Alternative Grading

Decision-Making: Is the “S” grade the best choice for you for any grade C- or above? 

Before you make your decision to take the alternative grades, please make sure you are thinking about the long-term impact on your GPA and your overall success as a student. The S grade might not always be the best selection for you.  

You may NOT want to elect an S grade in the following situations:

• In major courses that will contribute to graduate or professional school applications. 

• In prerequisite courses if you plan to apply for an Early Assurance Program (EAP) for graduate school. Contact your advisor if you have questions about non-letter grade courses and EAPs.

• If you receive external funding which requires letter grades.

• In courses where there are admission requirements for majors that require letter grades. Contact your advisor if you have questions about non-letter grade courses and admission to selective majors.

• If you intend to transfer the course to another college or university. Check with the college or university to see if they will accept non-letter grades

You may WANT to elect an S grade in the following situations:

• If distance learning and the pandemic have resulted in your grades dropping below what you usually earn, the alternative grading policy can help you protect your GPA.
• If you are earning a lower than average grade in a general education course that will not impact your major.

If you are thinking of selecting the S grade, you might want to do the following before confirming your decision:

For all students: 

• Make sure you meet with your academic advisor. No matter what you decide, please meet with your academic advisor so you can come up with a success strategy TOGETHER.

 For all students receiving scholarships and financial aid

• Review renewal criteria for scholarships, such as minimum GPA or minimum credit hour completion required for renewal.
• For federal student aid recipients, students who opt to request a Satisfactory (S) grade will have that grade count positively toward their completion percentage in the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) calculation and review. The grade of S has a neutral impact on grade point average. If you have an approved SAP appeal and have questions about how the S grade will impact your approval for spring semester financial aid, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. Review the SAP policy for additional details on Ohio University's SAP policy.

For all students NOT graduating in Spring 2021

• Please check any anticipated employer’s website and/or contact the Human Resource representative to make sure you are meeting any GPA requirements.

For those graduating in Spring 2021

• Please check your employer’s website and/or contact the Human Resource representative to make sure you are meeting any GPA requirements. 

For those seeking or committed to internships in Summer 2021 

• Please check any anticipated employer’s website and/or contact the Human Resource representative to make sure you are meeting any GPA requirements. 

If your classes are a prerequisite for future OU classes

• Please check your future course requirements to make sure that you are engaging in ways (learning what is needed) to be successful in future courses.