Hi First Years!
As of now your schedules are for the most part finalized. But for those who are still debating their courses and schedules, there are still options available! Let’s dive into P/D/F & W and what that actually means.
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How Does P/D/F Work?
Good news! Every Barnard student is allowed to Pass/D/Fail ONE class per semester. In other words, if you choose to PDF a class, the letter (P, D, or F) will appear on your transcript in place of a grade. Only a D or an F will count towards your GPA.
A letter grade of A+ through C- will appear on the transcript as a P, and will not count in the grade point average (GPA)
A letter grade of D will appear on the transcript as a D, and will count in the GPA
A letter grade of F will appear on the transcript as an F, and will count in the GPA
You can elect a class to be P/D/F even if one of your other courses is already an automatic P/D/F (i.e. First Year Seminar, First Year Writing, Physical Education).
What’s the Deadline to Declare a P/D/F?
You must make your decision by March 21, 2024 and submit the option Request for Pass/D/Fail in SSOL.
When Should I Not Use P/D/F?
It’s recommended to not use P/D/F in any course that can count towards your major or minor. Any class required for your major or minor that you PDF will be automatically uncovered at the time of graduation, and could affect your GPA. If you are debating P/D/F for one of these courses (including courses in your major/minor department that are not specifically required), consider speaking to your pre-major advisor or the department heads of your major/minor.
Can I Undo a P/D/F?
After you elect to P/D/F a course, there is a window between mid-June and mid-September where you can uncover a P grade. You will be able to see the actual grade you received in that class on SSOL and you can then make a decision to uncover or keep the P depending on what works best for you.
What If I Have Extenuating Circumstances And Am Not Doing Well in Multiple Classes?
Students who may be facing extenuating circumstances in a particular semester can petition to elect P/D/F grading in a second course, by speaking with their class dean and then submitting a petition to the College’s Committee on Programs and Academic Standing (CPAS).
Then What’s a Withdraw? And When Should I Use That?
Because the drop deadline has already passed, you are no longer able to drop a class without it appearing on your transcript. Instead, you can fill out the withdrawal form on Slate, which will mark the class with grade W on your transcript but will not count towards GPA. Be sure to obtain documented advisor approval before completing the withdrawal form.
What’s the Deadline to Withdraw From a Course?
To withdraw from a course (the course remains on the transcript with a grade of W), you should submit a withdrawal form with adviser approval to the Registrar’s Office before March 21, 2024.
If you have any questions or concerns, as always, reach out to the First Year Team at first-year@barnard.edu!
