculty member) want to create a new hybrid or virtual course in time for fall 2022, please work with your department/program to submit that request as soon as possible. New hybrid and virtual course proposals must be approved by school/college course committees no later than June 30, 2022. COCI will then review them for potential offering in fall 2022.

Some tips to assist with new virtual and hybrid course proposals:

  • Carefully review COCI’s Virtual and Hybrid Courses Policy and ensure that you provide all required information and documents when you submit your new course request form in the Integrated Curriculum Management System (ICMS).
  • In the “Remarks” section (located on the "Course Information" tab in ICMS), please include this statement: “New Hybrid/Virtual course for potential fall 2022 offering.” This will help COCI route the proposal through an expedited review process.
  • After submitting your form, notify your department chair. They are the first approver in the course proposal workflow.
  • While COCI’s review process will be expedited, the rigor of the review will not change. You and your department chair should plan to receive and respond quickly to questions and/or concerns from COCI and your school/college course review committee.

If you are not a regular ICMS user, please check in with your department chair regarding the normal process for new course requests in your department. These resources may also be helpful:

Summer Sessions 2022

Instruction

Most classes will be taught in person. Visit the Campus Ready website for the latest information on instructional operations. Class instructional methods (e.g., in-person or remote) can be viewed in Schedule Builder.

Flexibility for administering Summer Sessions 2022 final exams remotely

Instructors administering in-class final exams may allow students to take these exams remotely during a course’s assigned final exam timeslot. Instructors are not required to provide this option to students. If an instructor chooses to provide a remote option, the following conditions must be met:

  • All students in the class must be offered the remote option.
  • All students in the class must still have the option to take the exam in the assigned classroom.
  • Information provided during the exam and the ability to ask questions of a TA or instructor must be the same for all students, regardless of the location of the exam.
  • Exam modality (paper-based versus computer-based) must be the same for all students, regardless of the location of the exam, with the exception of students who have approved accommodations from the Student Disability Center (SDC).
  • Instructors must have a plan for situations where students suddenly lose internet access from a remote location.
  • If exams, given in-class or remotely, require computing equipment, instructors must alert students of those requirements in advance of the exam and provide options for students who may not have the required equipment (e.g., if a student has a desktop computer and cannot take a computer-based exam in the classroom, or if their home internet is insufficient for running exam software).

Please review the fall 2021 final exams communication for additional background information (though it was originally written for fall 2021, all information also applies to Summer Sessions 2022).

Guidance on Undergraduate Passed/Not Passed (P/NP) Grading

P/NP deadline extension

The deadline for undergraduate students to opt for P/NP grading in a course, or to revert back to letter grading, has been extended to July 22, 2022 for Summer Session I and September 2, 2022 for Summer Session II.

Factors for students to consider

P/NP usage can be complex. Students should consider potential consequences related to satisfactory academic progress, time to degree, financial aid, and postgraduate study requirements. Students should review this FAQ and consult their advisors about P/NP usage.

Guidance on Graduate Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading

S/U deadline extension

Graduate students will have until July 22, 2022 to submit a Grading Option Change Petition for Summer Session I and September 2, 2022 for Summer Session II.

Spring 2022

Instruction

Most classes will be taught in person. Visit the Campus Ready website for the latest information on instructional operations. Class instructional methods (e.g., in-person or remote) can be viewed in Schedule Builder.

Flexibility for administering spring 2022 final exams remotely

Instructors administering in-class final exams may allow students to take these exams remotely during a course’s assigned final exam timeslot. Instructors are not required to provide this option to students. If an instructor chooses to provide a remote option, the following conditions must be met:

  • All students in the class must be offered the remote option.
  • All students in the class must still have the option to take the exam in the assigned classroom.
  • Information provided during the exam and the ability to ask questions of a TA or instructor must be the same for all students, regardless of the location of the exam.
  • Exam modality (paper-based versus computer-based) must be the same for all students, regardless of the location of the exam, with the exception of students who have approved accommodations from the Student Disability Center (SDC).
  • Instructors must have a plan for situations where students suddenly lose internet access from a remote location.
  • If exams, given in-class or remotely, require computing equipment, instructors must alert students of those requirements in advance of the exam and provide options for students who may not have the required equipment (e.g., if a student has a desktop computer and cannot take a computer-based exam in the classroom, or if their home internet is insufficient for running exam software).

Please review the fall 2021 final exams communication for additional background information (though it was originally written for fall 2021, all information also applies to spring 2022).

Guidance on Undergraduate Passed/Not Passed (P/NP) Grading

P/NP deadline extension

The deadline for undergraduate students to opt for P/NP grading in a course, or to revert back to letter grading, has been extended to the last day of instruction for spring 2022 (June 2, 2022).

Factors for students to consider

P/NP usage can be complex. Students should consider potential consequences related to satisfactory academic progress, time to degree, financial aid, and postgraduate study requirements. Students should review this FAQ and consult their advisors about P/NP usage.

Guidance on Graduate Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading

S/U deadline extension

Graduate students will have until the last day of instruction (June 2, 2022) to submit a Grading Option Change Petition for spring 2022. 

Winter 2022

Instruction

Guidelines for remote instruction during week 1 - 4 (January 3 - 28) of winter 2022

The goal of these guidelines is to maximize consistency across campus in how we address complex logistical issues, drawing from established policies for courses and instruction.

While we have learned a lot about remote instruction and feel strongly that we can maintain instructional continuity during this remote period, we also recognize the additional burden it places on instructors and the equity issues it may create for students. These guidelines seek to balance instructional continuity with issues of workload and equity.

Please monitor the Winter Quarter Guidance webpage for campus operational updates.

  • What are the expectations for course delivery in Week 1 - 4?

  • Instructors are expected to teach lecture classes remotely. They may deliver course material synchronously and/or asynchronously. Not all students will have equal access to the resources needed to learn remotely (e.g., high-speed internet, quiet and private space, etc.), so expectations for student learning may need to be adjusted accordingly. To facilitate the broadest possible access, synchronous activities should be recorded when feasible. Additional flexibility for individual student circumstances may be warranted. View additional resources for instructional accommodations.

    Per the updated winter guidelines announced by Provost Croughan, some lab, studio, and other hands on learning courses will be meeting in person in weeks 2 - 4. Instructors should expect higher than normal absence rates, as many students will be required to isolate and quarantine during this time. Instructors should plan proactively for these absences and consider instructional accommodations that can be made for these students.

    The Academic Senate Committee on Courses of Instruction (COCI) recognizes that reformatting a course or canceling some class sessions may require some revision to the course content. COCI asks that, to the extent possible, instructors maintain the curriculum originally planned for a course and, when making modifications, preserve essential information needed to achieve the course’s primary learning outcomes and ensure the course will continue to be an adequate prerequisite to subsequent courses.

  • Can instructors choose to drop some assignments and put more weight on the rest of the graded material for the quarter?

  • Yes. This is at the instructor’s discretion. For the least disruption, try to minimize major changes to how students will be evaluated. See APM-010.

  • What is the Carnegie rule and how does it affect my decision to modify my course content?

  • Instructors who canceled one or more class sessions and plan to add activities or material from the canceled session to the remaining class sessions should adjust the expectation of time planned for originally scheduled activities to avoid exceeding average weekly workload expectations for students. UC Davis follows the Carnegie rule, which prescribes that students are expected to complete an average of three total hours of work per week (including in-class and out-of-class time) for each course unit. For example, in a 4-unit class, students are expected to complete a total of 12 hours of work per week. Instructors must continue to respect the weekly work expectations for their courses once classes resume. See the Credit for Courses section of the Committee on Courses of Instruction’s Policies and Procedures for additional information.

  • What are my options and best practices for midterm exams during this remote extension?

  • - Shift to a synchronous or asynchronous remote exam or a take-home exam (please see best practices for remote assessments and testing on Keep Teaching website). A synchronous remote exam must be held during a scheduled class session or during an out-of-class time agreed to by all students. Some students may have difficulty participating in synchronous remote sessions; instructors may consider providing an asynchronous option for these students or excusing them from the exam. An asynchronous remote exam or a take-home exam should allow at least a 24 hour completion window to ensure that students are able complete the exam around their other obligations.

    - Reschedule the exam for a date after the campus reopens. The exam can be held during a regularly scheduled class period, given during an out-of-class time agreed to by all students, or switched to a take-home exam that is due during a regularly scheduled class time. Try to notify students at least 48 hours prior to the updated exam date. See Davis Division Regulation 538 for additional information.

    - Cancel the exam and reweight the other graded material in the class. For the least disruption, try to minimize major changes to how students will be evaluated. See APM-010.

  • Will anything change for instructional accommodations for students with documented disabilities?

  • Instructors must continue to provide students with documented disabilities the accommodations specified in their letters from the Student Disability Center (SDC) during emergency remote instruction. The shift to remote instruction may imply additional or different accommodations for these students. Instructors should contact the SDC Specialist(s) who signed the Letter of Accommodation for the student(s) and/or reach out to sdc@ucdavis.edu or 530-752-3184 if they have any questions.

  • How should I handle testing accommodations for students with accommodations documented by the Student Disability Center?

  • Instructors who reschedule in-person exams when in-person instruction resumes should contact the Testing Services Center (TSC) (examaccom@ucdavis.edu or 530-754-2404) to coordinate new examination schedules for the students. When possible, instructors should be flexible with exam dates and times. Instructors who do not use the TSC should continue to make accommodations for their students, keeping in mind that flexibility will likely be needed.

    Instructors who shift to remote exams must continue to provide students the accommodations specified in their letters from the Student Disability Center (SDC). Instructors should contact the SDC Specialist(s) who signed the Letter of Accommodation for the student(s) and/or reach out to sdc@ucdavis.edu or 530-752-3184 if they have any questions.

  • Where can instructors get advice or tips on how to create online videos for their courses?

  • Visit the Keep Teaching and Aggie Video websites for video and instructional resources.

  • I’m planning to shift some of my course assignments and activities to later in the quarter when we’re back in-person. What do I need to know about teaching assistant workload?

  • If instructors need to reschedule assignments or activities, they need to be careful not to overburden their teaching assistants. Visit the Graduate Studies’ Academic Student Employee Workload webpage for details on per day and per week maximums for TAs.

Final Exams

Flexibility for administering winter 2022 final exams remotely

Instructors administering in-class final exams may allow students to take these exams remotely during a course’s assigned final exam timeslot. Instructors are not required to provide this option to students. If an instructor chooses to provide a remote option, the following conditions must be met:

  • All students in the class must be offered the remote option.
  • All students in the class must still have the option to take the exam in the assigned classroom.
  • Information provided during the exam and the ability to ask questions of a TA or instructor must be the same for all students, regardless of the location of the exam.
  • Exam modality (paper-based versus computer-based) must be the same for all students, regardless of the location of the exam, with the exception of students who have approved accommodations from the Student Disability Center (SDC).
  • Instructors must have a plan for situations where students suddenly lose internet access from a remote location.
  • If exams, given in-class or remotely, require computing equipment, instructors must alert students of those requirements in advance of the exam and provide options for students who may not have the required equipment (e.g., if a student has a desktop computer and cannot take a computer-based exam in the classroom, or if their home internet is insufficient for running exam software).

Please review the fall 2021 final exams communication for additional background information (though it was originally written for fall 2021, all information also applies to winter 2022).

Guidance on Undergraduate Passed/Not Passed (P/NP) Grading

P/NP deadline extension

The deadline for undergraduate students to opt for P/NP grading in a course, or to revert back to letter grading, has been extended to the last day of instruction for winter 2022 (March 11, 2022).

Factors for students to consider

P/NP usage can be complex. Students should consider potential consequences related to satisfactory academic progress, time to degree, financial aid, and postgraduate study requirements. Students should review this FAQ and consult their advisors about P/NP usage.

Guidance on Graduate Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading

S/U deadline extension

Graduate students will have until the last day of instruction (March 11, 2022) to submit a Grading Option Change Petition for winter 2022. 

Fall 2021

The Academic Senate has discussed instructional flexibilities for fall 2021. In line with the return to in-person instruction, the campus will mostly return to normal academic policies, with exceptions noted below. Should circumstances warrant revisiting flexibilities for fall 2021, the Academic Senate will do so.

Instruction

Most classes have returned to in-person instruction. Visit the Campus Ready website for the latest information on instructional operations. Class instructional methods (e.g., in-person or remote) can be viewed in Schedule Builder.

Final Exams

Flexibility for administering Fall 2021 final exams remotely

Instructors administering in-class final exams may allow students to take these exams remotely during a course’s assigned final exam timeslot. Instructors are not required to provide this option to students. If an instructor chooses to provide a remote option, the following conditions must be met:

  • All students in the class must be offered the remote option.
  • All students in the class must still have the option to take the exam in the assigned classroom.
  • Information provided during the exam and the ability to ask questions of a TA or instructor must be the same for all students, regardless of the location of the exam.
  • Exam modality (paper-based versus computer-based) must be the same for all students, regardless of the location of the exam, with the exception of students who have approved accommodations from the Student Disability Center (SDC).
  • Instructors must have a plan for situations where students suddenly lose internet access from a remote location.
  • If exams, given in-class or remotely, require computing equipment, instructors must alert students of those requirements in advance of the exam and provide options for students who may not have the required equipment (e.g., if a student has a desktop computer and cannot take a computer-based exam in the classroom, or if their home internet is insufficient for running exam software).

Please review the fall 2021 final exams communication for additional background information.

Guidance on Undergraduate Passed/Not Passed (P/NP) Grading

Use of P/NP for the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR)

For fall 2021, students can satisfy the ELWR by passing, with a grade of Passed or at least C-, one of the ELWR courses certified by the Academic Senate's Committee on Preparatory Education and Undergraduate Council.

Summer Sessions 2021

Instruction

Visit the Campus Ready website for the latest information on instructional operations. Class instructional methods (e.g., remote or in-person) can be viewed in Schedule Builder.

Final Exams

For Summer Sessions 2021, the requirement that instructors of undergraduate courses hold final exams is waived. Instructors will decide if their course will have a final exam, and that information must be provided to students in the syllabus/course outline by the end of the first week of classes. View the full waiver.

Guidance on Undergraduate Passed/Not Passed (P/NP) Grading

P/NP deadline extension

The deadline for undergraduate students to opt for P/NP grading in a course, or to revert back to letter grading, has been extended to July 23 for Summer Session 1 and September 3 for Summer Session 2.

Maximum P/NP unit exception

Current Academic Senate policy (DDR A545.B) states that no more than one-third of the units for graduation taken at UC Davis by an undergraduate student may be taken on a P/NP basis. 

  • Amendment to policy: The Academic Senate is exempting Summer Session 2021 units from this one-third calculation; Summer Session 2021 units taken P/NP will not be calculated in the numerator (P/NP units taken) or the denominator (total units taken) of the one-third maximum.
  • This P/NP maximum unit exception does not override colleges’ P/NP unit caps for graduation if such caps are more restrictive. This P/NP maximum unit exception also does not override additional college or major limitations on the use of P/NP courses for degree requirements.
Undergraduate students not in good academic standing

For Summer Sessions 2021, an undergraduate student not in good academic standing may opt to take specific courses on a P/NP basis up to the limits specified in Davis Division Regulation A545(B) via petition and approval by their dean’s office.

Use of P/NP for the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR)

For Summer Sessions 2021, students can satisfy the ELWR by passing, with a grade of Passed or at least C-, one of the ELWR courses certified by the Academic Senate's Committee on Preparatory Education and Undergraduate Council.

Factors for students to consider

P/NP usage can be complex. Students should consider potential consequences related to satisfactory academic progress, time to degree, financial aid, and postgraduate study requirements. Students with questions should consult their advisors about P/NP usage. This online FAQ also provides further information.

Whether courses can be taken P/NP for a major during Summer Sessions 2021, as well as policies regarding college P/NP unit caps for graduation, will be determined by each college.

Guidance on Graduate Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading

S/U deadline extension

Graduate students will have until July 23 to submit a Grading Option Change request form for Summer Sessions 1 and September 3 for Summer Session 2.

Maximum S/U course exception

Current Academic Senate policy (DDR A546.A) limits the number of optional S/U courses allowed each term.

  • For Summer Sessions 2021: A graduate student in good standing (or who receives approval from the Office of Graduate Studies) is authorized to undertake, in addition to courses graded on an S/U-only basis, not more than two courses in each session on an optional S/U basis.

Students must consult with their program to determine which courses they may be allowed to change to S/U grading. Approval from a Graduate Advisor (GA) is still required as GAs will help students comprehensively evaluate the pros, cons, and possible long-term implications of S/U grading. The goal of this process is to support students’ long-term success. Graduate Studies has also prepared an Important Considerations document to guide students through this decision.

Spring Quarter 2021

Instruction

Visit the Campus Ready website for the latest information on instructional operations. Class instructional methods (e.g., remote or in-person) can be viewed in Schedule Builder.

Final Exams

For spring 2021, the requirement that instructors of undergraduate courses hold final exams is waived. Instructors will decide if their course will have a final exam, and that information must be provided to students in the syllabus/course outline by the end of the first week of classes. View the full waiver.

Guidance on Undergraduate Passed/Not Passed (P/NP) Grading

P/NP deadline extension

The deadline for undergraduate students to opt for P/NP grading in a course, or to revert back to letter grading, has been extended to the last day of instruction for spring 2021 (June 3, 2021).

Maximum P/NP unit exception

Current Academic Senate policy (DDR A545.B) states that no more than one-third of the units for graduation taken at UC Davis by an undergraduate student may be taken on a P/NP basis. 

  • Amendment to policy: The Academic Senate is exempting spring 2021 units from this one-third calculation; spring 2021 units taken P/NP will not be calculated in the numerator (P/NP units taken) or the denominator (total units taken) of the one-third maximum.
  • This P/NP maximum unit exception does not override colleges’ P/NP unit caps for graduation if such caps are more restrictive. This P/NP maximum unit exception also does not override additional college or major limitations on the use of P/NP courses for degree requirements.
Undergraduate students not in good academic standing

For spring 2021, an undergraduate student not in good academic standing may opt to take specific courses on a P/NP basis up to the limits specified in Davis Division Regulation A545(B) via petition and approval by their dean’s office.

Use of P/NP for the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR)

For spring 2021, students can satisfy the ELWR by passing, with a grade of Passed or at least C-, one of the ELWR courses certified by the Academic Senate's Committee on Preparatory Education and Undergraduate Council.

Factors for students to consider

P/NP usage can be complex. Students should consider potential consequences related to satisfactory academic progress, time to degree, financial aid, and postgraduate study requirements. Students with questions should consult their advisors about P/NP usage. This online FAQ also provides further information.

Whether courses can be taken P/NP for a major during spring 2021, as well as policies regarding college P/NP unit caps for graduation, will be determined by each college.

Guidance on Graduate Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading

S/U deadline extension

Graduate students will have until the last day of instruction (June 3, 2021) to submit a Grading Option Change request form for spring 2021. 

Maximum S/U course exception

Current Academic Senate policy (DDR A546.A) limits the number of optional S/U courses allowed each term.

  • For spring 2021: A graduate student in good standing (or who receives approval from the Office of Graduate Studies) is authorized to undertake, in addition to courses graded on an S/U-only basis, not more than two courses on an optional S/U basis.

Students must consult with their program to determine which courses they may be allowed to change to S/U grading. Approval from a Graduate Advisor (GA) is still required as GAs will help students comprehensively evaluate the pros, cons, and possible long-term implications of S/U grading. The goal of this process is to support students’ long-term success. Graduate Studies has also prepared an Important Considerations document to guide students through this decision.

Winter Quarter 2021

Instruction

Visit the Campus Ready website for the latest information on instructional operations. Class instructional methods (e.g., remote or in-person) can be viewed in Schedule Builder.

Final Exams

For winter 2021, the requirement that instructors of undergraduate courses hold final exams is waived. Instructors will decide if their course will have a final exam, and that information must be provided to students in the syllabus/course outline by the end of the first week of classes. View the full waiver.

Guidance on Undergraduate Passed/Not Passed (P/NP) Grading

P/NP deadline extension

The deadline for undergraduate students to opt for P/NP grading in a course, or to revert back to letter grading, has been extended to the last day of instruction for winter 2021 (March 12, 2021).

Maximum P/NP unit exception

Current Academic Senate policy (DDR A545.B) states that no more than one-third of the units for graduation taken at UC Davis by an undergraduate student may be taken on a P/NP basis. 

  • Amendment to policy: The Academic Senate is exempting winter 2021 units from this one-third calculation; winter 2021 units taken P/NP will not be calculated in the numerator (P/NP units taken) or the denominator (total units taken) of the one-third maximum.
  • This P/NP maximum unit exception does not override colleges’ P/NP unit caps for graduation if such caps are more restrictive. This P/NP maximum unit exception also does not override additional college or major limitations on the use of P/NP courses for degree requirements.
Undergraduate students not in good academic standing

For winter 2021, an undergraduate student not in good academic standing may opt to take specific courses on a P/NP basis up to the limits specified in Davis Division Regulation A545(B) via petition and approval by their dean’s office.

Use of P/NP for the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR)

For winter 2021, students can satisfy the ELWR by passing, with a grade of Passed or at least C-, one of the ELWR courses certified by the Academic Senate's Committee on Preparatory Education and Undergraduate Council.

Factors for students to consider

P/NP usage can be complex. Students should consider potential consequences related to satisfactory academic progress, time to degree, financial aid, and postgraduate study requirements. Students with questions should consult their advisors about P/NP usage. This online FAQ also provides further information.

Whether courses can be taken P/NP for a major during winter 2021, as well as policies regarding college P/NP unit caps for graduation, will be determined by each college.

Guidance on Graduate Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading

S/U deadline extension

Graduate students will have until the last day of instruction (March 12, 2021) to submit a Grading Option Change request form for winter 2021. 

Maximum S/U course exception

Current Academic Senate policy (DDR A546.A) limits the number of optional S/U courses allowed each term.

  • For winter 2021: A graduate student in good standing (or who receives approval from the Office of Graduate Studies) is authorized to undertake, in addition to courses graded on an S/U-only basis, not more than two courses on an optional S/U basis.

Students must consult with their program to determine which courses they may be allowed to change to S/U grading. Approval from a Graduate Advisor (GA) is still required as GAs will help students comprehensively evaluate the pros, cons, and possible long-term implications of S/U grading. The goal of this process is to support students’ long-term success. Graduate Studies has also prepared an Important Considerations document to guide students through this decision.

Fall Quarter 2020

Instruction

Visit the Campus Ready website for the latest information on instructional operations. Class instructional methods (e.g., remote or in-person) can be viewed in Schedule Builder.

Final Exams

For fall 2020, the requirement that instructors of undergraduate courses hold final exams is waived. Instructors will decide if their course will have a final exam, and that information must be provided to students in the syllabus/course outline by the end of the first week of classes. View the full waiver.

Guidance on Undergraduate Passed/Not Passed (P/NP) Grading

P/NP deadline extension

The deadline for undergraduate students to opt for P/NP grading in a course, or to revert back to letter grading, has been extended to the last day of instruction for fall 2020 (December 11, 2020).

Maximum P/NP unit exception

Current Academic Senate policy (DDR A545.B) states that no more than one-third of the units for graduation taken at UC Davis by an undergraduate student may be taken on a P/NP basis. 

  • Amendment to policy: The Academic Senate is exempting fall 2020 units from this one-third calculation; fall 2020 units taken P/NP will not be calculated in the numerator (P/NP units taken) or the denominator (total units taken) of the one-third maximum.
  • This P/NP maximum unit exception does not override colleges’ P/NP unit caps for graduation if such caps are more restrictive. This P/NP maximum unit exception also does not override additional college or major limitations on the use of P/NP courses for degree requirements.
Undergraduate students not in good academic standing

For fall 2020, an undergraduate student not in good academic standing may opt to take specific courses on a P/NP basis up to the limits specified in Davis Division Regulation A545(B) via petition and approval by their dean’s office.

Use of P/NP for the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR)

For fall 2020, students can satisfy the ELWR by passing, with a grade of Passed or at least C-, one of the ELWR courses certified by the Academic Senate's Committee on Preparatory Education and Undergraduate Council.

Factors for students to consider

P/NP usage can be complex. Students should consider potential consequences related to satisfactory academic progress, time to degree, financial aid, and postgraduate study requirements. Students with questions should consult their advisors about P/NP usage. This online FAQ also provides further information.

Whether courses can be taken P/NP for a major during fall 2020, as well as policies regarding college P/NP unit caps for graduation, will be determined by each college.

Guidance on Graduate Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading

S/U deadline extension

Graduate students will have until the last day of instruction (December 11, 2020) to submit a Grading Option Change request form for fall 2020. 

Maximum S/U course exception

Current Academic Senate policy (DDR A546.A) limits the number of optional S/U courses allowed each term.

  • For fall 2020: A graduate student in good standing (or who receives approval from the Office of Graduate Studies) is authorized to undertake, in addition to courses graded on an S/U-only basis, not more than two courses on an optional S/U basis.

Students must consult with their program to determine which courses they may be allowed to change to S/U grading. Approval from a Graduate Advisor (GA) is still required as GAs will help students comprehensively evaluate the pros, cons, and possible long-term implications of S/U grading. The goal of this process is to support students’ long-term success. Graduate Studies has also prepared an Important Considerations document to guide students through this decision.

Summer Sessions 2020

Instruction:

Remote instruction will continue during Summer Sessions.

Guidance on Undergraduate Passed/Not Passed (P/NP) Grading

P/NP deadline extension

The deadline for undergraduate students to opt for P/NP grading in a course, or to revert back to letter grading, has been extended to July 24 for Summer Session 1 and September 4 for Summer Session 2.

Maximum P/NP unit exception

Current Academic Senate policy (DDR A545.B) states that no more than one-third of the units for graduation taken at UC Davis by an undergraduate student may be taken on a P/NP basis. 

  • Amendment to policy: The Academic Senate is exempting Summer Session(s) 2020 units from this one-third calculation; Summer Session(s) units taken P/NP will not be calculated in the numerator (P/NP units taken) or the denominator (total units taken) of the one-third maximum.
  • These amendments do not override additional college or major limitations on the use of P/NP courses for degree requirements.
Undergraduate students not in good academic standing

For Summer Sessions 2020, an undergraduate student not in good academic standing may opt to take specific courses on a Passed (P) or Not Passed (NP) basis up to the limits specified in Davis Division Regulation A545(B) via petition and approval by their dean’s office.

Use of P/NP for the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR)

For Summer Sessions 2020, students can satisfy the ELWR by passing, with a grade of Passed or at least C-, one of the ELWR courses certified by the Academic Senate's Committee on Preparatory Education and Undergraduate Council.

Guidance on Graduate Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading

S/U deadline extension

Students will have until the last days of instruction to submit a Grading Option Change request form for Summer Sessions 2020.

Maximum S/U course exception

Current Academic Senate policy (DDR A546.A) limits the number of optional S/U courses allowed each term.

  • For Summer Sessions 2020: A graduate student in good standing (or who receives approval from the Office of Graduate Studies) is authorized to undertake, in addition to courses graded on a Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory only basis, not more than three courses in each session on an optional Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) basis.

Students must consult with their program to determine which courses they may be allowed to change to S/U grading. Approval from a Graduate Advisor (GA) is still required as GAs will help students comprehensively evaluate the pros, cons, and possible long-term implications of S/U grading. The goal of this process is to support students’ long-term success. Graduate Studies has also prepared an Important Considerations document to guide students through this decision.

Flexibility with late drops

Graduate Studies will consider extenuating circumstances relating to COVID-19 as an acceptable reason for requesting to drop a course after the associated 10- or 20-day deadline. Students should explain how COVID-19 has affected their ability to stay enrolled in the course and should indicate their reason under the “Other” category on the Permission to Drop Petition. Requests for late drops will still require Graduate Advisor (GA) approval. Students should talk with their GAs and discuss the possible implications of dropping a course. Graduate Studies will accept these requests until the last day of instruction (June 4).

Spring Quarter 2020

Instruction:

Please review the campus directives for spring quarter—they include information on undergraduate and graduate instruction. Please also note that, until further notice, campus operations remain suspended per Chancellor May's March 18 message, which means that all in-person instruction should cease, and all instruction that can be delivered remotely should continue.

Final Exams:

Some instructors who have scheduled a final exam in spring 2020 may wish to offer students the alternative of receiving their course grade based on work completed through the last day of instruction (June 4). Should a faculty member desire to do this, the Academic Senate authorizes this for spring 2020, provided those students who wish to take the scheduled final exam are allowed to do so. See full guidelines.

Guidance on Undergraduate Passed/Not Passed (P/NP) Grading

P/NP deadline extension

The deadline for undergraduate students to opt for P/NP grading in a course, or to revert back to letter grading, has been extended to the last day of instruction for spring 2020 (June 4, 2020).

Maximum P/NP unit exception

Current Academic Senate policy (DDR A545.B) states that no more than one-third of the units for graduation taken at UC Davis by an undergraduate student may be taken on a P/NP basis. 

  • Amendment to policy: The Academic Senate is exempting spring quarter 2020 units from this one-third calculation; spring units taken P/NP will not be calculated in the numerator (P/NP units taken) or the denominator (total units taken) of the one-third maximum.
    • The College of Letters and Science and the College of Engineering, which have stricter than one-third P/NP maximums, will likewise exempt spring 2020 units when calculating their college-specific P/NP unit caps.
  • These amendments do not override additional college or major limitations on the use of P/NP courses for degree requirements. For example, some colleges require that all courses for majors be taken for a letter grade. Colleges are currently discussing if and how to adjust those letter-graded major requirements for spring 2020 and will communicate any such decisions to students. 
Undergraduate students not in good academic standing

For spring 2020, an undergraduate student not in good academic standing may opt to take specific courses on a Passed (P) or Not Passed (NP) basis up to the limits specified in the Davis Division Regulation A545(B) via petition and approval by their dean’s office.

Use of P/NP for the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR)

For spring 2020, students can satisfy the ELWR by passing, with a grade of Passed or at least C-, one of the ELWR courses certified by the Academic Senate's Committee on Preparatory Education and Undergraduate Council.

Retroactive grade mode changes for courses taken Spring 2020

The Academic Senate is allowing greater flexibilities for retroactive grade mode changes for courses taken spring 2020. These flexibilities and instructions are limited to courses taken spring 2020, and they only apply to undergraduate students. Courses taken any other quarter are subject to the standard policies and guidelines for retroactive grade mode changes.

Factors for students to consider

P/NP usage can be complex. Students should consider potential consequences related to satisfactory academic progress, time to degree, financial aid, and postgraduate study requirements. Students with questions should consult their advisors about P/NP usage. This online FAQ also provides further information.

Guidance on Graduate Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading

S/U deadline extension

Students will have until the last day of instruction (June 4, 2020) to submit a Grading Option Change request form for spring 2020. 

Maximum S/U course exception

Current Academic Senate policy (DDR A546.A) limits the number of optional S/U courses allowed each term.

  • Amendment to policy for spring 2020: A graduate student in good standing (or who receives approval from the Office of Graduate Studies) is authorized to undertake, in addition to courses graded on a Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory only basis, not more than three courses in spring 2020 on an optional Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) basis.

Students must consult with their program to determine which courses they may be allowed to change to S/U grading. Approval from a Graduate Advisor (GA) is still required as GAs will help students comprehensively evaluate the pros, cons, and possible long-term implications of S/U grading. The goal of this process is to support students’ long-term success. Graduate Studies has also prepared an Important Considerations document to guide students through this decision.

Flexibility with late drops

Graduate Studies will consider extenuating circumstances relating to COVID-19 as an acceptable reason for requesting to drop a course after the associated 10- or 20-day deadline. Students should explain how COVID-19 has affected their ability to stay enrolled in the course and should indicate their reason under the “Other” category on the Permission to Drop Petition. Requests for late drops will still require Graduate Advisor (GA) approval. Students should talk with their GAs and discuss the possible implications of dropping a course. Graduate Studies will accept these requests until the last day of instruction (June 4).

Class Cancellation FAQs for Instructors

To avoid confusion, the previous FAQs posted here have been temporarily archived while updates are made. Additional information will be posted here if needed. Please refer to COVID-19 academic policies above for guidance on the current campus situation.